Thesis

Enabling private network deployments through software defined radio and shared spectrum

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Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2025
Thesis identifier
  • T17550
Person Identifier (Local)
  • 201563077
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Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • Implementation of shared spectrum mechanisms can significantly reduce the cost of deploying wireless networks, while also increasing the overall spectrum utilisation and efficiency. This thesis presents multiple research contributions focusing on the development of dynamic spectrum access mechanisms with Software Defined Radio (SDR) technology in support of enabling private mobile network deployments in challenging operating environments. TV White Space (TVWS) and the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) frameworks are targeted for this work, as they have precedent for use in commercial networks. Initial research focused on the challenges of rural networks, as the business case for such deployments is often more challenging than their urban equivalents. As part of an Orkney TVWS pilot project, connecting several ferries and fixed premises, software tools were developed to aid network design. This provided an interface to shared spectrum access systems to enable parameter gathering, validating hardware operations, and automating data collection. Work completed as part of the 5G RuralFirst project investigated how existing hardware ecosystems could be used with spectrum access mechanisms to create economical network deployments. A 3GPP compliant LTE SDR basestation was integrated with regulatory compliant TVWS and CBRS spectrum access frameworks to provide proof-of-concept demonstrations. Both solutions followed their respective inter-device communication specifications and associated operating workflows. Other areas typically challenging for providing mobile connectivity are underground rail environments. This thesis presents research contributions, completed as part of the 5G RailNext project, deploying one of the first 5G Stand Alone (SA) networks in the UK. This development work involved configuring, integrating, and lab-testing multiple independent network elements to create a fully 5G-compliant end-to-end solution. This culminated in on-location field deployment, tests, and a live trial in the Glasgow subway, where the network delivered content for passengers on a moving subway carriage. The research contributions and knowledge gained as a result of this work represent a significant development milestone in the operating capabilities of private mobile network deployments and directly enabled a number of world-first installations for the media and television production use case. It also demonstrated that private mobile networks can be deployed and administered by independent providers without a large Mobile Network Operator (MNO) partner.
Advisor / supervisor
  • Stewart, Robert
  • Crawford, David
  • Crockett, Louise
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