Spectrum Efficiency and Cognitive Radio.pptVIP

Spectrum Efficiency and Cognitive Radio Thinking Differently About the World of Wireless Eric Humphrey 7.19.2006 The Radio Frequency (RF) Spectrum Technological advances are forcing the wireless industry to feel the feared “spectrum crunch.” But to solve the problem, there are several questions that must be addressed… What exactly is the “spectrum”? How is it used? What is the history of its evolution? Why is there a problem today? What is the solution? What is the RF Spectrum? Is it a physical block… …or an open space? The Current Wireless Paradigm The RF Spectrum is really only a range of oscillations suitable for radio communications, and therefore, is not a true physical medium. Modeled by the Swimmer Analogy This begs the question: Why is something inherently non-physical partitioned like a tangible object? RF Spectrum – 1.39 to 5.923 GHz Mid-Band High-Band RF Allocation History In 1927, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) passed the Federal Radio Act, allowing predetermined users the right to transmit at a given frequency, after pressure from the “Titanic” fiasco. Non-licensed users became “harmful interference,” and in most cases side bands were implemented to ensure interference was not an issue. As technology advanced, higher frequency bands were sold at auction bringing considerable revenue to the government (since the 1994 PCS auction, over $30 billion has been generated). The RF Spectrum Dilemma As more and more devices are added to the wireless community, they must jockey for the right to transmit at frequencies in the same bands. However, there exist a large number of frequency bands that have considerable, and sometimes periodic, dormant time intervals. What Solutions Exist? With policy still hinging on the capabilities of 1920’s technology, a the way we manage spectrum must change. Whereas before radios were assigned “lanes” in which to operate, cognitive frequency-agile radios could now be allowed to i