The electromagnetic spectrum, a range of frequencies that permeate the fabric of space, is just as valuable a resource as any on Earth. Wireless technology use continues to expand at an alarming rate. Billions of smartphones, computers, radio devices, satellites, etc. around the world tap into this invisible resource to connect disparate sections of the globe through the transmission of data.
Like any other resource, there are untapped regions that are not being utilized to their full extent. Google.org, the Internet mogul's charitable arm, is publicizing a Spectrum Database that monitors unused spectrum frequencies (a.k.a. white space) across the US. The database is undergoing a 45-day public trial with the FCC to test its validity. If all goes well, Google's spectrum database will be certified, ultimately allowing industry stakeholders and the public to utilize unoccupied frequency ranges through dynamic spectrum sharing.
Spectrum refers to the frequency ranges on which wireless devices are allowed to communicate. The entire frequency range is divided into specific bands to avoid interference between devices. An FM radio and a WiFi router would both operate within the radio frequency band. However, a radio may be tuned in to a 108MHz station, while the router operates on the standard 2.4GHz band.
As wireless connectivity continues to expand around the globe, the available spectrum becomes increasingly limited. Luckily, Google says there is plenty of open white space (about 6MHz of it).
Google's representation of available wireless spectrum in the US looks appetizing for data carriers. (Source: Google)
The database was created to promote dynamic spectrum sharing. The idea is to let interested parties search quickly for open spectrum bands in their area and take advantage of them while they're not in use by the primary owner. Multiple users, including commercial entities, the general public, and government institutions, could search for stronger, faster connections to online services, depending on the area's spectrum availability.
As of now, unlicensed TV spectrums make up most of the open frequency ranges. The FCC eventually hopes to regulate WiFi broadcast over these ranges to extend wireless Internet access to rural areas. A group that includes Hitachi Kokusai Electric and ISB Corp. has already begun building a prototype to make use of the 470-710MHz white space using the 802.22 standard. This project aims to provide wireless Internet access to areas where signal quality is poor while serving as a backup system for malfunctioning wireless access.
Anyone can access the Spectrum Database, so feel free to search for unused spectrum in your area. Google has already announced that, once the database is certified, registered devices will check for and use up available local bands automatically. Google once again is demonstrating its effort to increase global connectivity, this time by ensuring wireless Internet access is being put to good use.
Before the spectrum is under control, is there any white space pirate television lurking out there? Let me know.
FRequency useage coordination is certainly a large barrel of tangled worms, no doubt about that! Unfortunately there are a lot of people out there who want to make something wireless in order to profit, and they really have no concern over any potential damage that they would cause.
The other thing that I want the FCC and all of those others to keep in mind is that there is only so much spectrum in existance, and it is not being made any more, so once the last bit of it is filled with junk there simply won't be room for anything else. Do we really need a wireless mouse and keyboard, and a wirless link to the printer? And wireless light switches? The list goes on for a long time, things that would be better, cheaper, and more reliable if they were wired instead of wireless. Of course, those organizations selling the wireless thing would argue about that, I realize. BUT to repeat the saying, "If your only product is hammers, then everybody's problems look like nails."
William K, Bob; Cabe; Ann, Liz,... I really hesitate to comment on this, but after dealing with the FCCs of the world, U.S.A. friendly's, unfriendly's, etc. around the world for most of my life I have to stand with William.
Please let me expand somewhat on this. Design News is, in my opinion, is not the right UMB publication for this subject to be discussed. Why you ask? Because the control and use Spectrum worldwide is, to a great extent, controlled by Sovereign athority and domain. It is also my belief that although Google has spent some time and effort on this, Google has not even begun to scratch the surface of a VERY intricate international web of sophisticated and diverse rules, regulations, established international committee(s), regulators, laws and treaties.
Moreover, Google if they see fit to proceed, needs to become ONE of the proponents for this but, would be wise NOT to force control of any Spectrum. Any of you reading this out there who disagree might first talk to those serving on IEEE and other such international frequency co-ordination committees.
Cabe, any additional unregulkated bandwidth would quickly become exactly the same as the Citizens band radio service that you describe as lame. Besides that there already is more bandwidth set up for use as the "family radio service", already. Those frequencies are available to anybody who buys a radio set to use them. What we certainly do not need is something with internet bandwidth. MY point is that for those who are not technically competent enough to purchase radios from any of dozens of sellers, why should such folks be allowed to talk anyway?
And if you want to do it on your smart phone, there is always twitter, which is not really much different from the CB radio that you call lame, except that it has more modern technology.
William, I guess you answered my "as long as the technology works, why not?" question. Sounds analogous to cable internet--the more users, the worse performance gets. That explains why it's not being talked about much any more. I also see your point about wired vs wireless.
I hope the power that be open up more of the wireless spectrum to the public. CB radio is incredibly outdated. We need a CB band for open wireless communication.
Frequency hopping is only a "sort of good" idea if there are a lot of users to share those frequencies. And as soon as the number of users is equal to the number of alloted frequencies it slows down quite a bit. And when there are more users than there are frequencies things get really stupid. The fact is that there are not that many assigned frequencies, and so there will be problems, because the other thing that happens is folks raise the transmit power to improve their likelyhood of overpowering the interference, which enlarges the area where that frequency can't be used by others. Sort of like at a party where some folks talk louder to be heard over the others talking louder to be heard. See what I mean?
A MUCH better choice would have been for the FCC to issue liceses and restrict the number assigned to each frequency set. Better yet, the FCC should refuse to allow those devices that are just for making short wireless connections. Using wires does not use up spectrum. Less convenient, but cheaper as well.
Frequency-hopping is not a new idea; I remember writing about it ages ago, when there was a lot more "white space" available. As long as the technology works, why not? I agree, the fallout will be very interesting.
I'd think the International Telecommunications Union would get a little testy trying to deal with the concept of frequency-agile equipment capable of jumping bands. And of course our own FCC may feel a little threatened having civilians question their frequency-band re-allocations. I expect there to be some interesting fallout from the data provided.
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