Spectrum sharing and interference analysis

We offer comprehensive sharing and interference analysis for all types of radiocommunication systems operating in licensed and unlicensed bands.  This involves designing and analysis of co-channel or adjacent channel interference scenarios to derive optimum spectrum sharing conditions, identifying potential mitigation techniques to minimise the impact of interference and developing sharing analysis techniques based on time-based simulation, Monte Carlo simulation and mathematical analysis. We also represent our clients at the various technical committees of the ITU, regional organisations such as the CEPT and standards bodies such as ETSI.

System planning

We can help to design and optimise radio links in order to achieve a particular performance objective, based on equipment and propagation behaviour. Our analysis takes account of intra- and inter-system interference, trading-off different system parameters including multiple access methods, diversity, performance objectives, and coverage requirements. We also help collate, process and verify the technical data that has to be submitted for the purposes of licensing and coordination, at both a national and international level.

As part of system planning, we typically calculate minimum amount of spectrum required to roll out a network and analyse feasibility of co-existence among different wireless networks including cellular, PMR, broadcasting, fixed, license exempt, air-to-ground and satellite systems.

Field trials and measurement

Plum has undertaken field trials and measurement campaigns with a well-equipped survey vehicle and a variety of measuring receivers and spectrum analysers. We can gather robust data as the basis for developing models for various frequency bands and sharing environments.  We are also capable of developing ad-hoc software tools to analyse the statistics of measured data.

We are a major contributor to Study Group 3, and a significant number of our measurement campaigns and associated mathematical analysis of the results have led to the development or modification of ITU-R propagation recommendations.

Emerging technologies

We have experience in analysing various aspects of emerging technologies (e.g. cognitive radio, machine to machine communications and 5G) with respect to the use of radio spectrum.  Focus areas include coexistence analysis, likely deployment scenarios, licensing support, standardisation issues, business case analysis and demand forecasts.

Licensing support

We can provide consultancy support to specifically address the technical aspects of spectrum licensing.  Through sharing analysis we can identify the minimum technical parameters that will need to be met as part of the overall licensing process, and have experience in developing licence consultation and tender documents.  We can also help in the areas of spectrum valuation, trading and pricing in respect of the technical implications.

Bespoke software development

We have experience in developing bespoke software to implement a range of spectrum management tasks including radio system deployment, co-existence scenario design and propagation modelling. Our tools are capable of interfacing with terrain and clutter databases. We also design data logging and analysis software to provide reliable scripted interfaces and data aggregation to a wide variety of measurement equipment, including spectrum analysers, GPS, Wi-Fi, motors, relays and other serial, TCP/IP and GPIB devices.

Contact

Richard Rudd

Richard Rudd

Richard Rudd is a Director at Plum with a particular interest in the modelling, measurement and underlying physics of radiowave propagation. Richard has managed many studies that have led to the development of new propagation models, generally based on measurements made in-house. He has developed a range of experimental equipment ranging from wideband channel sounders and bi-static radar systems to long-term data loggers and software defined radio systems. Richard has been an active participant in ITU-R Study Group 3 for many years, is one of the authors of the IET textbook “Propagation of radiowaves” and has published many peer-reviewed papers.

Richard’s other work is often concerned with broadcast systems, following an early career with the BBC’s Transmitter and Research departments, and with the conduct of sharing and interference studies for systems as diverse as radio telescopes, short-range telemetry systems and Earth-observation satellites. He has been a frequent participant in the regulatory work of the ITU-R and the CEPT, presenting technical studies undertaken for our clients and working to build consensus on contentious spectrum sharing issues. A further strand of work has been concerned with the practical planning of operational systems such as fixed links or broadcast networks.

Richard has a PhD from the University of Surrey and is a chartered engineer.