Abstract:

Dynamic spectrum access (DSA) in China requires a quantitative analysis of the current spectrum utilization in frequency, temporal and spatial domains. In order to free the precious spectrum, spectrum regulation organizations must have a clear, detailed, up-to-date understanding of where, how and by whom spectrum is currently being used—such data is essential to sound policy decisions in the context of Cognitive Radio (CR). In this paper, a concurrent spectrum occupancy measurement was conducted in South China to evaluate the practical spectrum occupancy with a digital wideband receiver covering 20MHz to 3GHz. Systemic spectrum measurement method, matrix format data storage, Duty Cycle evaluation metric and data mining process are provided to further facilitate other researchers’ following spectrum measurement campaigns. Quantitative analysis and characterization of the 4 different measurement locations are evaluated to promote the popularization of CR application in China. And a uniform Beta distribution channel occupancy model is also validated using real-scene measurement data. The obtained results demonstrate that there is significant scope for license-exemption use of the released spectrum using CR technology.

Key words:

cognitive radio, spectrum measurement, spectrum occupancy, duty cycle, Beta distribution