Enabling Dynamic Spectrum Access in a Tactical Radio System: A Case Study

Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) technology has the potential to significantly improve communications performance in environments where the radio's operational spectrum may encounter electromagnetic energy sources with intermittent spectral occupancy, distributed interference sources, and variable noise floors. By sensing the environment, the radio can adjust its communications frequency based on environmental observations. Work to date has primarily focused on sensing technology and algorithms for coordinating dynamic frequency selection in the commercial radio frequency (RF) space. However, the technology must be proven on the battlefield, in existing tactical radio systems in order to benefit the military user. Radio resource capabilities and the unique constraints of tactical waveforms present several significant challenges. This paper presents an initial experiment inserting DSA technology into the Harris Falcon III hand-held, tactical radio system. Issues and problems unique to the tactical radio environment are presented and approaches discussed. Tests and demonstration results are presented and the paper closes with a discussion of additional challenges facing the insertion of DSA technology in tactical radio systems.