HF Spectral Occupancy Time Series Models Over the Eastern Mediterranean Region

The high frequency (HF) radio channel is highly variable and unpredictable. On the other hand, being largely utilized around the globe, the HF spectrum is densely occupied, characterized by significant levels of interference. Therefore, spectral congestion is always a severe issue to be addressed. One year data (June 2012-June 2013) of HF spectral occupancy measurements collected by a dedicated measurement system installed in Cyprus have been examined in order to characterize and model the HF interference environment over the eastern Mediterranean region. An investigation into the short-term temporal variability of HF spectral occupancy for selected indicative allocations has been conducted. With a view to extend the data analysis from descriptive to predictive and from qualitative to quantitative, time series analysis has been applied to model the HF spectral occupancy of the indicative ranges in the HF spectrum. We categorized different time series models for different occupancy patterns. Analysis for three broadcast allocations covering three different portions of the HF spectrum namely, lower (5.950-6.200 MHZ), middle (11.650-12.050 MHZ), and upper (17.550-17.900 MHZ), is presented. Results of this investigation are expected to be useful for radio system design and frequency management strategies.