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Ofcom UK Spectrum Survey

65,000 km of driving yields 200 GB of spectrum data

In early 2009, CRFS completed project to build a preliminary Spectrum Database for Ofcom, the UK Spectrum Regulator. For the trial, CRFS equipped a fleet of mobile test vehicles with RFeye spectrum monitoring node, and travelled across the UK to record details of spectrum usage in the 10 MHz to 5 GHz frequency range.

Data was collected over a period of approximately five months, during which more than four million individual spectrum measurements were collected and analysed, resulting in more than 200 GB of data. In all more than 65,000 km of driving in all parts of the UK contributed to the database.

Top-level UK map shows the peak signal levels recorded in the 2.4 GHz ISM band

Analysis of the database using the CRFS spectrum management tools allowed easy visualisation of spectral power and spatial utilisation at any given frequency, allowing Ofcom to formulate a clear view on the general level of spectrum usage at a particular frequency on a UK-wide basis or at any desired level of resolution.

Analysis of 2.4 GHz ISM Band usage across the UK.

This top-level UK map shows the peak signal levels recorded in the 2.4 GHz ISM band. Each square, or ‘tile’ on the map is coloured to represent the highest power measured in the 2.4 GHz band by any of the measurements taken in that area. High powers are shown in red (‘hot’) and low power areas in blue (‘cool’).

In general the peak signals coincide with population centres, as expected, with lower signals in more rural areas.

Example project output

The data contributing to the overall result for the ‘detailed analysis zone’ area map (NW London) is shown in the following plots:

Overlay of all measurements taken in the selected area

The spectral plot shows an overlay of all measurements taken in the selected area. This shows a generally high level of wireless LAN type activity across all the available channels.

Time of measurement in the selected area

The spectrogram again shows all the measurements taken in the selected area but in this case shown in ‘time of measurement’ order.

Test vehicle equipped with RFeye spectrum monitor node

Mobile test vehicles with RFeye spectrum monitoring node

More information

For more information, read the full report on the Ofcom website.

Download the European Regulators sign up for new spectrum monitoring system from Policy Tracker, 4 September 2009.