Dynamically Sensing and Adapting Wireless Network

For many wireless systems, such as satellite communications (SATCOM), capacity is limited by a lack of available spectrum. However, studies have shown that at any given time only a small percentage of the active wireless spectrum is used. Since its inception, wireless transmission has been regulated by allocation of frequency bands. While straight-forward to administer, this allocation of wireless resources is a poor method of adapting to varying system demands. One method of increasing efficiency is sensing available resources and dynamically allocating channels in open bands. In this Phase I SBIR, Toyon proposes to apply this strategy to demand-assignment multiple-access (DAMA) SATCOM networks. These systems are designed to provide data communication access to remote sites. While the system typically operates on assigned UHF bands, during emergency situations it is desirable that unused bands could be utilized thereby providing increased capacity. Toyon will research technical areas of this problem: modifications to messaging of existing standards to support emergency channels and providing algorithms for determining which unallocated portion of the spectrum would be most satisfactory. Building on this research, Toyon will present a modified architecture for DAMA SATCOM that provides surge capacity of emergency transmission while providing maximum backward compatibility with existing systems.