Spectrum occupancy measurements and analysis in a rural area setting

Abstract

We studied the spectrum usage pattern in Waknaghat in the frequency bands ranging from 80 MHz to 500 MHz. The occupancy is quantified as the amount of spectrum detected above a certain received power threshold. The outcome of this study suggests that traditional methods of spectrum allocation (fixed channel allocation) is not efficient and that we may employ emerging spectrum sharing technology such as the cognitive radio technology for future wireless services. This study of spectrum survey is preliminary in its nature, of a very small range and future studies need to be performed for higher ranges (VHF and UHF bands) to determine potential secondary usage on those channels that have low or no active utilization.