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WRAN Wireless Regional Area Network 802.22 use of TV whitespace frequencies in P2MP point to multipoint operation

Technical and Supporting Data:

In the United States, 408 MHz of spectrum from 54 MHz to 806 MHz (See Figure 1) is allocated for TV. Currently, 108 MHz of that spectrum is being redeveloped for commercial operations through auctions and for public safety applications. The remaining 300 MHz of this prime radio spectrum will remain dedicated for over-the-air TV operations. However, throughout the United States, portions of that 300 MHz resource remain unused. The amount and exact frequency of unused spectrum varies from location to location. These unused segments of spectrum are referred to as TV Whitespace (TVWS). [1]

Each available TV channel provides 6 MHz of spectrum capacity that can be used for broadband connectivity.

TV Whitespace will have much larger coverage areas due to long range propagation of signal at these frequencies. For example, an AP location that can connect to an SM at a range of 5 miles can provide coverage for a 75 square mile area. Exisisting equipment currently in operation as wireless B/G/N have an average coverage area of 150 feet squared. [generalized]

Where a frequency band may be used in one location, there may be large areas where this frequency is not used and available for use for broadband connectivity. Motorola’s TVWS solution, with the Adaptive Radio Technology, downloads position, power, and channels of nearby primary users (e.g. DTV) from the FCC database. The Adaptive Radio Technology then ranks available channels per allowable RF power prior to active sensing. [2]

The Wireless Innovation Alliance (WIA) is a coalition of technology innovators, public interest advocates, and higher education organizations that are dedicated to the innovation and the unlimited possibilities of unlicensed and currently unused white space spectrum. WIA and its member organizations believe that with proper development and deployment, innovative TV white space (TVWS) broadband solutions will enable the delivery of new communication services, particularly wireless broadband, to millions of underserved Americans and business enterprises.

TV white spaces would help provide students with access to information, enabling them to communicate and compete with their peers around the world. White spaces could provide high schools and middle schools assets already on campus at major universities: mobile, high-speed Internet access at every desk and every student and teacher equipped with a laptop. [WIA]

[1] Motorola position paper, pg 2
[2] Motorola position paper, pg 6
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