RF-SCORPiOn: RF- Sensing COgnitive Radio PlatfOrm

The United States Aegis Weapon System (AWS) uses the Link16 waveform for communications. The throughput and latency of the system is limited due to time division multiple access on the predefined timeslots and frequency division multiple access on the 51 channels available for the network groups (NETs) and their Network Participation Groups (NPGs). As the number of terminals, NPGs, and NETs all increase, the individual throughput degrades and the latency increases. The current system lacks the capabilities of sensing the quality of the slots across the channels, which contributes to the reduced throughput. Our approach brings in our state-of-the-art spectrum sensing algorithms that can detect signals at low levels. Once the signals are detected, their properties are classified and are passed to the spectrum activity analyzer. The spectrum activity analyzer matches the detected signals with previously seen signals in its database. By comparing the current activity with historical measurements, it anticipates what the spectrum activity might be for the next communication block. Our new timeslot reallocation scheduler and NET planning tool will utilize both the RF sensing data and dynamic traffic demands to maximize successful transmissions. Finally, our solution is software based and requires no hardware modifications on the radio. Approved for Public Release | 16-MDA-8951 (15 December 16)