Radio security module that enables global roaming of SDR terminal while complying with local radio regulation

Due to the reconfigurability of SDR terminal, there is a strong need for a new radio equipment certification method. We proposed a SDR security architecture that enables separate SW and HW certification. This reduces the amount of certification needed to be performed by Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB). The security architecture also applies hybrid encryption to protect SW during download process and enable flexible SW distribution by SW maker. System software named radio security module (RSM) is proposed to be installed in every SDR terminal to realize the proposed architecture. RSM takes care of the installation, storage, operation and termination of SW in the terminal. Due to the fact that different radio regulations exist in different countries, when a terminal roams, RSM makes sure that only SW that complies with local radio regulations is allowed to run. This is done by random GPS verification with the allowable GPS range of the running SW by RSM. A model of SDR terminal was implemented in a personal computer to investigate the software complexity of RSM.