Spectrum Pooling

[Prasanth]

Spectrum pooling reflects the need for a completely new way of radio resource management. Interesting aspects of the spectral efficiency gain that is obtained with the deployment of spectrum pooling.

A potential rental system needs to be highly flexible with respect to the spectral shape of the transmitted signal. Spectral ranges that are accessed by licensed users have to be spared from transmission power. OFDM modulation is a candidate for such a system as it is possible to leave a set of subcarriers unmodulated. Thus, providing a flexible spectral shape that fills the spectral gaps without interfering with the licensed users. Furthermore, spectrum pooling systems are not supposed to compete with existing and upcoming 2G and 3G standards. They are rather meant to be a complement in hot spot areas with a high demand for bandwidth (e.g.airports, convention centers etc.). Hence, it is straightforward to apply modified versions of OFDM based wireless LAN standards like IEEE802.11a and HIPERLAN/2.