Dynamic Spectrum Access Algorithms Based on Survival Analysis.

In this study, we design and implement two algorithms for dynamic spectrum access that are based on survival analysis. They use a non-parametric estimate of the cumulative hazard function to predict the remaining idle time available for secondary transmission subject to the constraint of a preset probability of successful completion. In addition to theoretical performance analysis of the algorithms, we evaluate them using data collected from a long term evolution band to model primary user activity to demonstrate their effectiveness in real-world scenarios, even at fine time scales. The algorithms are run in different configurations, i.e., they are trained and run on a few combinations of data sets. Our results show that as long as the cumulative hazard functions are fairly similar across datasets, the algorithms can be trained on one dataset and run on that of another without any significant degradation of performance. The algorithms achieve fairly high white space utilization and have a measured probability of interference that is at or below the preset threshold.

3.5 GHz Environmental Sensing Capability Detection Thresholds and Deployment.

Spectrum sharing in the 3.5 GHz band between commercial and government users along U.S. coastal areas depends on an environmental sensing capability (ESC)-that is, a network of radio frequency sensors and a decision system-to detect the presence of incumbent shipborne radar systems and trigger protective measures, as needed. It is well known that the sensitivity of these sensors depends on the aggregate interference generated by commercial systems to the incumbent radar receivers, but to date no comprehensive study has been made of the aggregate interference in realistic scenarios and its impact on the requirement for detection of the radar signal. This paper presents systematic methods for determining the placement of ESC sensors and their detection thresholds to adequately protect incumbent shipborne radar systems from harmful interference. Using terrain-based propagation models and a population-based deployment model, the analysis finds the offshore distances at which protection must be triggered and relates these to the detection levels of coastline sensors. We further show that sensor placement is a form of the well-known set cover problem, which has been shown to be NP-complete, and demonstrate practical solutions achieved with a greedy algorithm. Results show detection thresholds to be as much as 22 dB lower than required by current industry standards. The methodology and results presented in this paper can be used by ESC operators for planning and deployment of sensors and by regulators for testing sensor performance.