Performance analysis of TV white space networks within Makerere University

Abstract

Television White Spaces (TVWS) works as an alternative means of providing access to broadband connectivity in rural areas. The network or technology performance analysis described in this project was conducted at the Makerere University campus in Kampala. Two terrain scenarios were considered in this analysis: hilly and flat terrain. One base station transmitter was used with the Consumer Premises Equipment (CPE) placed at different locations along the two different terrain scenarios. At each CPE location, signal strength, SNR and throughput were measured. The signal strength was obtained using the RF spectrum analyzer coupled with a software called RF explorer for windows. The SNR was obtained from the Operation and Management Center (OMC) of the base station and the throughput was obtained using an iperf tool. Signal strength measurements were used to explore the propagation of the signals over the UHF frequencies to analyze how they relate with distance and throughput. Our results show that TVWS technology can be used to solve broadband connectivity problems