Cognitive radio is being intensively researched for opportunistic access to the so-called TV White Spaces (TVWS): large portions of the VHF/UHF TV bands which become available on a geographical basis after the digital switchover. Using accurate digital TV (DTV) coverage maps together with a database of DTV transmitters, we develop a methodology for identifying TVWS frequencies at any given location in the United Kingdom. We use our methodology to investigate variations in TVWS as a function of the location and transmit power of cognitive radios, and examine how constraints on adjacent channel interference imposed by regulators may affect the results. Our analysis provides a realistic view on the spectrum opportunity associated with cognitive devices, and presents the first quantitative study of the availability and frequency composition of TWVS outside the United States.
One idea is using the so-called 'TV White Space' on a secondary basis without affecting the normal DTT broadcasting service REF .
Quantifying the Availability of TV White Spaces for Cognitive Radio Operation in the UK
In Proc. IEEE ICC joint Workshop Cognitive Wireless Networks and Systems, Dresden, Germany, June 2009
Computer Science