Press release

CRFS completes first ever automated multi-vehicle spectrum monitoring for Ofcom

Cambridge, England, 11 May, 2009 – CRFS, the developer and manufacturer of innovative RFeye real-time spectral monitoring and management tools, has completed a project to generate a detailed spectrum survey of the UK for Ofcom, the UK telecommunications regulator.

CRFS equipped a fleet of vehicles to build a detailed picture of radio spectrum use in key frequency bands (100 MHz to 5 GHz) across the UK, whilst the vehicles travelled about their normal business. The project used the RFeye distributed real-time spectral analysis system, designed by CRFS for the purpose of mobile and fixed location spectrum monitoring. Data was analysed by sophisticated data analysis tools to provide a detailed breakdown of spectrum utilisation across the country. During the five month test campaign. more than 4.2 million individual spectrum measurements were collected, and the total distance covered by the vehicles was in excess of 65,000 km.

William Webb, Head of Research and Development at Ofcom, said:

“One of Ofcom’s key objectives is to ensure the most efficient use of spectrum in the UK. To realise this aim, we need the best information on current levels of spectrum use, across all the key frequency bands. This survey has provided us with an insight into spectrum use over a wide geographical area. Ofcom will now evaluate the results of this survey and assess how it can be used in future spectrum allocation.”

RFeye is a fully integrated frequency monitoring and management system, based around low cost, broadband, intelligent, GPS-equipped real-time RFeye spectrum analyser nodes coupled to sophisticated data management and analysis tools. Analysis of the data collected allows easy visualisation of spectral power and spatial utilisation at any given frequency, allowing the user to formulate a clear view of spectral usage on a country-wide basis or at any desired level of resolution. Applications for RFeye systems include interference detection, spectrum usage mapping, license enforcement, identification and location of illegal transmissions, border monitoring and spectrum clearance.

Alistair Massarella, CEO of CRFS, said:

“This project has proved that mobile spectrum monitoring is feasible, cost effective and can provide regulators and other spectrum stakeholders with unparalleled visibility of spectrum utilisation over wide geographical areas. The concept of using low-cost, robust, yet highly capable monitoring nodes collecting large amounts of data without the need for skilled personnel at the point of collection enables a picture of spectrum usage to be built at lower cost than traditional solutions. Also, the use of a vehicle-based solution allows spectrum usage to be assessed effectively in dense urban situations and other areas where traffic density is high.

As part of the project, feedback on early survey data was sought from a number of spectrum stakeholders, and there was considerable interest in the data such a system can provide. We are delighted to have worked in partnership with Ofcom on this project and look forward to supporting telecommunications regulators, operators and equipment manufacturers in their quest to maximise the use of spectrum for the benefit of consumers worldwide ”

David Cleevely, Chairman of CRFS added:

“Real data on spectrum usage is essential for taking decisions about spectrum use particularly when cognitive radio and ‘white space’ devices are challenging traditional ways of thinking. CRFS’ RFeye spectrum monitoring and management system will be a key factor in enabling good decisions to be made based on actual spectrum use, helping to ensure the most effective optimal use of this valuable resource.”

— Ends

Notes

Read the full report at http://www.ofcom.org.uk/research/technology/research/state_use/vehicles/

Media contact

Stirling Essex, CRFS
T +44 1223 815510
E enquiries@crfs.com

About CRFS

CRFS is a privately-held developer and manufacturer of innovative real-time spectral monitoring and management systems for customers including national regulatory agencies, wireless network operators, defence forces and government agencies. The company has its headquarters in Cambridge, UK

About RFeye

The RFeye system is based on distributed networks of low cost, broadband, fixed or mobile, autonomous, intelligent nodes. Each RFeye node is a robust, GPS-equipped real-time spectrum analyser, which can be linked via any fixed or wireless IP-based backhaul network to provide rich and complete contextual information that amounts to a revolution in spectrum monitoring.

The RFeye system includes a range of sophisticated and powerful data management and visualisation tools. Applications include interference detection, spectrum license enforcement, military and intelligence uses, cell planning, RF environment checks and remote site monitoring.