With more and more technologies going wireless, there is a growing need to utilize the finite spectrum resource more efficiently. In densely populated areas, this need takes on even greater urgency. For its part, Cambridge, England-based CRFS (www.crfs.com) is addressing this challenge through the launch of its RFeye real-time spectrum monitoring and white-space tracking network (see figure).
RFeye provides spectrum usage and occupancy data across all frequencies to 6 GHz. In doing so, it enables dynamic allocation and the efficient use of spectrum. The working premise is that slices of spare spectrum capacitywhether in unlicensed white-space bands or existing under-utilized licensed bandscan be "recycled" for use in wireless applications. RFeye was initially trialled in Cambridge. CRFS will be rolling out a larger network in London, England this summer (coinciding with the 2012 Olympic Games, along with other high-profile events).
In addition to identifying spare capacity, the network will detect suspicious or unauthorized signals and interferencethe source of which can then be located and investigated using well-established triangulation techniques. It is hoped that the network will be able to provide useful information to London authorities both before and during public events .