Spectrum Occupancy Measurement and Analysis of Sub-6 GHz Mid-band Frequencies in UP Diliman Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute

This study investigated spectrum occupancy and white spaces within the sub-6 GHz mid-band frequency spectrum at the UP Diliman Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute (UP EEEI), focusing on power spectrum measurements and frequency band utilization from 2 GHz to 5 GHz in a building setting. Given the lack of recent spectrum survey studies necessary to support the establishment of an Innovation Zone in the Philippines, a one-week spectrum survey was conducted using software-defined radios (SDRs), National Instruments PXI equipment, and detailed data analysis across various locations within the UP EEEI building. The results indicated high occupancy in the 2.1 GHz, 2.3 GHz, and 2.4 to 2.5 GHz bands, while the 2.7 to 3.1 GHz, 3.7 to 3.8 GHz, and sub-4.5 GHz bands were largely underutilized. These findings suggest that the 2.6 GHz to 5 GHz range could be repurposed or shared to accommodate emerging technologies such as 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and cognitive radio. Overall, the study provided empirical data on spectrum occupancy to inform future spectrum monitoring initiatives, supported the development of real-time spectrum observatories, and contributed to more adaptive and data-driven approaches to spectrum regulation and planning in the Philippine context.