Prformance Analysis of TV White Space Networks

Abstract

This project looks at the use of Television TV White Spaces (TVWS) as a promising medium for rural broadband access. The performance analysis of TV White Space networks described in this project was conducted within Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda. The objectives of this project are to have the understanding of TV White Spaces and TV White Space network, ascertain availability of TV White Space within Makerere University, and analyze performance of the TV White Space network and recommend the use TV White Space networks in providing rural broadband connection. Two scenarios are considered in this analysis which are in terms of terrain, looking at the hilly and the flat terrain. One base station transmitter is used with the consumer premise Equipment (CPE) placed at different locations approximately 50m separation along the two different terrain scenarios. At each CPE location, signal strength is measured using a spectrum analyzer, SNR is obtained from the OMC, throughput (bandwidth of the network) was measured using an Iperf tool. Signal strength measurements were used to explore the propagation of the signals over UHF frequencies and to discern how they correlate to distance and throughput speeds measured over the network and a conclusion is reached on the use of TV White Space networks as to the performance of the system. We seek to put forward a recommendation on the use of TV White Space networks in enhancing connectivity in the rural and underserved areas, as well as additional areas where more work can be carried out to fully assess the performance of the system.