This report addresses novel communications technologies based on cognitive radio (CR). Various aspects and variations of such radio are analyzed; related markets and applications are also reflected.

Cognitive radio is envisioned as an universal platform that may sense the surrounding spectrum activity; and then automatically switch to frequencies that are unused. It also allows utilizing a set of modulation techniques, automatic power adjustment and has many other useful characteristics.

Though CR is not new for military use, due to several factors (such as a cost and other) it was not popular on the commercial market. The problem also was a lack of standardization, which is a requirement for the market to grow.

In our days, the situation is changing for good. 2010-2011 were years when the IEEE was working (and is continuing to work) on several CR radio specific applications, such as 802.11af and 802.22. The development of these standards as well as other related issues are the subject of this report.

White Spaces (WS) technologies and markets are the recent addition to the growing telecommunications segment, which contributes to efficient use of the frequency spectrum. The WS communications attract the attention of such companies as Microsoft and Google; for example, Microsoft commissioned research that suggests white-space applications may generate $3.9 billion to $7.3 billion in economic value each year.

The report concentrates on the development of White Spaces communications as one of the first technologies to utilize CR. It shows that the combination of spectrum sensing with the selection of unused spectrum (White Spaces) serves a new modern multi-applications industry. The report analyzes specifics of White Spaces communications and reflects such communications benefits and issues. The White Spaces communications market is just evolving and promises multiple applications.

The report is written for a wide audience of researches, engineers and managers that are involved in the development and utilization of cognitive radios for commercial markets. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction
 1.1 General
 1.2 Scope
 1.3 Research Methodology
 1.4 Target Audience

2.0 Software Defined and Cognitive Radios
 2.1 General
 2.2 Purpose
 2.3 General: Definition
 2.4 Versatility
 2.5 Issues
 2.6 Wireless Innovation Forum Position
 2.7 Regulations and Standards
 2.7.1 FCC
 2.7.2 Object Managing Group  OMG
 2.8 Decisions
 2.9 Features Summary
 2.10 Elements
 2.11 Applications
 2.11.1 Commercial
 2.11.2 SDR and Military
 2.11.2.1 SCA
 2.12 SDR/CR: Applications Benefits
 2.13 Cognitive Radio and Spectrum Utilization
 2.14 Market
 2.14.1 Landscape
 2.14.2 Features
 2.14.3 Cost
 2.14.4 Different Perspective
 2.14.5 DriversSummary
 2.14.6 Market Forecast
 2.14.6.1 Model Assumptions
 2.14.6.2 Estimate
 2.15 Industry
 2.15.1 JTRS Structure
 2.15.2 Vendors
 Adaptix (SW, Broadband Access)
 Aeronix (SDR Components)
 AirNet Communications (SDR Base Stations)
 AlcatelLucent (Base Station)
 Analog Devices (Chipsets)
 Array Systems Computing (DSP)
 Cambridge Consultants (802.16e)
 Carlson Wireless (Platform)
 Cisco (802.11a)
 CRT (CR SW)
 Harris (SDR)
 Hypres (Chipsets)
 Huawei (Platform)
 ISR Technologies (Platforms)
 Infineon (Platform)
 Lyrtech (DSP and FPGA development solutions)
 Mercury Computers Systems (Toolsets)
 Nokia Siemens Networks (Base Station)
 Objective Interface Systems (Software)
 PrismTech (SDR Development Environment)
 Rockwell Collins (Radios)
 Spectrum Signal Processing (Platforms)
 Tecore Networks (Infrastructure)
 Thales (Radio)
 TI (Chips)
 Wind River (Software)
 Xilinx (Chips, SDR Development Kit)
 xG Technology (Radio)
 ZTE (Platforms)

3.0 White Spaces Development
 3.1 Definition
 3.2 Factors
 3.3 FCC Activity
 3.3.1 Specifics
 3.3.2 TVBD
 3.4 Europe: Ofcom and Other
 3.5 Industry Activity
 3.5.1 Microsoft
 3.5.2 Utility
 3.6 IEEE Standards
 3.6.1 IEEE 802.16h
 3.6.2 IEEE 802.11af
 3.6.2.1 General: Expectations
 3.6.2.2 Benefits
 3.6.2.3 Specifics
 3.6.3 IEEE 1900.4
 3.6.4 IEEE 802.22
 3.6.4.1 General
 3.6.4.2 802.22 and Smart Grid Application
 3.6.4.3 Progress
 3.6.4.4 Overview
 3.6.4.5 Physical Layer – Major Characteristics
 3.6.4.6 Cognitive Functions
 3.6.4.7 Summary
 3.6.5 IEEE 802.19
 3.7 ECMA Activity
 3.7.1 Beginning
 3.7.2 Details
 3.8 Cognitive Networking Alliance (CogNeA) Standard
 3.9 IETF
 3.10 Market
 3.11 Industry
 Carlson Wireless
 Metric Systems
 Neul
 Spectrum Bridge

4.0 Conclusions