White Spaces Trial Networks: Results and Next Steps
Traditional TV channels were from 2-69. Over time these channels have been compressed and some have been sold to cellular carriers for 4G solutions
As a result of the Digital Transition (from Analog TV) additional spectrum became available for broadband applications
The attraction of TV White Space is that it is a much lower frequency than existing unlicensed spectrum. The lower frequencies propagate better over distance and through walls
What is TV White Space?
This map shows the service areas for a single TV channel (Channel 9) in the northeast US. Everything else is “White Space”
What is TV White Space?
Rolling up all the “White Space” creates a nationwide footprint
Note: Available White Space is not the same as useable White Space
What is TV White Space?
• Spectrum Bridge has deployed a number of TVWS trial networks around the world
• Trials attempt to achieve one or more objectives• Political/Regulatory support• Application validation/demonstration• Technology development/validation
• Several radio vendors involved (today)• Proprietary FSK, 50KHz-5MHz channels VHF & UHF• Re-banded 802.11, 5MHz channels, VHF band• Re-banded 802.16e in 3.5/5MHz channels
• Summary of the trials filed in 04-186 proceedings at the FCC
White Space Trials
“Smart Grid” Network Deployment Using SBI’s TV White Spaces Architecture – Plumas County, CA, In Partnership with
Nation’s First TVWS Broadband Network – Claudville, VA, In Partnership with
First Global Network in Europe
“Smart City” Network Deployment Using SBI’s TV White Spaces Architecture – Wilmington, NCIn Partnership with Local Authorities, Public Safety Entities and
TVWS Trial Network Deployment Proposed – Singapore, UK“TeleMedicine” Network – Logan OH
In Partnership with
Examples of Existing Trials
• Wireless Broadband internet provided to rural community in Virginia, sponsored by Congressman Rick Boucher
• Solution provided in partnership with Dell and Microsoft
Claudville VA, worlds first TVWS Network
Claudville Trinity School
Claudville Café (downtown hotspot)
SoHo user(s)
WiFi
WiFi
WiFi
White Spaces Network
1.5 miles
Internet
Claudville Network
200 MHz 2400MHz
TVWS Improves Propagation
• In conjunction with the city of Wilmington, New Hanover county and TVBS
• “Smart City” applications
• Video security cameras in public/county parks
• Video traffic & security cameras at major thoroughfares
• WiFi access in county parks for the public and city/county workers
• Monitor storm water flow
• Connect security cameras
• Offer WiFi access to area public schools
• Power telemedicine applications
Wilmington, NC
• SBI has partnered with Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative (PSREC) to deploy a TV White Spaces network in Plumas County, CA
• The major application - Smart Grid• Command and Control access
for remote substations
• Google is providing Green Energy applications for use by PSREC customers
• Minor application – providing broadband access to remote scattered locations
Plumas, CA
• White spaces is recognized as an issue requiring attention at the EU level• CEPT SE43 is defining the technical compatibility requirements• SBI is installing 2 trial networks in Europe
• Asian countries (Singapore and Korea) beginning to plan trials and regulation
• Spectrum Bridge has completed 2 trials in Europe and is planning more in Europe and in Asia in 2011
TVWS Internationally
UK TV White Space• Europe has much more TV White Space than the US
Source: Cambridge Consultants
• The FCC has completed the rule making process and announced the White Space Database administrators
• There have been several requests for modification of the rules.• These requests may, or may not be considered
• Various plans are in place to certify TVWS solutions and begin commercial deployment
• Spectrum Bridge will continue to deploy trials in 2011• International arena to make TVWS a global opportunity• Focus in US on low power solutions
TVWS Status
“TV White Space is WiFi on Steroids” ─ Larry Page, GoogleLow Power Devices
WiFi TV White Spaces Source: Dell Inc.
Premise: Improvements of 2X to 3X over existing optionsIn indoor applications the improvement in propagation through walls with the additional spectrum that has been made available should produce a 2-3X range improvement over existing 2.4GHz WiFi solutions
TVWS Low Power Trials
• The current rules specify a very strict emission Mask, that is tough for OFDM radios to meet• OFDM is the underpinning of WiFi and WiMax
• The industry is keen to get this Mask modified to be more like the Mask for existing unlicensed bands
• SBI is planning a major trial to measure the impact of the relaxed Mask and any modifications to the protection criteria that might be necessary.
Low Power Trials
Source: Qualcomm
