Device Authentication Architecture for TV White Space Systems

Collective use of spectrum refers to a case where spectrum is accessible for independent users at the same time in a particular geographic location under a well-defined set of conditions. One example of collective spectrum use is the communication based on TV white spaces, which is emerging globally. Commercial operation is on-going in the United States and pilots are being deployed in Europe, Asia and Africa. During the operation of TV white space communications devices are not allowed to cause interference towards licensed incumbent uses, which are TV signals and wireless microphones. White space devices query allowed frequencies and transmission powers from the geolocation database. Here, we propose authentication architecture and protocol for two purposes: for the automatic registration for wireless microphones so that they can be protected by the geolocation database, and for the authentication of TV white space devices so that misbehaving use can be prevented. Third benefit of the proposed system is that frequency allocations are registered based on the real usage, which enhances spectrum utilization.