Efficient aviation spectrum management through dynamic frequency allocation

Dynamic frequency allocation enabled through cognitive spectrum sensing is being considered to replace the static spectrum allocation methodology in the aerospace domain as it promises a multitude of advantages in terms of spectral efficiency, seamless connectivity and enhanced capacity. This paper proposes an architecture for air-to-ground (A/G) communication system that enables dynamic frequency access for the aircrafts utilizing the spectrum sensing capabilities of the cognitive radio. Further it proposes an ingenious algorithm for efficient and interference-limited Time Frequency Unit (TFU) allocation to aircrafts within adjacent service volumes (SV). This is based on the interference volume penalty parameter that aims at curtailing the system wide interference score within acceptable ranges. Though the algorithm is developed with a focus for implementation in simulation environment, it could potentially be scaled to realtime aeronautical environment after extensive analysis and testing.