The concept of the WRAN software uses the IEEE 802.22 frame structure for prototyping to make use of super frames and preambles for cognitive channel management, which allows a dynamic resource allocation between base stations, but also between multiple users at one base station. Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) is used in the upper layers, as Modulation techniques QPSK, 16-QAM and 64-QAM is supported.

The software will support a connection-oriented MAC layer with cognitive functionality for dynamic and adaptive scheduling and management of coexistence of base stations in the same time-frequency domain (superframes). The software is written in C++ using liquid-dsp libraries and includes a WEB Waterfall Spectrum based on RFC 6455 to monitor HF activity remotely.

Project Milestones:
  • The Institute of Telecommunications of TU Wien has been granted a test permit by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Regions and Tourism to test and operate the new transmission scheme at a 2 MHz Band from 52-54 MHz at 2 selected location in Austria. The permit has been extended for one year till May 2022.

  • The IEEE 802.22 frame structure has been selected for prototyping the software and hardware to make use of super frames and preambles for cognitive channel management, which allows a dynamic resource allocation between base stations, but also between multiple users at one base station.

  • The new hardware and software stack has been successfully tested using the Raspberry Compute Module CM4 in combination with LimeSDR mini. The advantages are a small form factor, performance and the 12V supply Voltage for mobile operation.

  • A Radio Frontend has been developed and tested for VHF and UHF (6m, 2m and 70cm Band) with a design to fit as hat-board to the Raspberry CM4 IO board and operates with 12V supply voltage. The Output power can be regulated via software between 0 - 10W.