RF Broadcast Monitoring

and Management
Introduction
Spectrum monitoring is a powerful tool that can be used to ensure
that the RF communications we all depend on for both civilian and
defense applications works well
o The public appetite for bandwidth is growing rapidly (4G/5G). This is driving
the re-farming of spectrum in auctions, spectrum clearing activity, coverage
checks, and inevitably, activity by the broadcasters, who are giving up some of
this spectrum
o Defense departments around the world are becoming more and more
dependent on electronic communications
– for routine messaging and tactical communications.
Why Broadcast Monitoring
Spectrum monitoring is often used as the first part of an interference
hunting process.
However, spectrum monitoring can also be used to determine
o spectrum availability,
o characterize emissions( field strength and bandwidth based on license),
o analyze transmission patterns,
o continually ensure that critical frequency bands are clear,
o detect illicit transmissions,
o manage assigned spectrum.
Broadcast Monitoring Stations
Fixed monitoring stations
o Uganda Communication Commissions currently runs a network of
seven strategically located remote fixed monitoring stations.
o These equipment combined are capable of monitoring radio
frequency activities in the range of 9KHz to 43GHz, in order to
identify and monitor the existing operators against the licensed
database and help mitigate a number of undesirable outcomes
including harmful interference, unauthorized operations and
underutilization
Broadcast Monitoring Stations
Fixed monitoring stations
o Can not be established in sufficient numbers (Cost , Location)
o Not suitable for microwave detection (Narrow beam transmitting
antenna),
o Must be supported by mobile stations for accurate location
determination and homing functions.
Broadcast Monitoring Stations
Mobile monitoring stations
o Mainly covers the frequency range 20 MHz – 6 GHz and may be
extended up to 40 GHz,
o Equipped with GPS and digital compass for bearing and location
determination,
o One mobile equipment is sufficient for location determination,
o Limited coverage with respect to fixed monitoring stations,
o Suitable for microwave detection (high gain transmitting antenna),
o Carry additional portable equipment to complete the monitoring cycle,
o Ideal tools for location and homing functions.
Broadcast Monitoring Stations
Mobile monitoring stations (TCRA)
o Identification of the radio frequency bands for audit,
o Verification of radio frequency spectrum assignments - Prior to fieldwork, the
frequency spectrum assignments in the aforementioned bands are verified
o Collect the network technical data of the operators,
o Site Visit - monitoring of the utilization of radio frequency spectrum,
o Using the radio frequency Mobile Monitoring Station (MMS) - The radio
spectrum occupancy is measured at various locations for all radio channels in
the respective frequency bands. The measurements are made as per ITU-R
SM.2256-1 (08/2016) recommendation.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tp5nhBawiAo
Broadcast Monitoring Stations
Portable monitoring stations
o Reaching locations un-accessible to vehicles (Interior of a building
– roof of a house),
o Their moderate weight makes it possible to carry them walking to
locations inaccessible to vehicles,
o Used to determine exact locations of interference sources or
verifies compliance of radio equipment with relevant technical
parameters on site,
o Frequency range (20 MHz – 8 GHz) or more.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elUDfDmIHLs
Spectrum Monitoring Techniques
 Observe
o The most basic spectrum monitoring technique is to go to the desired site, set
up a spectrum analyzer, and observe the desired part of the RF spectrum,
o Simple in concept, this allows you to interactively manipulate the spectrum
analyzer setup for the best results,
o When dealing with a communications antenna on a tower, it is common to
use a receive test port from the tower top antenna to route the signal that
the tower top antenna sees to the spectrum analyzer, because the RF signal at
a height above ground is normally different than the signal at ground level.
Spectrum Monitoring Techniques
Record and Examine
o There are cases where the interfering signal is not present when
you are at the site
o recording the signal for later analysis becomes important.
o One goal is to examine signals for bandwidth, shape, and spectrum
usage.
o Aimed to understand current spectral usage patterns or to look for
signals that do not belong in this spectrum,
o To record spectra for some future need.
Spectrum Monitoring Techniques
( Signals of Interest)
Accidental interference
o Electronics tend to fail. Cable TV systems leak, RF TV remotes, and
garage door openers fail
o These are just a few examples of devices that have shut down
licensed RF communications at one time or another
o Arc welders generate a wide range of RF interference, mostly
below 400 MHz or so, as do industrial bakeries, with their large
ovens.
Spectrum Monitoring Techniques
( Signals of Interest)
Intentional Interference
o Despite being illegal in many parts of the world, a thriving business
exists for selling cell phone or GPS jammers. These very effective
devices can be used to prevent students cheating on tests, stop
employees taking phone calls on company time, or prevent your
boss from tracking your travels. All of these activities risk heavy
fines, because they may interfere with both emergency services
and airborne navigation. Dealing with this sort of intentional
interference is a very high priority.
Spectrum Monitoring Techniques
( Signals of Interest)
Illicit Signals
o Some people just want to talk. Such things as over-powered CB radios or
pirate FM broadcast stations attract the attention of regulators. Other things
such as spoofing base stations, excessive radiated emissions from digital
devices, and base stations transmitting on the wrong frequency cause
problems with cellular networks
Spectrum Monitoring Techniques
( Signals of Interest)
Baseline
o Regulators or agencies in the defense sector often need baseline information
on the RF spectrum. This is used to see what has changed since the last time
they monitored the spectrum. A good baseline will show RF activity by
frequency, shape, and time-of-day. It will allow the possibility of comparing
today’s spectrum to last week’s or last month’s spectrum. This is useful to see
new signals that may be linked to an interference issue or signals that have
gone off-the-air. It is also useful to understand how efficiently existing spectra
are being used