Domo mesh technology takes broadcasters off the beaten track
Providing coverage of live events in harsh environments presents numerous challenges for broadcasters, and few sports bring greater challenges than trail running. Covering long distances over unpaved ground, the races involve numerous climbs and descents over remote, rough terrain, and through all types of weather.
For its work for a client covering trail running races, dBi RF Services in Barcelona knew the equipment they provided would have to be portable as it would frequently need to be carried by hand over difficult terrain. Adding to this complexity was the requirement for ground-to-ground links of up to 5km, multiple live video feeds, video returns for technicians and intercom systems that can connect both the team and reporters. Additionally, the system had to be easily expandable, either through additional ground nodes or drones and provide GPS for mapping and mesh control.
The solution
Domo Broadcast’s Mesh Network technology was chosen to provide a scalable and reliable solution to these challenges. It allowed for the deployment of minimal equipment, which was crucial given the event’s inherent logistical constraints.
Repeater nodes were used to extend coverage, with the main node typically positioned at a high vantage point. Standard point-to-point IP links facilitated the transmission of data and streams to the OB van. The setup included three or four SDRs with HEVC encoders (B110) and NetNodes Phase 5 for infrastructure nodes. The mesh tactical map, integrated with GPS and the racetrack, was key to the success of both the technical and production teams.
Battery-powered broadcast mini cameras mounted on small gimbals were used to provide 1080p50, 422- and 10-bit video, while WiFi dongles created small WiFi access points around the nodes, enabling rugged smartphones to be used for intercom, mesh management and return video feeds.
The antenna solution included gooseneck tactical antennas with embedded 3-pole filters and linear vertical antennas. Infrastructure nodes used NetNodes with four ports, five cavity filters, and MiMo antennas. Despite the challenges of maintaining vertical alignment of antennas, the MiMo technology helped mitigate fading and path loss due to polarisation mismatches.
The seamless roaming between nodes highlighted the superiority of the mesh network over standard COFDM links.
The deployment of Domo Mesh Network technology in these trail running races was a resounding success, underscoring mesh’s capability to meet the unique demands of live event broadcasting, and provide a reliable and efficient solution for broadcasters.
The self-forming, self-healing private IP network provided ensured reliable and high-performance connectivity. And Domo’s RF front-end technology, known for its exceptional receive sensitivity and high bit-rate performance, met the demanding requirements of live broadcasting in the harsh race environments.
The quick-deploy, lightweight and reliable system proved to be the ideal solution, offering unparalleled waveform performance and user experience by ensuring high-quality video feeds, reliable intercom systems and effective GPS mapping and control.