Abstract
M.Tech. (Computer Science)
The Signal Distribution department of the SABC does planning regarding the signal
distribution or broadcasting network of the SABC. In order to do effective planning a
tool had to be developed to assist in the planning of the broadcasting network. The Rand
Afrikaans University was asked to supply a student to analyze the problems surrounding
the development of such a tool and supply the SABC with a solution to the problems.
The problems surrounding the development of a broadcast network planning model were
the availability and accuracy of the information needed for planning. The data needed
was spread throughout the country with only manual means to transport the data. The
solution to the problem would be to develop a system to cope with the decentralized
database and to gather the data in order to supply valuable planning information.
To provide a framework for the solution of the planning problem, a broadcasting
network was compared with a computer network. The comparison revealed a number of
parallels between a broadcasting and a computer network. As a result of the
resemblance between the two types of networks, a foundation for the development of a
planning model for a broadcasting network could be identified.
The ISO IS OSI approach was used as a foundation for the development of the model.
The principles of the seven layers along with the three network management models The broadcasting network model was developed using the principles of the OSI
approach, object orientation, geographical information systems and graphical user
interfaces. A "package" was defined to assist in the logical data flow of the model. The
package contains the specific data used in a calculation. A package containing
information can be split or combined according to strict rules. The effective
management of the package is a central issue in the development of the planning model.
A prototype system was developed on PC-Arc/Info, a PC based GIS. The prototype's
aim was to prove that the principles used in the model could be implemented successfully.
As the developed system was intended to serve as a prototype, it did not implement the
full functionality of the model, but only the functions necessary to prove the viability of
the model.