Monitoring RF spectrum use

A portable low-cost monitoring system will help in the fight against illegal use of the radio spectrum, its UK developer has claimed.

The system, which is small enough to fit into a backpack, has already been tested by telecoms regulator, Ofcom.

This latest addition to the RFeye range of products developed by Cambridge-based

can be used in conjunction with static and vehicle-mounted nodes and analysis software. Using these tools, regulators, operators and enforcement agencies can get a picture of how the spectrum is being used, where and by whom, on a scale ranging from a street to nationwide, and can trap transient interference.

Dr Alastair Massarella, CRFS chief executive, explained that the idea for RFeye originated from a previous point-to-multipoint radio telecommunications business, which was plagued by interference in licensed bands from sources such as air conditioning systems kicking in or less sophisticated telecoms equipment.

'The general way of finding interference is to put a lab-standard spectrum analyser in the back of a Land Rover and drive to different locations to take readings,' he said. 'For the type of interference we were finding, you'd want to stay there 24/7 and see the effects of an entire day.'