A spectrum database solution now enables access to 5GHz spectrum previously unavailable due to interference. Spectrum Bridge, in partnership with the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA) today announced the release of the U-NII Device Interference Advisor — an online database that reduces potential interference issues between unlicensed wireless devices operating in a frequency band shared with Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR) systems.
Since thunderstorms are uncommon along the West Coast and Northwest U.S., there are no TDWRs in California, Oregon, Washington, Montana, or Idaho.
Wireless ISPs (WISPs) operating near TDWR facilities can voluntarily register technical information into an online database. In the unlikely event of interference with a TDWR system, the database can help identify the source.
The UDIA database was developed to promote cooperation between the federal agencies including the NTIA, the FCC, the FAA, and the wireless industry and to ensure the safe and effective operation of the FAA’s TDWR network.
TDWRs are Doppler weather radar systems that are strategically positioned near 48 major airports to detect wind shears and microbursts associated with thunder storms. TDWR frequencies (5.60-5.65 GHz) are shared with the Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) frequencies (5.47-5.725 GHz), which are used by many WISPs and other outdoor wireless network operators.
Currently, manufacturers of outdoor U-NII equipment are unable to certify new equipment that operates between 5.4 and 5.725 GHz, resulting in 325 MHz of underutilized spectrum where new outdoor equipment is needed but cannot be used. Both outdoor and indoor use of the band is subject to Dynamic Frequency Selection to avoid radar avoidance. Power is limited to 250mW.
Until new U-NII equipment is certified and meets revised FCC rules, the database solution will be employed to facilitate coordination between U-NII band device users and the FAA’s TDWR sites. This will enable government and industry users to quickly determine if a U-NII device is located within a TDWR-35 kilometer zone and provide advice on frequencies for the U-NII device to avoid.
The database will help form the foundation to make the spectrum usable again and is helping to meet the demands outlined in the FCC National Broadband Plan.
Spectrum Bridge created the online database and registry leveraging existing proprietary technology used in SpecEx.com, its database of available licensed spectrum, and ShowMyWhiteSpace.com, its TV White Spaces database. Spectrum Bridge’s database technology underlies the UDIA Solution, graphically displaying all master device and TDWR contours.
