Features Codes & Standards News & Updates
IEEE group looks at standardizing Spectrum Occupancy Sensing

February 10, 2014 – IEEE has formed the IEEE 802.22 Spectrum Occupancy Sensing (SOS) Study Group to explore standardizing SOS technology for optimizing usage of radio frequency (RF) spectrum for wireless broadband services.

“Standardization could lead to the more efficient use of spectrum, especially in places where the information about the primary users is difficult to find,” said Dr. Apurva N. Mody, chair of the working group.  “To better understand the standardization requirements, the study group will explore ongoing research and the various challenges associated with the technology.”

The study group will use the IEEE 802.22 standard as a baseline for future SOS standards and efficient use of the technology. SOS is intended to bring the Spectrum Sensing Functions (SSF) and sensing-related messaging formats out of the current IEEE 802.22 standard to create a stand-alone system of external sensors dedicated to creating a spectrum occupancy survey.

“For example, the locations and characteristics of the radiators are not well documented,” said Mody. “Individual and collaborative spectrum sensing is one of the tools to complement the information contained in databases to create an accurate spectrum occupancy survey, which would combine information from multiple sensors along with local terrain information to predict the spectrum occupancy patterns.”