The SMTA training service offers training and skills development courses to meet the needs of radiocommunication professionals. The courses are designed by industry experts with long standing work experience. Each course is delivered by skilled trainers. The SMTA training catalog currently lists two separate courses:
Be aware that it can be time consuming to obtain a visa to travel to our training location in the Netherlands
Click on the link for more detailed information about the specific course. Courses are available either online or in-person. SMTA also provides customised in-house training or workshops. For enquiries, please contact Spectrum Monitoring Technology Advisors in the Netherlands: +31356917788 or +31636226038. E-mail: training@spectrummonitoring.com. References provided upon request.
Why choose SMTA for your training needs?
Independent: we are not related to any hardware, software or solution vendor
Experienced: our trainers used to work in spectrum monitoring departments
Flexible: either we travel to you, or you visit us in the Netherlands
Course: Spectrum Monitoring, Measurements and Techniques
Spectrum Monitoring is, besides Spectrum Planning and Licensing, one of the key elements in spectrum management process. Monitoring is not only solving interference problems but also tasked with for instance:
Checking license parameters, e.g. field strength and bandwidth (remote inspection)
Comparing predicted and measured values
Identifying illegal use
Supporting preparation for WRC
Quick overview of the spectrum
Refarming
Detecting White Spaces, etc
Frequency Planning and Licensing provide the theoretical (calculated) occupancy. Monitoring provides the real (automatically or manual measured) occupancy. The smaller the difference between theoretical and real occupancy, the better the quality of the overall spectrum management process.
The Spectrum Monitoring Technology Advisors (SMTA) spectrum monitoring learning course is based on the latest ITU-R and CEPT Recommendations, Reports and Handbooks and gives an introduction into the most common spectrum monitoring measurement techniques. All teachers are experienced monitoring engineers, have also fulfilled jobs in the management of the monitoring department and participated in ITU-R Study group 1 as well as in CEPT working groups and project teams.
Currently SMTA offers two course delivery models depending on your specific requirements:
Target Audience:
Individual professionals
Contents:
See modules description below
Date:
Tuesday 16 April - Friday 19 April 2024
Course length:
4 days
Location:
Bussum city, the Netherlands
Fee:
€1,920 (includes USB-stick with all modules in PDF format, daily Dutch-style lunch)
For more information, please contact Spectrum Monitoring Technology Advisors B.V. in the Netherlands: +31356917788 or +31636226038. E-mail: training@spectrummonitoring.com. References provided upon request.
Training Module T1: Introduction to Spectrum Monitoring
This module gives information on the telecom environment on a global (ITU), regional (CEPT, APT etc.) and national level, their structure and study groups, working groups and project teams. Where to find and how to use the different recommendations, reports, etc.
Radio Telecom Environment
Global, Regional, National
International Telecommunications Union (ITU)
ITU-R WRC's
ITU-R Study Groups
ITU-R Spectrum Monitoring Handbook(s)
ITU-R SG1 WP1C Mailing lists - FTP server
CEPT
Structure of ECC
CEPT ECC WGFM PT 22 (FM22 - European Monitoring Group)
APT, ATU, CITEL
ETSI
Actual items in international forums, e.g. Digital Dividend 1-2-3, International Space Monitoring, Cognitive radio, 5G, IoT, WiFi (offload 3G/4G), Mobile Data Collection
Outcome WRC 2015, WRC 2019, agenda WRC 2023
Training Module T2: Manual Monitoring
There is still a need to develop skills in manual monitoring, identify stations and log the transmitter parameters using the ITU classification of emissions. Information from manual and automatic monitoring can be combined (see plot below) to increase the quality of the output.
Radio Regulations
Manual monitoring
Identification (+software)
RR. APP1, Classification of emission
Results of Manual Monitoring
Using ITU-R SM.1393 Common formats for the exchange of information between monitoring stations
Using ECC(02)03 Exchange of radio monitoring information using electronic means in common monitoring campaigns
Countries contributing to the IMS
Manual Monitoring combined with Automatic Monitoring
Some practical examples
IARU database
Training Module T3: Monitoring in the Spectrum Management Process
Frequency Planning, Frequency Licensing and Spectrum Monitoring are key elements in the spectrum management process. The role of Monitoring is to support this process in order to realise a useable and interference free spectrum.
Key elements in Spectrum Management
Spectrum Management definitions
Monitoring Stations
Monitoring Department
Relations in Spectrum Management
Monitoring of the Spectrum
Monitoring tasks and techniques
Changing role of Regulatory Authority
Monitoring definitions
Discussion with customers
Responsibilities
Spectrum management cycle
ECC Report 130
Need for Effective Monitoring
Why Spectrum managers should listen to Monitoring
Training Module T4: Inspection of Stations from a Monitoring Perspective
Approximately 90% of all transmitter problems are caused by exceeding power or bandwidth limits. Monitoring can perform many (automatic) measurements to support inspection and enforcement. Automatic comparison of measured and predicted field strength is very easy in a lot of frequency bands.
Inspections in Europe (ECC Report 130)
Antenna Patterns
Different Types of Inspection
Conformity Check
Technical Parameters to be measured
Remote/on Site
Reasons or Triggers of Inspection
Pre-start Inspections
Pre-announced inspections
License exempt
Position in the Organisation
Remote Inspections using ITU-R SM.1809 / 1880
Comparison of measured with calculated values
Inspection using helicopter
Antenna Radiation Pattern with a Drone (2021)
Advantages of Measuring "in the air"
Training Module T5: Simple Frequency Channel Occupancy Measurements
This module gives general information on most types of Frequency Occupancy Measurements (FCO), not to be confused with Frequency Band Occupancy measurements. It contains information from ITU-R SM.1880, the old ITU-R SM.1536 and Handbooks 2002 and 2010. In many countries the measurement principles are more or less the same, however, the way of presenting results is often very different. This part ends with a lot of real-life examples showing how channel occupancy is presented in different countries.
General Considerations
Reasons for FCO
Important parameters:
Threshold level, dynamic, pre-defined
Occupancy
Measurement time
Observation time
Re-visit time (systematic measurements)
Length of expected transmissions
Duration of monitoring
Resolution of measurements
Occupied bandwidth of expected spectra
Size of filter
Accuracy
Erlang/Busy hour
Different FCO Methods
Continuous
Short, medium, long interval
Dependent and independent
Systematic
Monte Carlo (Random)
Dependent and Independent sampling
Site Considerations
Undesired signals
Limitations on Monitoring
ITU Handbook 4.10
Examples of displaying data
Training Module T6: Spectrum Control using Automatic FBO Measurements
Frequency Band Occupancy measurements can relatively easy and cheap be performed at monitoring stations. Let a receiver or spectrum analyzer run automatically according to a pre defined schedule, for instance every 24 hours a certain frequency band. By doing this a lot of information will be available on signal levels, occupancy etc. By repeating such measurements regularly it makes it possible to determine historical trends on spectrum usage. Developments: daily measurements 20 MHz - 6 GHz.
Spectrum Management
Spectrum Monitoring
Frequency Band Occupancy measurements (FBO)
Rec. ITU-R SM 1809 and ECC(05)01
File details
Process
Data collection
Results
Signal to Noise ratio
Relation filter and step size
Measuring schedule
FBO results, comparison with theory
FBO measuring configuration
Developments
Summary
References
Training Module T7: Frequency Channel Occupancy Measurements
Tests show that an increase in re-visiting time to a certain level hardly influences the accuracy. This means that by increasing the number of channels and with relatively simple equipment monitoring can provide frequency channel occupancy information on a lot of channels. The ITU-R SM.1809 frequency band occupancy measurements can be applied, not only displaying results of frequency band measurements, but also the channel occupancy can be retrieved automatically very easily. Plots show occupancy caused by different users on one channel.
Frequency channel and band measurements
Reasons for FCO
Measurement methods
Continuous
Systematic
Monte Carlo
Important parameters
Philosophy
Increase of re-visit time
Data collection using ITU SM.1809
Process measured field strength
Occupancy in:
color plot
table
HF bands
Occupancy verses availability
Demo presentation aeronautical bands, 4 years, 5 measurements including trends
Demo FCO/website
Training Module T8: Introduction to Satellites
To monitor signals from satellites we need special space monitoring stations. Though there are relatively few space monitoring stations in the world, SMTA offers also a spectrum monitoring training module on this subject which gives an introduction to satellites and the deployed frequency bands.
General/background/history
MEO, LEO, GEO, HEO
Different orbits
Elliptical, Circular and Polar Orbit
Satcom 2000 in Polar Orbit
Globalstar, Thuraya
Footprint, Global Beam and Multi Beam
Satellite Diversity Reception
Round Trip Time
Satellite frequency bands
Radio Navigation Satellite Service
Compass
GPS
QZss
GLONAS
Gallileo
IRNNS
Frequency Use RNSS
ENVISAT (ESA)
COSPAS SARSAT
INMARSAT
Iridium
Advantages of Satellite Communications
ITU-R Space Service Department
International Space Monitoring
Motivation for Space Radio Monitoring
Task of a Space Monitoring Station
Growing importance of Space Monitoring
Satellite Facilities over the World
Interferences caused by satellites
Spectrum of a satellite
Interferences caused by satellites
Interference geolocation TDOA + FDOA
Spacex 1200 satellites internet from space
Amazon satellites to provide internet
ITU International Satellite Symposium
Training Module T9: Modern or Smart Monitoring Process (R.A.A.P.)
Monitoring is more than performing measurements, manually or automatically. Smart Monitoring offers a modern tool for collecting facts. Therefore it is important that monitoring is accepted as a vital part in the process of Spectrum Management and could for instance be divided in 4 steps: 1) Recording of the spectrum, 2) Archiving the data, 3) Analysing the information, and 4) Presentation of the results (e.g. on a website).
Different approaches in Europe (ECC Report 130)
Various reasons to Monitor the Spectrum
Conformity with the rules
Conformity with the Policy
Observe-Analyse-Intervene (or not)
R.A.A.P. process
Recording
Archiving
Analysing
Presenting
Training Module T10: Smart and Delta Monitoring
Enhance the monitoring results by (automatically) comparing measured values with those of existing databases (e.g. from planning and licensing). Repeating measurements in the same frequency bands enables monitoring to determine historical trends in spectrum usage.
Modern monitoring in FM BC smart monitoring.
Modern monitoring in FM BC delta monitoring.
Modern monitoring Availability of information
Data collection
Special Analyses in FM BC
Comparison of measured and calculated field strength
Simulation of spectrum mask measurements
Historical Trends
Automatic detection of Illegal Stations
Delta Monitoring
Examples of Δtime and Δlocation, e.g.:
1805-1880 MHz GSM1800 > LTE1800 refarming
925-960 MHz GSM900 > UMTS900 > LTE900 refarming
790-862 MHz allocation to the Mobile Service on a Primary basis in ITU Region 1
Training Module T11: Automatic Detection of Illegal (Broadcast) Stations
Exceeding of permitted power can easily be determined by automatic comparison of predicted and measured values. In addition to that, it is possible to detect illegal stations for instance in the FMBC band. Spectrum Monitoring Technology Advisors developed software for the entire range from 87.5 to 108 MHz. The in Matlab written software is based on the difference in received level during the day.
History of illegal broadcast
Illegal use of MF, HF, VHF
Interferences caused by illegal BC
Products from illegal BC
Number of illegal stations in The Netherlands
Prosecution policy in The Netherlands
Trends in illegal (FMBC) use
Measured exceeding of predicted values
Measured illegal use from RM stations
Interference caused by different stations (time, level)
Automatic detection of illegal use
Examples of FM pirate stations
Illegal FM/DAB use in other countries
Demo
Training Module T12: Propagation of Radio Waves
Monitoring engineers should have some knowledge of propagation of radio waves. The SMTA training course contains a comprehensive propagation module. The level of this module can be tuned to the background knowledge of your monitoring staff.
Frequency/Wavelength
Radio waves and their primary mode of propagation
Relationship of the atmosphere and ionosphere
D, E and F layer
Different Types of Propagation
HF, Sky wave Propagation
Electrical and magnetic fields
Sunspot numbers
Propagation models
Polarisation
Line of sight (LOS)
Free Space Loss
Reflections Multipath
Doppler effect
Fresnel zone
Diffraction
Importance of Frequency Selection
Evaporation Ducts in the Atmosphere
Propagation Loss due to Atmospheric Absorption / Attenuation
Training Module T13: FM Broadcast Measurements
FM broadcasting is still very popular and it will remain for a number of years to come. The FMBC signal is rather complex. In this module a lot of techniques from previous modules are applied, such as smart and delta monitoring, comparing automatically measured and predicted field strength etc. Also frequency band occupancy measurements are used to collect data and present detailed information on FMBC. Furthermore, the baseband signal is studied and, for instance, the results from audio processing on the spectrum shape. This module contains a lot of examples of real-life measurements.
FM Modulation principle
FM Modulation index
Bessel function
Carlson's rule
FM baseband signal
Pre-emphasis and de-emphasis
FM stereo
Other subcarrier signals
SCA
RDS Radio Data System (EN50067)
RDS2 or XDS2
DARC
STIC
HSDS (Seiko)
FMextra
IBOC HD Radio
Audio filtering and RDS levels
Protection Ratio ITU-R BS-412
SM 1268 Spectrum Mask measurements
SM 1268 deviation measurements
Levels of audio processing
Examples of measurements
FMBC measurement equipment
Successor of FMBC in band II
Government Policy DAB+, FM Switch-Off
Low Power FMBC
Training Module T14: Interferences
Preventing and solving interferences is a very important, but not the only, monitoring task. This training module starts with some general information, such as for instance ITU definitions, harmonics, IM products followed by a lot of practical examples of interference problems in many countries retrieved from CEPT FM22 and ITU-R meetings and documents.
Unwanted Emissions in the Spurious domain
definitions
Harmonics
Intermodulation
Spurious
Intermodulation FM BC in aero bands
Passive Intermodulation (PIM)
Spurious from Radar on WLL 3.5 GHz
Interference on weather radar by RLAN 5 GHz
Check DFS of RLAN works correctly
Speed trap radar detectors
WIFI/RLAN (France, Netherlands Germany)
WIFI Analysers
Satellite interferences / GNSS jammers
Iridium Satellites into RAS band
GPS Interferences 1559-1610 MHz
GNSS jammers 1575,422 MHz
Power Line Communications (PLC)
Analogue/Digital TV
Wind turbines on radar
Interference from UMTS on DVB-T (ECC Report 138)
Interference from LTE on DVB-T
Interference from LTE on Cable TV / DVB-C
Plasma Screens on MF and HF
Portable LTE jammer 725 - 779 MHz
Interference from LTE on WLAN v.v.
DECT 6 Interference on UMTS 1920 - 1940 MHz
GNSS jammers
HDMI to uplink GSM
LED video walls
OTH radar
Interference handling using drones
Interference cases in the CEPT
Illegal use in CEPT 2014-2019
FM22 Questionnaire on LTE and DVB-T/T2
Interferences to EESS in 1400 - 1427 MHz
Roll out LTE 1474.5 MHz (SDL) causing interference to RNSS
Interference by Solar Power inverters
Interference caused by Remote Central locking System Mainly 1720-1725 MHz
5G interference to aero altimeter radar 4000-4200 MHz
Animal trackers
Training Module T15: WiFi, RLANs, etc. in 700 MHz and 2.4/5.8/60 GHz
The band 2400 - 2483.5 MHz is allocated to ISM but also a lot of other users are active in this frequency band. WiFi RLANs cause rather high occupancy in this frequency band. In most countries these RLANs are license exempt. RLANs however also have to fulfill certain conditions. In a lot of countries there are serious problems with these systems. The 5 GHz RLANs are becoming more and more popular because the 5 GHz band is not as heavily occupied as the 2.4 GHz band. A lot of new IEEE 802.11 standards for frequency ranges up to 60 GHz were developed recently. Manufactures are working on new RLANs integrated with 3G and 4G. About 75% of all mobile data traffic is running via WiFi. It is considered as a possible "offload" from 3G/4G traffic. That's why we see a fast development in new WiFi systems and used frequency ranges. There are also developments in systems like Bluetooth, Zigbee etc.
ITU RR Allocation of 2.4 GHz
ITU RR ISM frequency bands
Wireless Networks
Use of Frequency Band ISM 2400 – 2483.5 MHz
RLAN Technologies below 10 GHz, Overview . 802.--
IEEE 802.11 WIFI/RLAN Standards
2.4 GHz RLAN Channels
RLAN IEEE 802.11b and 11g Standard Overlap in Channels
WIFI/RLAN 2.4 GHz measurements
IEEE 802.11a 5GHz WLAN
Coverage Comparison 802.11.a and 802.11b
WIFI/RLAN 2.4 GHz versus 5 GHz
IEEE 802.11n 5GHz WLAN
IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n data rates, Mbps
WIFI/RLAN 2.4 GHz Occupancy (UK)
Illegal High power WiFi
Increase of Operating Distance Using Directional Antenna
Maximum power of RLANs in 5GHz
Bluetooth IEEE 802.15.1
New Functions in Bluetooth V. 5
Bluetooth and Competing Techniques
2.4 GHz Zigbee IEEE 802.15.4
2.4 GHz Zigbee, WiFi and Bluetooth
Use of ISM Frequency Band 2400 – 2483.5 MHz by BT, Zigbee and WIFI
Bluetooth-WIFI-WIMAX-3GPP
Comparison of Mobile Internet acces methods
ECC WIFI Questionnaire 2.4 GHz interferences
WIFI Bands around the World
New Wi-Fi bands in USA
IEEE 802.11 ac in 5GHz "Gigabit WIFI"
IEEE 802.11 af "White FI"
IEEE 802.11 ad 4 Channels in 60 GHz
IEEE 802.11 ay in 60GHz
60GHz Spectrum Allocation Worldwide
IEEE 802.11 aj in 45 GHz (China)
IEEE 802.11 AH Halow < 1 GHz
IEEE 802.11 BE EHT WiFi 7?
The Evolution of WIFI
Coverage in WIFI 802.11b - 802.11ax
City beacons
WIFI Bands around the World
Identifying Wi-Fi Device Technology
WiFi5 versus WiFi 6
MU-MIMO and OFDMA in WiFi6
Netstumbler-inSSID
Sniffers-Analysers
Hotspot / Community Hotspot
WIFI increased speed 1997-2013
WIFI Tracking
Download speed WiFi versus 4G
WIFI during Corona in US
WIFI Mesh Network
Training Module T16: Introduction to RADAR
WRC 03 allocated some additional services to the Radiolocation frequency bands. This sharing results in interference problems. This training module gives information on Radar principles, Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) and activities in ITU-R Study groups and a lot of Radar spectra which makes it easier for monitoring staff to recognise and analyse these Radar transmissions.
ITU RR definitions
ITU allocation to Radiolocation
Frequency Sharing in Radiolocation Bands
Radar principle
Rotating antenna pattern
Plan Position Indicator (PPI)
Determination of direction
Duplexer
Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF)
Pulse shape
Unambiguous Range
Different Types/Frequencies
Air Traffic Control Radar
Primary and Secondary Surveillance Radar
Weather Radar Change in elevation
Discriminating from other Radar
RLAN Interference on 5 GHz Radar
Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS)
Examples of spectra of different types of Radar
Over The Horizon Radar
Training Module T17: Introduction to Statistical Analysis
Spectrum Monitoring is not only measuring but also converting the measurement results into information, understandable for our customers. As most measurements are performed automatically this can result in a huge amount of data and we have to apply statistics to keep it readable.
Data collection
Conversion
Terms and definitions
Example common used plots like:
bar plot
sum frequency polygon
histogram
Circle/pie diagram
frequency polygon
box plot
Centre values
Mean
Modus
Median
Spread values
Range
Quartile
Variance
Standard deviation
Practical Applications
Training Module T18: Cellular Networks
This part of the SMTA training course deals with a combination of different digital communication systems. It gives a short overview on the developments from 0G to 5G, but is focused on 4G LTE, LTE Advanced and LTE-A-Pro (4.5G) including information on new antenna techniques, such as MIMO, beam forming, Carrier Agregation. There are also examples of refarming of the 900 and 1800 MHz bands (including real-life measurement examples). This module also contains info on LTE in unlicensed bands (LTE-U) and a lot of other developments. LTE and WiFi will probably integrate more and more.
Developments in Technologies (generations)0G, 1G, 2G, 3G, 3.5G, 4G
3GPP(2)
3GPP UMTS LTE Releases
Refarming 900/1800 MHz bands (e.g. GSM900 to UMTS900 or LTE900)
Data rate per system
Data rate versus mobility
Communications Standards
LTE TDD and FDD UL/DL
OFDM(A) DL
OFDM time and frequency multiplexing
Multipath in OFDM, guard interval
LTE down link spectrum
LTE coverage in different frequency ranges
LTE, Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, Freq. Bands
LTE-A (3GPP Rel. 10) Carrier Aggregation
Measurement examples of C.A.
Carrier Aggregation, Improvement in DL
Supplemented Downlink (SDL)
LTE-U License Assisted Access
Beamforming
LTE Categories
From SISO to MIMO
Global Mobile Data Traffic Forecast by Region
T-Mobile 4G networks in Germany
HSPA and LTE Evolution
2G-5G versus WLAN
Time line for of cellular generations
The Path to 5G
Evaluation of Mobile Communications Multiple Access Technologies
LTE-A-Pro Stepping Stone to 5G?
WiFi/LTE Integration
WiFi/LTE Capacity of Batteries
Training Module T19: Short Range Devices
Short Range Devices are small devices with a large impact. The types and number of Short Range devices is increasing. In CEPT the permanent SRD/ Maintenance Group is following the developments and is determining the technical requirements, which can be found back in ECC Report 70. In this module some general aspects of SRD&s are explained and it ends with results of measurements in the 863-870 MHz.
WRC-12 Agenda item 1.22
ECC Report 70 and its 13 Annexes
ITU-R WP1C SRD Measurements
ITU-R WP1C PDNR on SRD Sept. 2010
Relation between SRD monitoring and other monitoring operations
Mobile monitoring set up
Frequency Plan 863-870 MHz
Field strength versus distance (free space and att. 20dB)
Spectrum registration 863-870 MHz typical RFID populated area
Training Module T20: Digital Broadcasting Systems
In all frequency ranges new digital broadcasting systems gradually replace analogue systems. In the MW and HF frequency range DRM is not very successful so far. DAB is available in a number of countries and DTT is already on air in a lot of countries and in the near future all analogue systems will be replaced by DTT systems, such as DVB-T and DVB-T2. The big difference in protection ratio between analogue and DVB-T explains an advantage to the transition.
DRM, DRM+, DRM120
DRM transmissions HF and MF
DRM+ implementation FM band
DAB Modes
DAB principles, interferences
DAB OFDM characteristics
DAB Channel 12 Measurements
DAB/DAB+ around the world
DAB channel 12 measurements
DAB+, benefits
DAB+ SDR measurements
Sound Quality of DAB(+) versus FMBC
DMB in relation with DAB, DAB+
DMB around the world
DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-T lite
GE(06)
Analogue Switch-Off (ASO)
Digital television standards around the world
DVB-T GE06 Spectrum Mask
DVB-T versus DVB-T2
DVB-T transition period measurements
FMextra and IBOC HD Radio
Training Module T21: Digital Dividend 1, 2 and 3
After implementation of DVB-T (GE-06) and switch-off of Analogue TV there is frequency space available because of more efficient use of the spectrum by digital TV. These new space in frequency bands, as result of more efficient use, is indicated as Digital Dividend. WRC 2015 indicated also other TV frequency bands to be cleared.
EU Radio Spectrum Policy Group
Protection ratio analogue and digital television
Benefit Digital Dividend in Europe and USA
Propagation characteristics of the spectrum
LTE FDD and TDD
2nd Digital Dividend (DD2)
Reduction in Spectrum Consumption
Why UHF?
White Spaces
Long term vision on UHF BC band, 3rd DD
PMSE studies
4G networks
LTE use in DD band Germany
4G network rollout in The Netherlands
CEPT Reports on DD
References
Training Module T22: New Wireless Systems, Techniques and Developments
This module contains an overview of all kind of recently developed new techniques and systems using the radio frequency spectrum, including the frequency used bands.
High Altitude Platforms (HAPs)
Google HAP Balloon above Puerto Rico
Site Audits via Remotely Piloted Aircraft
RF measurements with drones up to 110 GHz
Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)
Frequency bands used by Automotive Radar
Example of 77 GHz Automotive Transmission
ITS and W RC2019
3GPP eCall System Overview
GSM on board aircraft
WiFi Internet Connection on Board Aircraft (High Speed 4G Internet)
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast
Fake Cell Towers on Planes
Police Jamming Vehicle
3GPP Rel.15 and Drones
Drone served by LTE Network
LIFI
Wireless Power Transfer (WPT)
SpaceX, Amazon, Oneweb satellites
Training Module T23: General Spectrum Monitoring Items
This presentation contains a lot of spectrum monitoring related items on different levels with a limited number of slides per item, varying from Ohm's Law to Dynamic Frequency Selection (in for instance the 5 GHz radar frequency band) and White Spaces. On request a lot of these items could be expanded to more complete training modules.
RR Definitions
ECC Report 138 definitions
Ohm's Law
Electrical Power
Large Figures
Construction of a Sinus
Voltage: Vpeak, Vpeak/peak, Vrms
Networks (configuration)
Equipment properties
Signal to Noise ratio
Detector of a spectrum analyser
Superheterodyne receiver/analyser
Filters
Selectivity
Dynamic range
Down Tilt of Antenna
Down Tilt Coverage
Frequency and time domain
Trunked Radio Systems
Diversity reception
MIMO (SISO, SIMO,MOSI)
Channel Bonding in WIFI bands
Ambient and Natural Noise
Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS)
Bluetooth
Development in Communications
White Spaces
Special Events
Supplemented Downlink
DECT 1880 - 1900 MHz
Training Module T24: Experimental Processing
New communication systems appear and new measurement methods should be developed. It takes time for manufactures to come with new equipment and/or software. Monitoring organizations should be able to develop their own software for a lot of items. For instance detecting of White Spaces. What measuring method should be used and what parameters should be applied to detect these?
Reliability of new measurement methods
Occupancy independent from level
Occupancy verses availability
Dynamic threshold level
Detection of White spaces
Statistical distribution of gaps
Statistical distribution of transmission length
Classes of occupancy
Propagation factor
Sampling over time
Histogram (double)
Detailed analyses of occupancy data
Comparing different Antennas, same receiver
Comparing Different (time) Measurements
Data reduction
Occupancy 5G 778 - 788 MHz
Training Module T25: Cognitive Radio (CR) and TV White Spaces (TVWS)
To share freed TV bands with incumbent users, Cognitive Radio can be used to detect white spaces and make use of geolocation databases to determine whether other services can use these empty places in the spectrum. If channels are unused this does not mean that these channels are available.
Digital Dividend and White Spaces
Cognitive Radio
ITU Definition Cognitive Radio System (CRS)
White Space CEPT Report 24
White Space Technologies
White Space during Euro Songfestival 2011
PMSE Applications
Methods to get knowledge of Spectrum use
Incumbent radio service/system
COGEU Third Way Opportunity
COGEU Measurement Campaign in Munich
Spectrum Allocation after DSO in UK
White Space Definition
Hidden Node Problem
White-Fi IEEE 802.11af
USA TVWS Database
Spectrum Access in Future
Training Module T26: 5G and 5G related information
After 3G and 4G/LTE, LTE-A and LTE-PRO, the 3GPP 5th Generation in cellular systems (5G-NR) is being deployed. A number of 4G enhancements are used to increase the throughput from 5G. In several organizations 5G tests are running and the first commercial service has been launched in the US on October 1st, 2018.
5G Technology Requirements
Increasing Data Speed in 5G
5G Spectrum Considerations
Expected Timeline of Evolution to 5G
LTE, LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, 5G
Comparison 4G/LTE and 5G techniques
5G Infrastructure to Support Ultra High Data Rate
Beamforming in 5G
5G Waveforms
Mobile Communications Multiple Access Technology
Concept of OFDM
5G CP-OFDM
5G NR Radio Design
Global Status October 2017
Stand Alone (SA) and Non-Stand-Alone (NSA)
Spectrum Available for Broadband now and in the future (<6 GHz (Fr1))
Candidate 5G Frequency bands
3GPP New Frequency Bands in Fr1 and Fr2
Meeting future Spectrum demand
5G Test 3.7 GHz KSA June 2018
Latency/Delay
Bandwidth and Carrier Aggregation
Network Slicing
Dual Connectivity
Carrier Aggregation (CA) and Dual Connectivity (DC)
Battery life increases using C-DRX
Channel Bandwidth in 5G Fr1 and Fr2
Summary of 5G Applications
Footprint 4G versus 5G
RF Trends towards 5G
Switch-off 2G and 3G
UK O2 Launched 5G network on 17 October 2019
Dynamic Spectrum Sharing
Most Popular 5G Frequency bands, Capacity - Coverage
5G Median and Maximum Download Speeds (Mbps) UK January 2020
Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS)
Requirements for 6G Wireless Technology
Comparing 5G and 6G Characteristics
5G in 780 MHz in the Netherlands
5G in 2100 MHz in Belgium (June 2020)
Summary 5G
Comparison 4G and 5G Spectra in The Netherlands
6G developments
Training Module T27: The Internet of Things (IoT/M2M)
The term IoT encompasses everything connected to the internet, but it is increasingly being used to define objects that "talk" to each other. Simply, the Internet of Things is made up of devices -from simple sensors to smartphones and wearables- connected together. By combining these connected devices with automated systems, it is possible to "gather information, analyse it and create an action" to help someone with a particular task, or learn from a process.
IoT and M2M
Basic IoT configuration
ISM / unlicensed frequency bands
Short Range (IoT) Wireless Technologies
Lorawan, Sigfox and other new systems
Wifi and IoT, HAYLOW
Integration WiFi in Cellular neworks incl. 5G
Narrow-Band IoT examples (R&S, Ericsson)
Narrow-Band IoT in LTE
NB-IoT or LTE Cat-NB1 or LTE- M2
Summary eMTC, NB-IoT, LTE-2
NB-IoT example measurements LTE guard band 920-960 MHz and 790-862 MHz in The Netherlands and Czech Republic
Overview of Technologies for LPWA IoT
IoT Data Rate versus Range
IoT Power consumption versus range
NB-IoT frequency ranges
Terahertz and beyond 100 GHz progress
IoT Technology Comparison
Training Module T28: Mobile Data Collection (MDC)
There are several methods to conduct measurements while driving a (monitoring) vehicle. Using Rec. ITU-R SM1708 is one of them. An other method, which is described in this module, is to equip several (20?) monitoring and other vehicles with equipment which is continuous measuring a certain frequency range, e.g. 20 MHz - 6 GHz. It starts automatically as soon as the vehicle starts to drive and ends when the vehicle stops. The results are automatically send to a central point (monitoring station) and will be processed automatically. It enables monitoring services to collect and display a lot of spectrum occupancy information with very limited human labor.
For more information, please contact Spectrum Monitoring Technology Advisors B.V. in the Netherlands: +31356917788 or +31636226038. E-mail: training@spectrummonitoring.com. References provided upon request.
Training Module S1: SDR Basics
SDR Basics is a one day beginners course aimed at monitoring and enforcement personnel. The training consists of a theoretical and a hands-on part.
SDR in a regulatory context
Definitions
AD and DA conversion
SDR architecture
SDR receiver measurements
The hands-on part is arranged around DragonOS and a Pluto SDR radio. The software for the practical part as well as the radio will be supplied during the training. A linux or windows laptop able to boot from a USB stick is required to run the DragonOS operating system and has to be provided by the participant. The minimum requirements for the laptop will be provided.
DragonOS operating system
Pluto firmware updates
GQRX, receiver basics
URH
GNU radio, demo of GSM capture and construction of receivers and transmitters
Alternative firmware
Training Module S2: Signal Analysis Basics
Signal analysis basics is a 1.5 day beginners course aimed at monitoring and enforcement personnel covering basic signal analysis principles and basic signal properties.
Introduction and modulation basics
Receiving systems
Basic parameter measurements
SIGINT database and Probability of intercept
Transients and drift
Pulsed signals
Swept signals
Noise and noise like signals
Masking and hiding
Natural phenomena and EMC related signals
Classification (demodulation and decoding)
Recording
Training Module S3: Field Strength Measurements
Fieldstrength measurements is an introductory training aimed at spectrum monitoring specialists and gives an overview of methods and associated topic related to EM fieldstrength measurements.
Reasons to measure field strength
Field definition
Near field and far field
Simple field strength measurement, basic principles and elements of a field strength measurement system including calibration
Measurements in the far field
Measurements in the near field
Specific measurement conditions
Relate field strength to e.i.r.p. en ERP
Commercial equipment
Training Module S4: Measurement Uncertainty
Measurement uncertainty is a short introduction to the use of uncertainty in HF measurements. After this training the participants are able to perform a calculation to establish the measurement uncertainty of their own measurement setup.
What is measurement uncertainty and why is it important
Uncertainty and probability in measurements
Sources of uncertainty and how to read an instrument specification
Uncertainty calculations
Reasonable uncertainty requirements, uncertainty testing, round robin tests
Use of ECC recommendation (17)01, UKAS M3003 and EA-4/16 G:2003
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