Enabling spectrum sharing via spectrum consumption models

Spectrum consumption models attempt to capture spectral, spatial, and temporal consumption of spectrum of any specific RF transmitter, receiver, system, or collection of systems. The information contained in the models enables better spectrum management practices and allows for the identification of spectrum reuse opportunities. The characteristics and structure of spectrum consumption models (SCMs) are being standardized within the IEEE DySPAN-SC P1900.5.2 group. This paper presents and discusses how SCMs can be used to enable spectrum sharing and new spectrum management interactions. We describe the ongoing efforts to standardize SCMs to ensure that they can: 1) effectively capture the boundaries of spectrum use in all of its dimensions by devices and systems of devices and 2) provide a stable definition on how to arbitrate the compatibility of SCMs. By achieving these objectives, SCMs will enable innovation in spectrum sharing and in the development of dynamic spectrum access systems.