A Framework for Radio Frequency Spectrum Measurement and Analysis

Inefficient spectrum allocation and the burgeoning problem of spectrum scarcity have prompted an examination of how the radio frequency spectrum is utilized. The radio frequency spectrum is an important national resource that impacts the economy, national security and daily life. Various studies have taken up the task of rethinking spectrum licensing and allocation with the intent of encouraging the development of spectrally agile and efficient technologies. Thus, the ability to accurately measure spectrum usage directly effects the creation and modification of public policy. This thesis presents a framework designed to measure, characterize and model spectrum utilization. While individual organizations have performed spectrum measurements, a framework does not currently exist to coordinate spectrum data sharing or distributed measurement campaigns. This thesis discusses the development of a shared database schema that can accommodate large scale and long term spectrum measurement campaigns. The implementation of this schema also allows multiple researchers to share experiment configurations and data. The development of a software program that can automate spectrum measurements is covered, along with its ability to facilitate the sharing of those measurements with a central archive. The creation of a spectrum measurement repository is discussed as well. Research is presented regarding the use of a low cost, mobile software-defined radio platform as a spectrum data collection device. Finally, various case studies are presented demonstrating how the technologies and techniques produced during the creation of this thesis can be used to analyze spectrum measurement data.