LCSM Node Based on Geo Location Spectrum Database for Cooperative Dynamic Spectrum Access

This paper overviews a designed Low-Cost Spectrum Monitoring (LCSM) node that is installed in universities around South Africa. LCSM node is an electronic device that automatically monitors the frequency spectrum and then communicates the results wirelessly to the spectrum sensing enabled Geo Location Spectrum Database. The node is equipped with Wi-Fi Access Point (AP), OpenVPN client, and Application Programmable Interface (API) that encapsulates data using JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) and for being controlled remotely. LCSM nodes are designed, tested, and assembled in the lab at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) before the installations at the universities. LCSM nodes have the main components such as LimeSDR, RF Splitter combiner, HiKey970, enclosure, RF cables, and antennas. Sections in this paper will explain how the LCSM nodes operate and take measurements. The measurements were taken from Television band 470MHz – 694MHz.