Spectrum Usage

Spectrum Monitoring System Specification

Spectrum monitoring systems vary in complexity and scope and one element of specification is setting both in order to best meet spectrum management objectives. On the one hand if the aim is to build knowledge about spectrum use then the system must focus on occupancy measurement. On the other hand if the monitoring is to support enforcement it must be capable of identifying and locating every emission type in use. In both cases monitoring makes use of antennas, receivers and computers to receive and make sense of spectrum use.

Monitoring systems are costly. The simplest is some form of vehicular mounted installation which monitoring engineers set up around the country to take samples of use across the bands. For larger countries and more dense spectrum use several such monitoring vans might be used and linked together to share information gathered. The most complex form is a fixed national network of stations with complex antenna arrays and direction finders. Often mobile units are used to support the work of the fixed network. Finally occupancy measurement is often deployed unattended and data sent to a central collector for analysis. Unattended monitoring can be quite inexpensive.

Monitoring supports spectrum policy and licensing. This means that monitoring systems must interchange data with the assignment and allotment system such that data records for any station or licensee can be viewed by field teams and monitoring teams tasked by assignment and enforcement engineers. Occupancy data needs to inform day to day operations such that the spectrum is efficiently used.

InterConnect Communications has specified many spectrum monitoring systems, ensuring that the right equipment, software, processes and training is acquired to meet spectrum management objectives. Spectrum monitoring systems are easily over-specified - a structured approach to specification starting with aims and policy is essential.