Formalizing the interference temperature model

• Published in: Wireless communications and mobile computing Vol. 7; no. 9; pp. 1077 - 1086
• Main Author: Clancy, T. Charles
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 01.11.2007
• Subjects: cognitive radio; dynamic spectrum access; interference temperature
• ISSN: 1530-8669; 1530-8677
• DOI: 10.1002/wcm.482

To combat recent spectral overcrowding in unlicensed bands, the FCC has been investigating new ways to manage RF resources. The idea is to let people use licensed frequencies, provided they can guarantee interference perceived by the primary license holders will be minimal. With advances in software and cognitive radio, practical ways of doing this are on the horizon. In 2003, the FCC released a memorandum seeking comment on the interference temperature model (ITM) for controlling spectrum use. Formally defining and analyzing techniques for implementing this model are the primary goals of this paper. Two interpretations of the ITM are developed and for each, we examine tradeoffs between power, bandwidth, and capacity. From these relationships, algorithms for computing RF transmission parameters are developed. These algorithms seek to maximize both capacity and spectral efficiency for a given RF environment. Additionally, we describe ways to choose a center frequency that will optimize future performance, subject to the constraints of the ITM. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.