scope:

This European Telecommunication Standard (ETS) establishes a standard method for the distribution of DAB signals between DAB multiplexing equipment, which may be located at the broadcaster's studio centres, and DAB modulation equipment located at transmission sites.

ETS 300 401 [1] established a broadcasting standard for a DAB system. Broadcasters who implement DAB networks require methods for transporting DAB signals, or the component parts of a DAB signal, between studio centres, where the programme or data service originates, and the transmitter sites from which the signal will be radiated. The network of circuits connecting the studio centre to the transmitters is generally known as the Distribution Network.

This ETS is applicable to Distribution Networks used in a DAB System. It describes the characteristics of a signal suitable for transporting a full DAB Ensemble, comprising a number of sub-channels and a formatted Fast Information Channel (FIC), between the DAB Ensemble provider and the Transmission network provider. The interface is suitable for use on a number of different physical media including standard 2 Mbit/s switched telecommunication networks. Provision is made for the inclusion of appropriate error detection and correction and for the management of network transit delay. Limited capacity is also made available for signalling from the studio centre to other equipment in the distribution network.

This ETS is not applicable to the distribution of DAB signals where the Service Information is available in any form other than as a complete, correctly formatted, FIC. The interface described is intended for use on unidirectional networks and this ETS does not cover the provision of status nor control information in the reverse direction (i.e. from transmitters back to the Ensemble provider or any other central monitoring point).