Frequency Assignment Games and Strategies

The way the spectrum is committed through the processes of allocation and assignment has a definite bearing on spectrum utilization. Both processes are stochastic in nature and nearly irreversible. Decisions are made with respect to each applicant as time progresses without knowing the requirements of future applicants, and it is difficult, if not impossible, to revoke or change an assignment once given. This paper examines the frequency assignment game to determine the effect of assignment strategy on spectrum utilization, and to define the principle underlying the development of optimum strategies. The results of this investigation show that there is an effect of strategy, that the effect bears on spectrum utilization, that there is an optimum strategy, and that there are some very useful near-optimum ones as well. Finally, there is evidence that we may not be doing things quite the right way, and some recommendations are offered.