Application of spectrum observatory measurements to support traffic model-based dynamic spectrum access

Three spectrum observatory systems are implemented with which RF Spectrum use is measured and analyzed across multiple bands over both short and long time periods. Broad findings on occupancy, trends in spectrum usage, statistical analysis results are presented for a wide range of bands stretching from 30-6000 MHz at Chicago, US and at Turku, Finland. Particularly, detailed results of radio use by public safety agencies in Chicago are presented. These findings are of use to radio policy planners, public safety agencies, and to commercial or government entities looking for ways to improve spectrum efficiency. At a deeper level of detail, land mobile radio (LMR) channel use by public safety agencies like the Chicago Police Department are extensively studied and models of wireless traffic activity obtained. The models provide a deep understanding of the wireless environment, and were shared with government agencies in charge of public safety radio policy. The models are used to generate synthetic traffic that closely match measured activity, and also to support Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) sharing in the LMR band for a simulated wireless environment. The modeling work is expanded from individual RF channel analysis to modeling entire spectral bands through the development of the Comprehensive Band Modeling (CBM) procedure. The CBM procedure is a set of automated algorithms that analyze measured spectrum data in a band to identify all holes (white spaces) and signals, identify the spectrum sharing opportunities in the holes, calculate optimal operation parameters for secondary spectrum users, model activities of the incumbent users, and summarize all hole information in the form of highly versatile Hole Descriptor Objects (HDO). The metrics and results of the CBM procedure allow researchers to obtain an effective assessment of DSA feasibility. CBM was applied and validated with measured RF data in three bands. Crucially, the results demonstrate the suitability of DSA applications to boost the efficiency of spectrum use. The research findings in this dissertation are of practical relevance due to recent policy developments by the Federal Government that have prioritized the need for dynamic spectrum sharing to foster continued growth and innovation in the wireless field.