“This project investigates ways to share the electromagnetic (radio-frequency) spectrum using an automatic spectrum management system with the potential for order-of-magnitude gains over current static allocation practices,” says Caicedo. “The project prototypes a management system for spectrum sharing within and among disparate services such as communications and active and passive scientific uses.”
The project involves two facilities in West Harlem, New York City: the COSMOS testbed sponsored by the NSF Platforms for Advanced Wireless Research (PAWR) program and the Cooperative Science Center for Earth System Science and Remote Sensing Technologies sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA-CESSRST).
According to NSF, this work is critical because enhancing spectrum sharing will increase the amount of wireless activity that can be supported in the limited available spectrum. In this way, the project helps sustain future economic growth, social benefits and scientific discoveries that are threatened by growing spectrum congestion.
Caicedo was recently elected vice chair of a working group of the IEEE Dynamic Spectrum Access Networks Standards Committee. He has served as secretary for the organization since 2015 and will now help oversee the enhancements of SCM as well as the development of future standards for dynamic spectrum access.
In previous research work, Caicedo has collaborated with the City of Syracuse as a testbed to address vacant property issues and public busing concerns. With the latest grant Caicedo and his collaborators will use the grant to develop new techniques and strategies for spectrum access and management. Grant funds will also be used for outreach and educational activities related to spectrum management topics.