Communications Infrastructure. Systems and Applications in Europe. First International ICST Conference, EuropeComm 2009, London, UK, August 11-13, 2009, Revised Selected Papers

Research Article

Quantifying the TV White Spaces Spectrum Opportunity for Cognitive Radio Access

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  • @INPROCEEDINGS{10.1007/978-3-642-11284-3_6,
        author={Maziar Nekovee},
        title={Quantifying the TV White Spaces Spectrum Opportunity for Cognitive Radio Access},
        proceedings={Communications Infrastructure. Systems and Applications in Europe. First International ICST Conference, EuropeComm 2009, London, UK, August 11-13, 2009, Revised Selected Papers},
        proceedings_a={EUROPECOMM},
        year={2012},
        month={5},
        keywords={cognitive radio dynamic spectrum access digital dividend},
        doi={10.1007/978-3-642-11284-3_6}
    }
    
  • Maziar Nekovee
    Year: 2012
    Quantifying the TV White Spaces Spectrum Opportunity for Cognitive Radio Access
    EUROPECOMM
    Springer
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-11284-3_6
Maziar Nekovee,*
    *Contact email: maziar.nekovee@bt.com

    Abstract

    Cognitive radio is being intensively researched for opportunistic access to the so-called TV White Spaces (TVWS): large portions of the VHF/UHF TV bands which become available on a geographical basis after the digital switchover. In this paper we take a step back from the excitement surrounding TVWS, and quantitatively examine the real spectrum opportunity associated with this form of access. Using accurate digital TV (DTV) coverage maps together with a database of DTV transmitters, we develop a methodology for identifying TVWS frequencies at any given location in the United Kingdom. We use our methodology to investigate variations in TVWS as a function of the location and transmit power of cognitive radios, and examine how constraints on adjacent channel interference imposed by regulators may affect the results. Our analysis provides a realistic view on the spectrum opportunity associated with cognitive devices, and presents the first quantitative study of the availability and frequency composition of TWVS outside the United States.