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Chris McManes IEEE-USA
Encourages FCC to Explore Cognitive Radio WASHINGTON (19 May 2004) — Because more products are using wireless communications, demand for finite radio spectrum is increasing. IEEE-USA, in a filing with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) earlier this month, encourages exploring the potential of cognitive radio (CR) to facilitate the sharing of unused or under-used spectrum. IEEE-USA believes CR shows great potential for allowing different types of radios to share frequencies on a non-interfering basis. This emerging technology can "sense" the radio environment and location, and adjust parameters to utilize available spectrum. Among the techniques being developed are methods for avoiding interruptions and conflicts between users, such as adjusting power, frequency and modulation. Among IEEE-USA's recommendations to the FCC are: determining in which frequency bands CR can be used effectively, and validating those selections through initial field trials; confirming CR's reliability and practicality by resolving technical issues; creating a regulatory environment that permits CR technology implementation, and providing a conflict-resolution framework for instances where interference might occur; as well as fostering a healthy environment for compatible, interoperable CR implementation by considering the work of industry-standards bodies that are developing CR standards. According to IEEE-USA, CR research must establish priorities for those sharing a given band so conflicts won't arise when users attempt to utilize the same spectrum simultaneously. Researchers must also determine which bands are best suited for this new technology, while also ensuring CRs don't create interference for others. IEEE-USA's 4 May filing (www.ieeeusa.org/forum/POLICY/2004/050304b.pdf) is based on an earlier position statement, "Improving Spectrum Usage Through Cognitive Radio Technology," available at www.ieeeusa.org/forum/POSITIONS/cognitiveradio.html. IEEE-USA is an organizational unit of the IEEE. It was created in 1973 to advance the public good and promote the careers and public-policy interests of the more than 225,000 technology professionals who are U.S. members of the IEEE. The IEEE is the world's largest technical professional society. For more information, go to www.ieeeusa.org. IEEE-USA | Top of Page | News Releases | IEEE News | IEEE | IEEE-USA | Last Updated:
10 May 2004 |