Autonomous dynamic spectrum access system behavior and performance

Abstract

An autonomous dynamic spectrum access (ADSA) system overcomes the spectrum scarcity caused by the current command and control spectrum allocation paradigm, by enabling multiple uncoordinated groups of radios to access spectrum on an as-needed basis without causing mutual harmful interference. This paper describes the behavior and performance of such a system. Adaptation is driven by continual monitoring of local spectrum utilization within the bounds specified by regulatory policy. Nodes adjust their RF signal-in-space bandwidth to capture available spectrum while leaving adequate spectrum available for other spectrum users. The dynamic spectrum access technology is widely applicable to many forms of wireless communication. It will dramatically increase spectrum availability for both military and commercial applications, and should be considered an early step towards creating a truly cognitive radio [(2003), Mitola, J, III (1999)]