Limited-bandwidth Single-Frequency Network (SFN) demonstration conducted with MPX-2c system
In a challenging real-world scenario, the deployment of 2wcom's MPX-2c codecs at a FM station and its boosters, managed by GeoBroadcast Solutions, has proven to be a game-changer. The system, which was installed in a single-frequency network (SFN) environment, was tested under various conditions, including a severely diminished internet connection.
The MPX-2c, a two-channel MPX composite audio codec designed for use as an IP STL, offers a host of advanced features. These include 1PPS sync, linear encoding of MPX signals to multiple destinations, forward error correction (FEC), dual-streaming, and three network interfaces (NICs).
Despite the internet issues at the main site, brought in through a wireless internet provider, the MPX-2c codecs continued to perform admirably. The addition of the μMPX and RIST options further improved audio playout quality and stability, reducing overall bandwidth usage by approximately 80 percent.
The μMPX encoder now supports an SFN mode based on the system clock rather than GPS, enhancing robustness and reducing dependency on GPS signals for synchronization. This led to more stable timing and improved signal alignment across transmitters in an SFN setup.
Best practices for using these codecs in SFN environments include utilizing the system clock-based SFN mode, leveraging the RIST protocol option for reliable, low-latency IP transport, optimizing CPU usage, regularly updating firmware/software, and experimenting with redundant streams, FEC, and increased buffering to further reduce the impact of packet losses.
The support team at 2wcom was outstanding, scheduling online meetings outside their normal working hours to assist in setup and troubleshooting. Deploying μMPX in the SFN environment did not impact timing, and the boosters remained in perfect sync so long as the same settings were applied to all active streams.
The WISP service replacement at the site ultimately improved the overall performance of the MPX-2c codecs. The MPX-2c, with its highly customizable advanced features, significantly improved audio playout quality and stability in the SFN environment.
In conclusion, the 2wcom MPX-2c codecs, when used with the μMPX and RIST options in an SFN environment, offer optimized performance and improved synchronization. These codecs provide ease of setup and use in a real-world SFN environment, making them a valuable tool for broadcasters seeking high-quality, reliable audio transmission.
[1] Source: 2wcom product documentation and technical support communications.
- The FM station, equipped with 2wcom's MPX-2c codecs and managed by GeoBroadcast Solutions, demonstrated improved performance even under challenging conditions, such as a weak internet connection.
- The MPX-2c codecs, featuring advanced options like 1PPS sync, linear MPX signal encoding, forward error correction (FEC), dual-streaming, and three network interfaces (NICs), delivered admirable performance despite internet issues at the main site.
- The μMPX encoder, supporting SFN mode based on the system clock, increased robustness and reduced GPS signal dependency, leading to more stable timing and improved signal alignment in an SFN setup.
- Leveraging best practices, such as utilizing the system clock-based SFN mode, optimizing CPU usage, regularly updating firmware/software, experimenting with redundant streams, FEC, and increased buffering, further improved the reliability and synchronization of 2wcom's MPX-2c codecs in an SFN environment.
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