Simulation in spectrum sharing

The radio spectrum is a limited resource. Its regulation and management have become increasingly important as a result of an ever-growing demand for wireless communication applications. Access to the radio spectrum is based on the Table of Frequency Allocations of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Radio Regulations. Due to scarcity of the frequency spectrum, many bands are allocated for more than one radio service and are, therefore, shared. Spectrum sharing studies aim to identify technical or operational compatibilities that enable radio services to operate in the same (or adjacent) frequency bands without causing unacceptable interference to each other. This paper identifies some of the spectrum sharing situations involving satellite systems where computer-based simulations are needed. It is concluded that both deterministic and probabilistic analysis approaches now need to be used in practical sharing scenarios. A brief discussion compares the advantages and disadvantages of COTS and bespoke spectrum sharing analysis software. It is argued that while, in general, COTS products offer lower costs and more features, bespoke software offers flexibility and specialisation.