The first NSF SpectrumX flagship project focuses on developing a combination of tools, infrastructure, and team capabilities to enable the execution of a series of increasingly complex flagship project experiments. These experiments focus on policy relevance to the “mid-band” spectrum of 7.125 to 8.4 GHz. The experiments incorporate both active and passive measurements with policy- and rights-oriented model predictions and scenario evaluation. The technical approaches and range of coexistence scenarios considered are unique relative to other studies associated with mid-band spectrum. The combination of field experimentation, advanced technical infrastructure, and unique training and education opportunities provides a compelling approach to coexistence research that can potentially be extended to other bands.
The 7.125 to 8.4 GHz band has been selected based on consideration of the National Spectrum Strategy and its associated implementation plan. For NSF SpectrumX, there will be an emphasis on coexistence approaches for the use of the band by scientific systems. These are generally operated by NASA and NOAA for communication with geostationary and deep space satellites. Additionally, a considerable amount of astronomy is done outside of protected bands and includes usage of 7.125 to 8.4 GHz by the VLA and the future ngVLA. The experimental data and coexistence approaches also have relevance to point-to-point use of the band by government agencies such as the DOE for critical infrastructure. There are many relevant defense-related uses of the associated band. The direct study of those applications by NSF SpectrumX will be avoided due to export control considerations; however, most measurements and scenarios will also be directly relevant to those applications.
The overall Flagship effort creates a “Demonstration of the Possible” for Coexistence by combining:
- Sensing, Models, AI / ML, and Visualization
- Training in Field Experimentation
- Exploration of Coexistence Scenarios
- Development of Capabilities and Infrastructure
Major work areas include (1) Sensing, Measurement, and Algorithms; (2) Modeling, Rights, and Policy; (3) Data Infrastructure and Interfaces; and (4) Experiments, Demonstrations, and Analysis. Each work area has an associated set of work elements, each with a work element lead, which is organized to encourage collaborative teamwork across the Center.
