| | The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in accordance with section 3.5.b.(7) of the solicitation. |
Objective: | Research and develop enabling technologies to build a multi-functional Software Defined Radio based Cognitive Radio Network (SDR based CRN) capability, which will maximize the spectrum efficiency by utilizing both unused and underused spectrum of opportunity. The “SDR based CRN” will minimize interference to the licensed primary users, and at the same time maintaining network Quality of Service (QOS) goals and end-to-end objectives.
| Description: | Spectrum congestion is a concern for both military and commercial applications. Recent studies have suggested that spectrum congestion is mainly due to the inefficient use of the spectrum rather than its availability. To address this problem number of Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) solution has been proposed. Cognitive Radio (CRs), which look to transmit over unused frequencies while being conscience of avoiding interference with primary users, is seen as one the solution to the congestion problem. Since CR spans across multiple disciplines such as radio engineering, computer science, mathematics, marketing and economics to name a few, there exists a number of CR definitions depending on the users end-to-end objectives. One of the main emphasis and challenges of this research will be the multi-function (Communication and Radar) application of the “SDR based CRN”.
Recent research advances in CR technology have demonstrated its applications in a communications environment by utilizing unused frequency bands. This effort would extend research in several areas. First, the effort would combine these CRs in a network infrastructure in which each CR would observe their surrounding RF environments, and based on gathered information and network objectives, make a decision on how to operate most effectively in that environment. Secondly, this effort would explore adding radar as well as location positioning capabilities, opening the door for many useful future applications. Finally, the current effort would study utilization of both unused (white) and underused (gray) spectrum, taking advantage of frequencies with little activity present. The implementation of this technology will be targeted to a commonly available SDR platform, to build towards a CRN capability that can be demonstrated in realistic spectral environments and is upgradeable and reconfigurable depending on the desired application.
| | PHASE I: Investigate non-contiguous waveforms applicable for both communications and radar functionality. Design algorithms to sense spectrum holes as well as locate primary and secondary users, both transmitters and receivers. Evaluate MAC layer protocols to enable the networking of CRs. Finally determine the design metrics necessary to implement these techniques on commercially available SDRs.
| | PHASE II: Develop a prototype SDR-based CRN test-bed that includes a wireless channel model and supports multiple primary users (at least 5) and CRs (at least 10). Implement commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) technology such as USRP SDR, or government-off-the-shelf (GOTS) technology. Perform a co-existence analysis between the primary and secondary users in the environment.
| | PHASE III / DUAL USE: Military application: This system could be used in a very broad range of civilian and military applications. Communication systems and networks exist in numerous forms (cell phones, radio comms, wireless data networks, etc.) and this technology could be applied to all aspects of them. Spectrum efficiency is of utmost importance to commercial communications companies looking to improve quality of service (QoS) for their users. Military radar technology could be enhanced by the CRN technology as well.
| References: | 1. N. Mandayam “Cognitive Radio Research in the U.S.: Overview, Challenges and Directions” ARIB Frequency Resource Development Symposium, Tokyo, Japan, June 8 2007.
2. V. Chakravarthy, Z. Wu, A. Shaw, M.A. Temple, R. Kannan and F. Garber, “A General Overlay/Underlay Analytic Expression Representing Cognitive Radio Waveform,” IEEE International Waveform Diversity and Design Conference, June 4-8 2007, Pisa, Italy.
3. R.W. Tomas, D.H. Friend, L. A. DaSilva, A.B. Mackenzie, “Adaptation and Learning to Achieve End-to-End Performance Objectives,” IEEE Communication Magazine, December 2006.
4. S.M. Mishra, R. Tandra, A. Sahai, "Coexistence with Primary Users of Different Scales," IEEE DySpan Conference, Dublin, Ireland, April 17-20, 2007.
5. James Neel, "Networking Cognitive Radios," Presented at 17th Virginia Tech Wireless Symposium, June 6-8, 2007.
| | Keywords: | wireless communications, software defined radio, cognitive radio, modulation recognition, signal classification, signal detection |
Questions and Answers: |
Q: With respect to evaluating MAC layer protocols to enable the networking of CRs, should the proposal consider Preamble-based TDMA protocol as well as MAC 80211 protocols, even though the former is still in a very early stage of specification (single hop only)?
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A: We won't specify a preferred protocol(s) for you to implement, we only ask you explain why you chose the approach you did. Also this is an innovative research topic, so at least taking a look at what may be applicable in future systems would be a good idea. |
Q: Is RADAR functionality included in the inital investigation because of the potential for "jamming?" Or is it because it may be the only "white" band available in a location at a particular point in time?
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A: RADAR functionality is included because it's a wanted functionality, its very innovative, and basically RF is RF right? Why can't a cognitive radio do both comm and radar? Or even if a network of RADARs could share information about what they see in a cognitive fashion, it would be a very advantageous. There are lots of ways to think about this, and again we're not going to be specific and want to allow you to develop your innovative ideas freely. |
Q: Is there a specific frequency range over which a desired solution should operate? |
A: No specific frequency range is specified. Current hardware may limit the bandwidth, operating frequencies, etc. that you can choose from and that's ok. Phase I will be more focused on developing the algorithms and providing feedback on the feasibility of certain approaches. |
Q: Our company already has developed technology mature enough to meet the capabilities stated for Phase I of the Cognitive Radio Technology. Assuming the Air Force's contract manager is convinced of this through presentations/white papers/demonstration/etc from us, may we then just Fast Track to a Phase II proposal without doing anything for Phase I? This has many benefits, including financial and programmatic, to both the Government and to the contractor. |
A: I’m sorry, but that is just not the way these things work. Read the information below on the Fast Track process, which clearly states that you need to first approved for a phase I. Not to mention the fact that for a fast track, you also need to have an investor willing to match the same amount of money as the government. This is all clearly stated on the SBIR Website. http://www.dodsbir.net/ft-ph2/default.html.
If you do in fact have all of the necessary pieces together to meet our Phase I stated capabilities, we are looking forward to a strong proposal from you outlining your strengths, and you could concentrate the work in Phase I on planning and focusing your technology towards a possible Phase II effort.
To qualify for Fast Track --
Toward the end of a small company's Phase I SBIR (or STTR) project, the company and the investor submit a Fast Track application through the DoD Submission Website at www.dodsbir.net/submission. For most Components, the application must be submitted within 150 days after the effective date of the SBIR (or STTR) Phase I contract, except: (1) MDA which requires it within 120 days of phase I effective date; (2) DARPA which requires it no later than the last day of the 6th month of the Phase I effort; and (3) CBD which requires it within 120 days of phase I effective date or by the CBD Phase II submission date whichever date is earlier. |