Efficient dynamic spectrum access implementation

Abstract

Shared Spectrum Company developed Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) technology that enables military radio communication systems to deliver robust, non-interrupted wireless connectivity to tactical networks technology. DSA allows network operators to adapt to last minute spectrum assignment planning changes as well as changes made after deployment. DSA also allows the radios to overcome even unplanned, unexpected interference sources. The technology was initially developed for the DARPA XG program, and now several military radio platforms are currently being extended to integrate the technology. We present a case study of dynamic spectrum access software technical and operational integration challenges. We also present the benefits from developing and deploying a single core radio software application that follows commercial iPhone-like solutions. We describe an approach that obviates many problems by abstracting radio components into a set of device classes. We also define an open application-programming interface for interacting between the device classes and the dynamic spectrum access components. We have defined an open management interface for allowing consistent spectrum management across all platforms. This approach supports a scalable proliferation of the technology, future enhancements across platforms, and provides compatible spectrum management paradigm across platforms. This also enables upgrades performed in a consistent fashion. Our experience and results show that the approach performs well across heterogeneous military radio platforms with vastly varied hardware and software features. This software-only extension is achieved via adaptively collecting, analyzing, and responding to radio's spectral environment at runtime. This paper is a case study of lessons learned, challenges with network and waveform integration, and a roadmap for other dynamic access spectrum developers to consider in future applications.