NeTS - WN - Spectrum Observatory System

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This research project establishes a permanent Spectrum Observatory in Chicago to monitor and support the analysis of spectrum usage for a three-year period. This observatory is supplemented by a mobile spectrum occupancy platform to nomadically examine various target cities to both explore "unused spectrum" and in Chicago to validate the fixed observatory readings as representative measurements for the city. Selected suburban and rural measurements are performed to expand the understanding of the differences in spectrum usage in these environments. The research focuses on: 1) obtaining the occupancy data, 2) analyzing the anomalies and trends in the data, and 3) examining the opportunities for improved spectral utilization suggested by the observed usage patterns. This grant supports collaborative research across and between academia, industry, and government entities. The research impacts: 1) transceiver designers, 2) cognitive radio researchers, 3) spectrum owners and stakeholders, 4) engineering students and faculty, and 5) regulators. The greatest impact of this information may be to U.S. government communications policy. Currently, information on spectrum occupancy is spotty at best, leading to worst-case analysis, conservative policies, and poor utilization of the scare spectrum resource. Emerging telecommunication technologies require a vastly improved understanding of spectrum utilization and trends to be effective. This Spectrum Observatory serves as the basis for spectrum forecasting that is crucial for the successful broad scale deployment of cognitive radio systems, new wireless devices, and networks. Finally, this study provides a very useful academic platform for graduate and undergraduate courses in wireless communication networks.