Enabling Technologies for a Practical Wireless Communication System Operating in TV White Space

Abstract EN

This paper proposes the design of enabling technologies for practical wireless communication systems operating in the TV white space (TVWS).

The main objective of this paper is to cover a macro perspective on the system design blocks including: (a) targeted use case applications and governing regulations, (b) channelization, physical (PHY) layer and medium access control (MAC) layer designs, and (c) achievable throughput and range.

It is the intention of this paper to serve as a general guideline for designing wireless communication systems operating in TVWS.

The core system design addresses both PHY and MAC layer issues with realistic system considerations.

In the PHY layer, a channelization design that fits into the area-specific TV channels and a transceiver that enables data exchange in the TV bands are designed.

In the MAC layer, a cognitive engine that manages access to vacant TV channels and MAC functionalities that facilitate effective medium access are also proposed.

As a result, the system is capable of supporting up to a typical throughput of 80 Mbps, and a maximum number of 40 users, assuming all users performing the most bandwidth-hungry application in the use case scenario.

The corresponding operating range is found reach up to 400 m.