A C/I based approach to setting the maximum EIRP levels for database-assisted WSDs

As agreed at international level, the most reliable way to exploit the white spaces (WS) of UHF band foresees the interrogation of a geolocation database. The database evaluates and provides to the white space devices (WSD) the allowable frequencies and the maximum value of emission power in the WSD position. The common approach adopted in Europe to estimate such limits is based on the definition of a maximum permitted degradation of the DTT location probability. This approach is accurate but computationally complex. In this paper we propose a novel approach based on the maximum degradation of the local C/I value, which is simpler and easier to implement while ensuring the protection of the DTT service. The application of the proposed methodology to a real scenario is also presented.