Spectrum Pooling for Next Generation Public Safety Radio Systems



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INTRODUCTION
Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) technologies, including
Cognitive Radio (CR) technologies, are in development for the
next generation of commercial, military, industrial and public
safety networks. These technologies hold the promise of more
flexible and adaptive radio architectures, capable of sharing
the RF spectrum much more intensively than is feasible with
today’s currently deployed technologies, regulatory
frameworks, and business models. Such increased sharing is
critical for the continued growth of wireless services in order
to help alleviate growing spectrum scarcity. The
commercialization of DSA technologies represents an
important next step in the evolution of the wireless services
ecosystem. The need for and the opportunities offered by DSA
are especially relevant to the public safety community, which
provides an important test case for the commercialization of
DSA techniques.


CHANGING ENVIRONMENT FOR PUBLIC SAFETY RADIOS

As we explain, the future of radio systems of all types –- but
especially those for public safety -- will require much greater
reliance on Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) and related
technologies. This is clear from examining trends in
technology and research priorities, market growth, and the
changing mission requirements for public safety professionals.
DSA is necessary to enable new capabilities in the face of
growing demand for spectrum access from all sources.


Vision of the Radio Future

While the precise shape of the radio future may be difficult to
discern, certain key aspects appear certain. The radio future
will include lots more wireless of all kinds, greater demand for
mobility and portability and more heterogeneous wireless
networks. These future developments will have concrete
implications for radio network design, including the need for
more broadband capacity, enabling more dynamic and flexible
services and spectrum sharing.


NIMS and ICS Supply the Dynamic Cooperative Policy Framework

The recent adoption of the National Incident Management
System (NIMS) and the Incident Command System (ICS)
within the National Response Framework (NRF) provide an
excellent working basis for the new paradigm for dynamic
policy-based spectrum management.


SPECTRUM POOLING IS AN IDEA WHOSE TIME HAS COME

We have explained our vision of the radio future and how this
coincides with the requirements for next generation public
safety systems. As we have explained, transitioning to a future
that embraces DSA/CR technologies is necessary and
consistent with core trends in wireless markets, technology,
and policy. We have also highlighted the important roadblock
to progress posed by the fragmentation of spectrum licensing.
Spectrum pooling is a key concept that is intended to help
alleviate this fragmentation and offer important benefits for
all. In the following sub-sections, we explain what spectrum
pooling is and how it might work, then highlight what we
expect the important benefits to be derived from embracing
the concept.