Assignment of Transmitter Powers by Linear Programming

Transmitter power is a fundamental parameter with respect to the performance of electromagnetic equipment, determining the strength of signals that may be either desired or undesired at particular receivers. The rational assignment of power output to transmitters for which this is a controllable variable is one method of enhancing compatibility in congested electromagnetic environments. It is shown here that the power assignment problem can be formulated mathematically as a linear programming problem. Efficient algorithms for obtaining optimum solutions to such problems are known; with computer implementation systems composed of many transmitters and receivers can be treated. A small-scale field test in which communication equipment was operated in accordance with the concept of optimum power assignment by linear programming has confirmed the basic validity of the approach.