Technical Panel: Dynamic Spectrum Sharing in a Tactical Environment

Description

The objective of the Spectrum Aware Tactical Radio (SATR) Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) program is to maximize the use/reuse of limited spectrum, allow for spectrum sharing, seamlessly migrate wireless networks to better spectrum, and reduce operator workload. Environmental spectrum sensing, propagation modeling, spectrum management tools, and over-the-air control mechanisms are being implemented and integrated as software upgrades to the existing Army Program of Record (PoR) products for rapid transition to the user.    

In Phase 1, the SATR DSA program implemented and demonstrated core functionality such as organic spectrum sensing in the waveform, seamless frequency change with no packet loss, DSA policy creation, and the DSA logic engine of the Spectrum Access System.

The SATR DSA program has successfully entered Phase 2 demonstrating how spectrum agility can be introduced to the brigade networks. SATR DSA has conducted studies to minimize control traffic impact on the lower echelon networks with limited bandwidth.    

In addition to addressing the technical solution, the SATR DSA program is addressing user requirements, CONOPS development, DSA policy and rule development, transition planning, and the ability to extend this DSA solution to additional waveforms.    

Critical to success, the SATR DSA program has a close working relationship with the TRADOC Capability Manager – Tactical Radios (TCM-TR), Product Manager Waveforms (PdM WF), and the Army Spectrum Management Office (ASMO).   

This panel will discuss the challenges of bringing DSA to the tactical theater; the adaptation of a mature commercial SAS to be used as the brigade spectrum arbitrator; the role of a human operator (e.g., the S6) in the automation of frequency changes such that frequency changes do not violate the mission needs; how to turn lower echelon waveforms into SATR DSA capable waveforms and how SRW is modified to become a SATR DSA capable waveform with spectrum sensing capabilities; and how SATR DSA capabilities can be gradually added to the brigade.   

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