TV whitespace testbed for CEDAT, Makerere

Abstract

The TV Whitespace technology devises excellent propagation characteristics and hence it is a huge attraction worldwide for wireless communications. However, in Uganda due to a wide range of barriers (appropriate business model, availability of affordable handsets, network model that can re-use existing infrastructure) this technology is yet to be deployed. The recent digital migration has driven our desire in this project to assess the feasibility of TVWS in Uganda through spectrum occupancy study at CEDAT, Makerere. To setup the testbed using the Carlson wireless Rural Connect equipment, we performed a bench test (one base station and two client stations) to confirm that the equipment was fully functional. The testbed was then setup with a base station and a client station (CPE). We then interfaced the base station with the local management interface on a web browser using the IP and MAC addresses of the base station, then registered and enabled the equipment. From the interface, we confirmed the equipment was operating well. With the CPE at different locations, we acquired results for our network. Using an RF explorer coupled with a software (Clear waves) we performed spectrum analysis to identify channels (center frequencies). We set the threshold frequency which helped us to identify the utilized and free channels. From the spectrum analysis we acquired the free whitespace channels around CEDAT and the occupancy. Then for the test bed we acquired signal to noise ratio values and also compared the quality of service of our TVWS network with the Netlabs Network. In conclusion, there are free whitespace channels which can be utilized for TVWS technologies and also basing on the performance tests which included latency, traffic and throughput, we deduce that the TVWS connections provide a better option for internet connectivity. We recommend that communication authorities in Uganda should set regulations for secondary usage of the UHF spectrum to facilitate deployment of TV whitespace technology. Basing on the results, TV white space technology should be used to solve broad band connection issues most especially for remote areas.