Several years ago the technology of computers and radio advanced enough to begin work on smart radios using software-defined technology. Essentially, pressing the “XMIT” button on a “software-defined radio” (SDR) would turn over many frequency, transmission mode, bandwidth, power and other technical choices to the computer, which would be loaded with information about other users, location, terrain and other technical factors. Each transmission would use only the spectrum resources absolutely necessary to connect the two units at that time and place, thereby saving spectrum. SDR radios have been developed for several low-level applications, and the FCC is studying SDR to improve spectrum efficiency. As well, a collection of companies, groups and associations have created the SDR Forum, group devoted to further development, including public safety applications. Now the SDR forum has posted a collection of presentations at their 2007 conference, including one on the implications of SDR for public safety–download (pdf) it here.
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