Spectrum Management
Spectrum Management Operations, as a unit, combines most of the key functional activities including Assignment and Authorization. Frequency assignment and authorization activities are at the centre of traditional spectrum management. The assignment process includes analyzing the requirements for proposed radio services and assigning frequencies in accordance with national frequency-allocation plans. It includes related actions necessary to protect radio communications systems from harmful interference. Frequency assignment strategies are used to achieve spectrum efficiency, including proper use and readily afforded reuse. Procedures for initial assignment of frequencies can be highly technical. Analytical tools and methods are used to assign new frequencies or to resolve interference problems. To perform effectively where scarcity and congestion exist, the spectrum manager usually needs ready access to large amounts of reliable data on a ready basis. Procedures use data records for existing assignments and equipment, assignment coordination data on a regional or national basis, topographical data to aid computation of propagation-path profiles in urban area and over large areas that can be used in analytical and computational models for EMC results.
The general process for assignment follows the steps listed below:
- Preparation of an ordered list of stations to be assigned;
- Assign first frequency to first station using database lookup and EMC analytical techniques to resolve interference problems;
- Select next station to be assigned using selection procedures. These include assignment grids, sub-allocation plans etc.;
- Apply frequency-selection method including database look up and EMC analysis;
- Repeat until all frequencies are assigned.
For information about the main tasks typically performed by Spectrum Management Operations (SMO), please contact us.
