Work In Progress:A Channel Selection Algorithm for a TVWS Mesh Network

The concept behind this work is to build mesh networks in the TVWS band for developing regions to improve internet access opportunities. The purpose is to solve a pertinent problem within the context, namely to find an optimal or almost optimal channel selection for the mesh. Both simulation as well as a trial network will be used to analyse performance

TVWS Devices Spectrum Mask Test and Analysis

Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) plays a vital role in opportunistic access to spectrum. A key component of DSA is preventing interference to the incumbent (primary) user from the secondary user. We present the results of an experiment to analyze the output signal and spectral mask of a low-cost TVWS device at specific power levels and specific channels in order to evaluate its potential level of interference to primary users

A Road Map for Wireless Mesh Routing with DSA

Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) provides a new opportunity for last-mile and rural connectivity. However, the nature of DSA and varying environmental conditions means that desired spectrum is not always available. To that end, we have deployed a testbed using both DSA-enabled TV White Space devices and fixed spectrum WiFi (5GHz) in parallel to support communication between and within townships. Using this testbed, we will develop new algorithms to support wireless mesh routing in DSA networks

Head to Head Battle of TV White Space and WiFi for Connecting Developing Regions

TV White Space networks are gaining momentum worldwide as an important addition to the suite of wireless protocols available for connecting developing regions. However, there has been no thorough investigation of scenarios where TV White Space performs better or worse than alternative low-cost wire- less technology such as WiFi. This paper analyzes the performance of 5 GHz WiFi links and TV White space links using down-converted WiFi, typically used as wireless backhaul for poorly connected regions, in different scenarios including line-of-sight links and links obstructed by trees and structures. The experiments make use of 802.11a/b/g WiFi and TV White Space equipment that down- converts standard 802.11 a/b/g WiFi from the 2.4 GHz band into the UHF band. The paper finds that 5 GHz links outperformed TVWS where clear line-of-sight is available and point-to-point links are required. TVWS however is a clear choice where there are obstructions and where wider coverage is needed. Some interesting observations on the negative effect of TV transmissions in adjacent channels a few channel-hops away from the channel being used for TVWS are also provided