On the Efficiency of Layered Division Multiplexing for DVB-S2X Satellite Communications

Layered Division Multiplexing (LDM) is an effective approach for increase of data rates available for different services in wireless channels. LDM is included in ATSC 3.0 digital terrestrial TV system based on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation. At the same time, satellite DVB-S2 and DVB-S2X systems that are currently used for Direct-To-Home (DTH) broadcasting include Variable Coding and Modulation (VCM) mode, which actually provides the opportunity to deliver different services to the consumers with Time Division Multiplexing (TDM). From this point of view, the investigation of LDM for satellite broadcast and communication systems and its comparison with VCM (TDM) approach becomes relevant. In this paper, several use cases were considered providing the delivery of High Definition (HD) and Ultra High Definition (UHD) TV services to customers as well as additional communication services. Analysis shows that LDM provides considerable gain in comparison with VCM for each use case.