SE43 was created at the 53rd meeting of WG SE in Hvar (Croatia). A dedicated page has been created on ECO web site SE43 web page.
SE43 held its 6th meeting on 15 – 17 June 2010 in Mainz (Germany). SE43 continued their work on the draft ECC Report dealing with “Technical and operational requirements for the operation of cognitive radio systems in the ‘white spaces’ of the frequency band 470-790 MHz" (Annex 3 of the Minutes). The main progress reached during this 6th meeting is the following:
1. Protection of DTT (Chapter 4).
1.1 WSD emission limits for the protection of DTT.
Two main approaches with the allowed WSD emission limits were introduced within section dealing with WSD power levels (section 4.3) which are:
· location specific output power approach: the allowed output power can be calculated for each database pixel and for each device type/class;
· fixed output power: there may be a few device types (such as portable and fixed) for which the key main characteristics are defined, and fixed output power limits are allowed for them outside the protected areas. The limits may be different for use of adjacent channels and for other channels.
The studies reported in section 4.3 mainly focus on the location specific output power approach.
Based on its studies, SE43 reached the conclusion that the operation of a stand-alone WSD (autonomous operation) without access to a database appears to be not viable and reliable enough to guarantee a correct identification of available channels at a given location. The use of a geo-location database appears, therefore, necessary for the protection of DTT.
SE43 discussed the use of safety margin (SM) and multiple interference margin (IM) and included in the draft report examples of calculations using the methodology described in Section 4.3.1 with various sets of parameters.
1.2 Based on the methodology developed during the 5th SE43 meeting, examples of calculations of the sensing detection threshold (section 4.2) were included by summarising additional scenarios for indoor and outdoor WSD operation.
2. Protection of PMSE: the relevant chapter 5 dealing with the protection of PMSE systems was slightly amended by the specific aspects to be taken into account for the geolocation database and by elements related to the sensing operational requirements. SE43 had a general discussion on the protection of PMSE where the need for further technical studies was highlighted. Thus, it was decided to dedicate two conference-call to that matter before the next SE43 meeting. In addition, the concept of ‘safe harbour’ channels was found appropriate and would need to be further developed in the Report.
3. Chapter 6 dealing with the protection of radioastronomy service (RAS) operating in the band 608-614 MHz (TV Channel 38) was updated based on a study which dealt with adjacent channel protection of RAS against WSDs operating at the frequencies adjacent to this band (TV Channels 37 and 39). Therefore, this part is complete from a technical point of view and preliminary conclusions subject to confirmation have been drawn.
4. Chapter 7 dealing with the protection of aeronautical radionavigation (ARNS) was not addressed at this meeting.
5. Chapter 8 was added to the draft ECC Report dealing with the protection of Mobile/Fixed services in the bands adjacent to the band 470-790 MHz from emissions of cognitive radio devices operating in ‘white spaces’ in the band 470-790 MHz. The request to add this study case to the draft ECC Report was endorsed at the WGSE meeting (May 2010). Initial results of a study on the protection of Mobile Services/IMT systems operating in the band 790-862 MHz was included into the draft ECC Report.
6. The section 9.3 on geolocation database was rearranged in the following way:
- the additional consideration was added on the determination of the location and the location accuracy;
- clarification was brought to identify the geo-location requirements of WSD which are minimal and those which are optional;
- the potential WSD master/slave configuration was further developed and specific requirements were specified in the context of geo-location;
- considerations out of SE43 scope (e.g. details on database management) were removed from the Report
- an example of a translation process for the protection of DTT was added.
7. Section 9.4 dealing with combined sensing and geolocation was amended with the inclusion of two potential approaches proposed by Philips and EBU respectively.
8. Chapter 10 dealing with estimated amount of ‘white space’ spectrum in the band 470-790 MHz potentially available for cognitive radio devices was not modified at this meeting.
9. A liaison statement to WGRA and WGFM will be discussed by correspondence. This would address issues related to enforcement and database management
10. The draft ECC Report is expected to be completed at the next SE43 meeting (1-3 September 2010).
STG corner:
The Cognitive Radio feature is now implemented in SEAMCAT and is ready for testing as a beta version to be downloaded here. Further information on the algorithm and the manual are available here.
WG FM corner:
WGFM held its 69th meeting on 17-21 May 2010 in St.-Petersburg, Russian Federation.
Progress report of the Correspondence Group on Cognitive Radio Systems (doc. FM(10)056) was presented by CG CRS coordinator. It was recalled that the task given in January 2010 by WG FM to CG CRS covered following issues:
· elaborate proposals on the future work of WG FM on CRS issues;
· define how WG FM could coordinate the activity;
· identify what types of deliverables could be developed by CEPT.
WGFM endorsed the proposed work program of CG CRS (see here).
WG FM also confirmed that WG FM will coordinate the work basically following the usual methods of work. WG FM could in particular take benefit of its monitoring of the European Union research projects and of the information received from ETSI (e.g.: SRdocs), and possibly other bodies, to inform other CEPT bodies as appropriate. WG FM could also identify technical issues to be studied by WG SE and regulatory questions (e.g., on enforcement and conformity) to be considered by WG RA.
An e-mail reflector, managed by the chairman of the correspondence group (Mr. Benoist Deschamps), has been established by the ECO with the following address: CG_CRS@list.ero.dk
To subscribe to this CG please send e-mail to WGFM CG CRS
WG RA corner:
RA1 and ADCO R&TTE on 25 March 2010 held a Joint Workshop on enforcement issues where the presentations on Cognitive Radio by Marja Matinmikko, VTT Finland, and on SDR systems by Ben Smith, Radio Agency the Netherlands, aimed at identifying the enforcement related problems with the introduction of CR and SDR.
WGRA at its 20th meeting (11-14 May 2010, Gdynia, Poland) reviewed the outcome of the ad-hoc group lead by Andrew Gowans (OFCOM, UK). A new correspondence group RA WS_CR was established at this meeting with Andrew Gowans (OFCOM, UK) continuing as the Rapporteur.
WGRA Webinar on Cognitive Radio held on 11 May 2010 in Gdynia, Poland, was attended by over 30 physical and over 80 virtual participants. The presenter Dirk-Oliver von der Emden, Ofcom Switzerland, elaborated on the potential regulatory issues with the introduction of CR.
CPG PTA corner:
CPG PTA had its 6th meeting from 1st to 4th June 2010 and made a good progress in further developing the CEPT Brief on AI 1.19.
PTA updated the draft Brief and started to work on the draft new ITU-R Resolution (RESOLUTION ITU-R [CRS]) “Studies on the implementation and use of cognitive radio systems (CRS)”.
Alternatively some administrations support a WRC Resolution under AI 1.19.
One administration expressed its concerns on the necessity to carry out studies on the impact of CRS on radiocommunication services used in the bands shared with space services, passive services, radiodetermination services and radiocommunication services used for safety of life and property.
A document, proposing changes to the CPM text on agenda item 1.19, intended to be submitted to ITU-R WP 1B as CEPT contribution was not agreed by PTA. This document will be submitted as a multi-country proposal to the next meeting of WP 1B.
Minutes of the fifth CPG PTA meeting can be downloaded here.
ITU-R WP1B corner:
At its meeting in February 2010, WP 1B has modified and adopted a working document towards the draft CPM text for WRC-12 Agenda Item 1.19 subject to further refinements at the next WP 1B meeting in June 2010. The draft CPM text suggests following options to satisfy WRC-12 AI 1.19:
- No change in the Radio regulations for SDR (Issue A, Method A).
- Either no change in the Radio Regulations for CRS (Issue B, Method B1); or,
- No change to the articles of the Radio Regulations and a Resolution providing guidance for further studies on CRS (Issue B, Method B2); or,
- No change to the articles of the Radio Regulations and a Resolution dealing with the use of CRS and further studies within the ITU-R (Issue B, Method B3).
ECC Correspondence Group corner:
Doc. ECC(09)136 was introduced by Margit Huhtala, Convener of the Correspondence group on CR at the ECC meeting (26-30 October 2009, Skopje, FYR of Macedonia). The Document summarises the work done by the group. As requested by the ECC the group has improved the wording of the tasks, added some more explanation in the section concerning applications, taken into account the experience with the pre-cognitive systems, outlined a roadmap with milestones for future work and considered its attribution within the ECC structure. The work done by SE43 and WG FM has also been taken into account. Emphasis was given to the improved Tasks 1 and 2 as well as on the established milestone plan. The tasks are foreseen as follows:
Task 1: Technical studies/analysis and compatibility issues.
Task 2: Regulatory mechanisms needed to facilitate introduction of CRS.
Task 3: Further to Task 1 and 2, study, if necessary, the impact of cognitive devices on current framework for placing equipment on the market, including assignment of responsibilities in the case of radio equipment (in particular if data bases in support of the geo-location are provided by third parties), and enforcement, in order to make proposals on the basis of these findings to the relevant bodies.
A roadmap with four stages until WRC-2012, to maximise the benefits of the CRS work in the ECC, was presented by the CG. The four stages given below are proposed to cover the work items of Task 1 (technical work and compatibility), Task 2 (regulatory work) and Task 3 (impact on current framework) as well as the foreseen applications and the on-going work within WG FM and SE43. Close co-operation between all stakeholders is necessary.
Stage 1: Identification of types of CRS applications, review of spectrum needs and existing spectrum usage (Task 1, work is ongoing within WG FM).
Stage 2: Feasibility study, addressing identified CRS applications (Task 1, work is ongoing within WG FM and SE43).
Stage 3: Identification of bands and regulation, addressing identified CRS applications (work is ongoing within WG FM and SE43, Task 1 and 2).
Stage 4: Impact on current regulatory framework for equipment (Task 2 and 3).
ECC appreciated this comprehensive response from the CG and decided to continue in accordance with the proposed roadmap. The Report of the Correspondence Group can be downloaded here.
ETSI TC RSS corner:
There is ongoing activity within ETSI TC RSS on CRS and SDR standardisation (link to the ETSI portal).
Research Status of EC Framework Programme 7 (FP7) project on the research topic "Cognitive Radio"
The RAS (Radio Access and Spectrum) Cluster Workshop took place on the 28th January 2010. The setup of the workshop was FP7 projects on Cognitive Radio and Spectrum Sharing presenting their technology concepts and discussed regulatory implications. The workshop’s presentations are available on the webpage of the Workshop.
Some of the following projects have been finalized and some have been recently launched:
- End-to-End Efficiency (E3) project was finalised in December 2009. The key objective of it was to transform current wireless system infrastructures into an integrated, scalable and efficiently managed Beyond-3rd-Generation (B3G) cognitive system framework, which ensures seamless access to applications and services and exploits the full diversity of corresponding heterogeneous systems. In the course of the project collaborative and autonomous algorithms were developed.
- PHYDYAS (Physical Layer for Dynamic Spectrum Access and Cognitive Radio). A short term objective is to develop and demonstrate algorithms for single and multiantenna terminals, scalability and adaptivity, and multiple accesses. The proposed technique is a filter bank-based multicarrier (FBMC) which offers high spectrum resolution and can provide independent sub-channels, while maintaining or enhancing the high data rate capability. Critical aspect is that sub-channels (so-called sub-carriers) can be independent. Spectrum sensing and transmitting can be performed simultaneously.
- SENDORA (Sensor Network for Dynamic and Cognitive Radio) – main motivation of the project is that radio spectrum is a scarce resource but is paradoxically under-utilized in some frequency bands. Start date = 1st January 2008; duration: 36 months. Innovative idea is to perform sensing and control interference level at the same time. Objective is develop a technology able to reuse the licensed but unused spectrum in an opportunistic manner, operating as secondary system in the considered bands.
Approach is to develop SENDORA Wireless Sensor Network aided to Cognitive Radio network. network and provide himself the secondary system with transmission opportunities. Selected scenario: nomadic broadband access in urban and suburban areas. Start date 01.01.2008; duration: 36 months.
- SACRA (Spectrum and Energy Efficiency through multi-band Cognitive Radio). Motivation of the project is to study and demonstrate spectrum and energy efficient communications through multi-band cognitive radio. Project was launched on 01.01.2010; duration is 36 months.
Main objective: study and demonstration of spectrum and energy efficient communications through multi-band cognitive radio. Possible scenario: mobile broadband communications on several separate bands. Target bands: 2.6 GHz and upper part of UHF band.
- ARAGORN (Adaptive Reconfigurable Access and Generic Interfaces in Radio Networks). Duration: January 2008 – June 2010. Project explores CR principles in ISM-band domain. Increase efficiency through cooperation and cognitive radio principle. To invent in the existing architecture the cognitive radio manager (CRM) and investigate what are its inherent components. The opportunity of the usage of the white spaces is dependent on the given thresholds to depict or measure ‘gaps’.
- FARAMIR (Flexible and spectrum-Aware Radio Access through Measurements and Modelling). The project was recently launched. It will mainly deal with measurements.
- EUWB (Coexisting Short Range Radio by Advanced Ultra-Wideband Radio Technology). Time schedule: 01.04.2008 – 31.03.2011. Objectives of EUWB are to explore the economic potential of the Ultra-Wideband (UWB) radio technology, extend the UWB concept with advanced cognitive radio, multi-band/multimode networking and multiple antenna system concepts; reliable data link between sensor and control unit; reduce cable harness complexity. Implementation is planned for automotive UWB frontends and antenna concepts. Methods include short term (spectrum sensing with its challenges like long scanning time because of the wide range and changing environment) and long term (co-operative spectrum sensing).
- WALTER (Wireless Alliance for Testing Experiment and Research). Project was started in 2008 and was finalised in the end of 2009. Main objective was fulfilled. Test beds were developed to measure UWB signal in order to allow conformity assessment to the devices to be presented on the market.
- SAPHYRE (Sharing Physical Resources: Mechanisms and Implementations for Wireless Networks). Project was recently launched, consists of 6 Work Packages. The main topics emphasised in the SAPHYRE project are: self-organising infrastructure sharing, new adaptive spectrum sharing models, efficient autonomous co-ordination, and high spectral efficiency. “Innovation idea is to pave the way for paradigm change from exclusive resource allocation to voluntary physical resource sharing”. Technical platform will be created based on Broadband wireless experimental system which belongs to Fraunhofer Institute.
- QoSMOS (Quality of Service and Mobility driven cognitive radio Systems). Project was started on 01.01.2010. The main objective is to provide a platform for efficient radio access to future networks. Some challenges for CR implementation such as sensing; spectrum portfolio database; other mitigation technique methods will be studied.
Following opportunities for Cognitive Radio can be studied further such as home and street coverage; smart metering / grid; rural access; cellular extension; public safety; TV white spaces.
- QUASAR (Quantitative Assessment of Secondary Spectrum Access). Following scenarios and use cases for a secondary system will be investigated: 1) Mobile broadband access; 2) High-speed Rural broadband; 3) Next generation home networks; 4) Cellular deployments with low/high towers; 5) Backhauling; 6) Emergency services /ad hoc networks.
Following frequencies for white space usage will be considered: broadcasting bands; radar bands; satellite bands. the decision about cellular bands is under consideration.
Expected output of the Project will be to asses the amount of “white spaces” and its usefulness. Secondary system performance and white space availability map.
- CoGEU (Cognitive radio systems for efficient sharing of TV white spaces in EUropean context). Duration 36 months (January 2010-December 2012).
CoGEU will consider a centralized architecture with a spectrum broker. The spectrum broker controls the amount of bandwidth and power assigned to each user in order to keep the desired QoS and interference below the interference limits. Project combines geolocation databases and sensing techniques for incumbent detection and determining usable channels in TVWS.
CoGEU approach: 1) emulate possible scenario; 2) develop software to calculate possible amount of spectrum and check the correctness of the approach; 3) combine geolocation and sensing techniques.
Non-exhaustive list of European Research Institutes dealing with CRS:
Nokia Research Centre, Finland
University of Oulu, Finland
Summary of the work done with the participation of scientists from Eurecom, France can be downloaded here.
