IEEE 802.16 coexistence through regular channel occupation

Abstract

Today's radio frequency regulation is undergoing fundamental changes. There is a high demand for radio frequency spectrum for data communication but no blank spots in the frequency assignments plan. Under the approach of coexistence and cognitive radio, spectrum is made available to systems if a license holder is not using it at a given geographic location or time. In this case multiple systems can compete for spectrum access. In this paper we present an approach how multiple IEEE 802.16 systems can coexist in the same frequency band. The key idea is to define rules how the systems can schedule their transmissions to achieve more regular and therefore more predictable channel occupation. The approach does not require carrier sensing before normal data transmission. Analytic and simulation results are presented showing how systems can estimate available capacity and the impact of their behaviour to own and overall performance. Therefore results for the collision probability are derived.