TEL 310
p. 1
TEL 310
02/06
Spectrum Allocation
Introduction
- Communication process:
Encoding --- Transmitting --- Decoding signals (information)
--- Sine wave
--- Wavelength
--- Frequency
Encoding:
- AM/FM
- Analog/Digital
Transmitting:
- Point-to-point/Point-to-multipoint
- Wire/Wireless
- Over-the-air (OTA) Broadcasting:
--- Transmission of encoded sine waves via the ether
--- A mixture of both AM and FM
The electromagnetic spectrum: How it works
--- The entire available range of sinusoidal signal frequencies
--- 9 kHz ~~ 300 GHz
- The usable range of spectrum has been increasing.
- Various frequencies of radio waves have different characteristics
Low frequency
Medium frequency
Very high frequency (VHF)
Ultra high frequency (UHF)
Super high and extremely high frequency
- Signals can be carried at different locations in the spectrum (e.g., TV signals are transmitted in both VHF and UHF).
- However, different signals/services require different bandwidth. So efficient allocation of services along spectrum is important.
Spectrum Chart
The spectrum as a resource (p. 42)
--- Spectrum is a costly and productive resource that can be used in different ways and for different purposes.
- Can help create wealth
- Can be used in varying amounts for the same purpose
- Different parts of the resource can be used for the same purpose
- Opportunity cost of a particular use of spectrum
Spectrum Allocation Policies
How much of what parts of the spectrum would go to what people for what uses?
- Market/pricing system
Assigning individual frequency rights that are transferable in whole or in part in a free market
- Administrative allocation
International level: ITU
U.S.: FCC and NTIA
FCC: Table of Frequency Allocations
Service Rules: Uses, Equipment, location, power, antenna height, etc.
Why administrative allocation?
- Spectrum scarcity
- Interference
- Co-channel interference
- Adjacent channel interference
Why do TGK think the above two explanations are chimerical?
Shortcomings of the administrative model (p. 48):
--- Too much governmental control
- Not paying for governmental spectrum use
- Protective of existing allocations and users
--- Inefficient use of the spectrum due to the absence of transferable property rights in spectrum
- Current users having no incentive to economize on their uses
- Potential current users having no incentive to take into account the their spectrum's future values
--- The PICON standard too vague for real assistance
Advantages of market system:
- More efficient allocation
- Less congested spectrum
- More flexible, allowing for a speedier transition from old technology to new technology