Inventors:
Neil R. Diener - Rockville MD, US
Karl A. Miller - Frederick MD, US
William R. Seed - Potomac MD, US
Thomas H. Scholl - Bethesda MD, US
Assignee:
Cisco Technology, Inc. - San Jose CA
International Classification:
H04B 15/00
H04B 17/00
H04B 1/00
G01R 31/08
G06F 11/00
G08C 15/00
H04L 1/00
H04L 12/26
H04J 1/16
H04J 3/14
US Classification:
455 62, 455 6711, 455 631, 370241
Abstract:
A system, method, software and related functions are provided for managing activity in a radio frequency band that is shared, both in frequency and time, by signals of multiple types. An example of such a frequency band is an unlicensed frequency band. Radio frequency energy in the frequency band is captured at one or more devices and/or locations in a region where activity in the frequency band is happening. Signals occurring in the frequency band are detected by sampling part or the entire frequency band for time intervals. Signal pulse energy in the band is detected and is used to classify signals according to signal type. Using knowledge of the types of signals occurring in the frequency band and other spectrum activity related statistics (referred to as spectrum intelligence), actions can be taken in a device or network of devices to avoid interfering with other signals, and in general to optimize simultaneous use of the frequency band with the other signals. The spectrum intelligence may be used to suggest actions to a device user or network administrator, or to automatically invoke actions in a device or network of devices to maintain desirable performance.