Policy-Based Spectrum Access Control and Management for Multi-Band Cognitive Radio Systems for Public Safety Communications
Peter A. Tenhula, Filip Perich, Mark A. McHenry · SSRN Electronic Journal · 2007
This paper addresses methods for adequately controlling cognitive radio (CR) and software defined radio (SDR) devices that are capable of operating across multiple frequency bands, jurisdictions and networks, including those used by Federal, State and local first responders in both day-to-day and emergency operations. The Public Safety community is rightfully wary that premature deployment of multi-band CR devices could have unintended consequences and unanticipated impacts, such as security threats and increased interference risks. Key players have recommended caution in the introduction of new technologies for Public Safety applications, suggesting to regulators that initial deployments of cognitive radios should take place under controlled conditions in geography and spectrum where critical usage is low. We describe how an end-to-end, multi-band CR system should be developed, customized and safely tested for use by Public Safety organizations. Our primary focus is on a spectrum management subsystem that controls the Public Safety CR devices via the composition and dissemination of machine-readable spectrum access policies” This Cognitive Radio Access and Management (CRAM) subsystem would provide Public Safety spectrum and network managers with transparent, flexible and adaptable tools to remotely control a large number of heterogeneous CR devices in a cost effective, reliable manner, while protecting legacy networks from harmful interference. Specifically, the CRAM subsystem would (1) facilitate the development and dissemination of a wide range of spectrum access and priority rules that are based on regulatory and user requirements; (2) provide for logging and other safeguards to monitor usage and quickly resolve interference events; (3) incorporate trusted security measures to avoid unauthorized access; and (4) include other features necessary to satisfy complex Public Safety requirements.