Design of a Large-Scale Efficient and Low-Cost High-Frequency Spectrum Monitoring Network: The case of Greece.

The development of a large-scale widespread spectrum monitoring network (SMN) is essential for spectrum management and interference identification at a national level. The financial outlay involved in setting up such a system is considerable, encompassing the acquisition of requisite equipment and installation infrastructure. However, the expenses can be significantly curtailed by leveraging the existing infrastructure of other service providers, such as mobile network operators (MNOs), via collocation. Nevertheless, this strategy requires the selection of suitable sites among the available ones to develop an SMN that is both efficient and cost-effective. Toward this end, this article presents the methodological framework for designing a nationwide SMN by collocating with existing MNOs' infrastructure. The proposed approach is evaluated using computer simulations in the context of the spectrum monitoring requirements in Greece. Specifically, the network's performance is assessed according to International Telecommunication Union (ITU) guidelines and the spectrum limitations of Greece's national regulatory authority (NRA). The results demonstrate that a network based on time difference of arrival (TDoA) with 160 sensors can adequately cover the entire region, including the mainland, islands, and surrounding seas. Adding angle-of-arrival (AoA) capabilities to 30 out of 160 sites enables the hybrid geolocation technology and improves the geolocation ability and accuracy of the SMN network noticeably.