IP datacasting over DVB-T to devices without a return channel

Abstract

This thesis is an overview of IP datacasting over terrestrial Digital Video Broadcast (DVB-T). IP datacasting is a new way to deliver IP data wirelessly to fixed or mobile devices. It is based on open standards such as MPEG-2, IP and DVB. The main focus of this paper is on IP datacasting architectures and services, but also the technologies that it is based on are described briefly. IP datacasting offers an interesting broadband solution for mobile reception, where data is sent point-to-multipoint, compared to other wireless technologies. Transmissions are unidirectional, but another additional access network can be used as a return channel. The different return channel solutions are out of the scope of this study. This thesis describes the system architecture on different levels. Traditional Internet architectures can be used as a return channel. The different return channel solutions are out of the scope of this study. The thesis describes the system architecture on different levels. Traditional Internet architectures cab be used in datacasting with some adjustments. Services can include streaming, interactive, non-interactive and software delivery services. An IP datacasting prototype has been developed at TeliaSonera to demonstrate a possible service concept. The prototype has been tested in RTT's trial network and a user study has been made with it. The trial network was launched in October 2002 in Finland and it is the first mobile specific terrestrial IP datacasting network. /Kir10