IEEE Works on Coexistence of Wireless Nets in TV White Space

The IEEE 802.19 Wireless Coexistence Working Group is launching a new project (802.19.1), to develop a standard for coexistence between wireless networks operating in the TV white space.


TV white space channels are those not utilized by TV broadcasts, CATV headends, or other licensed devices. However, the IEEE notes that regulations for operation in the TV white space do not restrict access to any particular type of wireless device. Since these wireless networks are unlicensed, they do not have exclusive access to the TV white space. Therefore, in any given location there may be multiple types of unlicensed wireless networks accessing the TV white space.


There are already several projects for development of standards for wireless networks operating in the TV white space. The IEEE 802.22 Working Group has been developing a standard for wireless regional area networks (WRANs) in the TV white space. Recently the IEEE 802.11 working group initiated a project to develop an amendment to the 802.11 WLAN standard for operation in the TV white space. In addition to these two projects, other unlicensed wireless use of the TV white space is likely.
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