WRAN system on ZBC TV: A new way to internet connectivity for rural areas in Zimbabwe

Wireless Regional Access Network (WRAN) is increasingly becoming the focus architecture for future rural and remote areas access network. In Zimbabwe, internet connectivity to the rural areas is crucial but is hindered by what is called the Zimbabwean problem. In this paper brief discussions of existing technologies deployed for rural communications elsewhere in the world and recent technologies such as cognitive radio (CR) networks are explored for solutions to the Zimbabwean problem. In the process, WRAN, which exhibits extended coverage range, increased cell capacity and utilises idle TV spectrum and saves on deployment costs, was identified as a suitable broadband access candidate for providing connectivity to the rural areas of Zimbabwe. A design network structure is proposed and a basic CR simulation in MATLAB, and employing, power spectrum density estimation model for sensing, to show the possibility of harnessing idle Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) TV channels using CR technology is successfully run. A number of implementation challenges such as the effect of antenna height on the hidden terminal problem, MIMO incorporation in order to mitigate for such effects in WRAN networks, the investigation and mitigation of interference contribution from remote television stations, WRAN networks and other primary stations and users are discussed.