Influence of handover mechanisms and transmission delay difference on SFN gain

Single Frequency Networks (SFNs) are often deployed for their optimal frequency reuse and the more homogeneous distribution of the field strength in the covered area. Different methodologies have already been proposed to calculate the so-called SFN gain over Multi Frequency Networks (MFNs), but so far, the influence of (MFN) handover mechanisms on the gain values has not yet been investigated. Also, it can be expected that in SFNs, the gain values will depend on the transmission delay difference of the signals from the different transmitters in the SFN. This paper will first assess the influence of a handover mechanism on previously obtained SFN gain values. Secondly, it will be investigated if the transmission delay difference is a good predictor for the SFN gain. This paper further clarifies the SFN concept from a network planner´s point of view and aids in understanding what a network planner should take into account when deploying an SFN.