1 Software Radio Enabling Dynamic Spectrum Management

© 2002January Vanu, Inc. Background History –Founded September ‘98 –Spin-off from MIT SpectrumWare project Building software radios since 1994 Core Strengths –7 year's experience implementing software radios –Staff: 5 PhD’s, 20 engineers –Software engineering, waveform software, system design Core Technology Developed –Technology is mature for: infrastructure and public safety markets

© 2002January Outline Where are we going ? –The future of wireless communications –Software radio is the enabling technology Where are we now ? –Tremendous progress over the last 10 years What are the next steps ?

© 2002January Hardware Radio –Separate devices for different functions –Any fix or upgrade needs a hardware change AMPS GSM TV Garage Door The Ideal Software Radio Software Radio –One device for many functions –Upgrade through software change

© 2002January Software Radio + Remote Antennas Extended Coverage Shared Infrastructure Better Spectrum Utilization Future Proofing Lower Capital Cost New Revenue sources Fiber or cable backbone Software Radio Cluster

© 2002January Dynamic Spectrum Utilization

© 2002January Benefits Better Spectrum Utilization –System optimized to current channel conditions, user requirements and network traffic Dynamic Spectrum Optimization –Make spectrum a commodity Should be able to sublicense portions as needed –Use is a function of demand, not regulation –Adapts to regional and time sensitive requirements –Enable priority access Faster Technology Tracking –New services and signal processing are software upgrades –Leads to new revenue and even better spectrum utilization

© 2002January Outline Where are we going ? –The future of wireless communications –Software radio is the enabling technology Where are we now ? –Tremendous progress over the last 10 years What are the next steps ?

© 2002January Evolution of Software Radio Dual-mode cell phone Modal SDR –Software controls and configures the radio –ASIC or analog hardware

© 2002January Evolution of Software Radio Dual-mode cell phone Modal SDR –Software controls and configures the radio –ASIC or analog hardware Reconfigurable SDR –All signal processing reconfigurable –Significant use of FPGA or assembly code SpeakEasy AirNet

© 2002January Evolution of Software Radio Dual-mode cell phone Modal SDR –Software controls and configures the radio –ASIC or analog hardware Reconfigurable SDR –All signal processing reconfigurable –Significant use of FPGA or assembly code SpeakEasy AirNet Software Radio (SWR) –Takes advantage of Moore’s Law –Portable programs Vanu

© 2002January Source: Mitola, Joseph. “Software Radio Architecture: A Mathematical Perspective”, IEEE JSAC, April A: HF STR-2000 B: COTS Handset C: SWR Cell Site D: SPEAKeasy II V: Vanu, Inc. Software Radio X: Ideal Software Radio Software Radio Phase Space

© 2002January State Of Software Radio Technology is mature for infrastructure –Basestations –Public safety –Wireless LAN/MAN/last mile –Demonstrated capability at CTIA Cellular Handsets are 3-5 years away –Power dissipation constraint –Applicable to lower battery like markets today e.g. law enforcement, vehicular

© 2002January Outline Where are we going ? –The future of wireless communications –Software radio is the enabling technology Where are we now ? –Tremendous progress over the last 10 years What are the next steps ?

© 2002January Next Steps SDR Rulemaking is a great start Spectrum licensing needs to be less static SDR device approval needs to expand to include over the air upgrades

© 2002January Dynamic Spectrum Secondary markets would be a good first step –Allows some ability to adapt Long term goal: Commodity spectrum market –Computerized market maker –Authorized traders Need to meet non-interference regualtions –Support smaller geographic blocks –Real-time bids Acquire spectrum for the region and time required

© 2002January SDR Waveform Downloads Essential to realize the benefits –Spectrum efficiency –Technology tracking Platform certification –Insure no harmful interference, even with malicious software Radiate under power limitations Within allowed bandwidth –Cannot theoretically guarantee correct functionality –Can guarantee that it does NOT do certain harmful things

© 2002January Summary Software Radio will enable –Better spectrum utilization –Faster technology tracking –New markets and uses for wireless Tremendous progress in the last decade –Technology ready for infrastructure today –Handsets coming fast Regulation –Off to a good start with SDR rule making –Next steps: More dynamic spectrum allocation Downloadable waveform upgrades