A Systems Approach for Solving Inter-Policy Gaps in Dynamic Spectrum Access-Based Wireless Rural Broadband Networks

In this paper, we articulate the challenge of multiple intersecting policies for the realization of rural broadband networks employing dynamic spectrum access (DSA). Broadband connectivity has been identified as a critical component of economic development, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and rural communities have been significantly (and negatively) affected by the lack of this important resource. Although technologies exist that can deliver broadband connectivity, such as 4G LTE and 5G cellular networks, the challenges associated with efficiently deploying this infrastructure within a rural environment are multi-dimensional in terms of the different dependent policy decisions that need to be considered. To resolve this issue, we describe how systems engineering tools can be used for representing these intersecting policies such that system configurations can be optimized for efficient infrastructure deployment and operations. One technology requiring increased attention is DSA, where licensed and emerging wireless services can coexist together via spectrum sharing. However, implementation of this technology is challenging, where highly efficient Radio Access Technology (RAT), available spectrum, and user requirements need to be precisely aligned. All these elements to be configured are typically described by independent policies. While DSA is more complicated than previously used spectrum allocation schemes, inter-policy gaps occur that ultimately decrease the network\u27s efficiency. Consequently, a systems engineering framework has the potential to obtain the optimal solutions although the systems and wireless communities conceptualize and scope problems differently, which can impede collaboration. We present the use case where 4G LTE RAT technology employing DSA applied to digital terrestrial television (DTT) frequency bands can yield spectral efficiency loss when the different policy dimensions are not sufficiently accounted for within the use case. Computer simulations have shown that in an example rural scenario the availability of rural broadband can increase from 1% to 21% of locations if the inter-policy gaps are removed

A Systems Approach towards Developing a Diagnostic System for Complex Robots

Present day robots are highly complex systems. Most robots perform tasks that are time- critical in environments where human intervention may not be possible. When a failure occurs in such situations, diagnosing it can be a major challenge. To tackle this, a methodology to develop a diagnostic system using a systems approach is presented in this paper. The use of SysML diagrams as a tool to understand system behavior is highlighted. Finally, this methodology is used to build the diagnostic system of a complex humanoid robot

A Transdisciplinary Socio-Technical Systems Approach: Wireless Solutions for the Digital Divide

The digital divide limits access to education, employment, and healthcare-particularly in rural areas. Unfortunately, most wireless solutions have been developed for urban and suburban environments. However, by using transdisciplinary systems approaches, we can highlight gaps and opportunities to resolve this divide by addressing technology, policy, and community challenges. By creating a digital entity to represent the problem space, we can tailor solutions to specific scenarios