From Open RAN to Open Spectrum - Sharing Spectrum, Services, and Infrastructure in Spectrum Era 4

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $759,422 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Radio signals power many everyday services such as wireless internet, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), weather and climate forecasts, and navigation systems for ships and planes. This project explores smarter methods for different services to share radio waves and the devices that use them. Its goal is to ensure that everyone can benefit from these services while making the best possible use of the radio signals. Overall, the project strives to make communication systems work more reliably, safely, and easily for all. The project introduces the concept of Open Spectrum by extending the idea of open and programmable Radio Access Networks to manage shared spectrum systems beyond cellular networks, for example radar and radio sensing systems. Its core idea is to pool spectrum, infrastructure, and, when possible, services so that access and deployment are automated and coordinated through dynamic deconfliction policies. The work is organized into four main thrusts. The first thrust focuses on designing a flexible architecture for spectrum management. The second thrust involves sharing heterogeneous services, such as sensing, using automated systems built on cellular infrastructure. The third thrust develops algorithms and frameworks for policy and conflict management to maintain quality of service. The fourth thrust creates testbeds and dynamic research platforms to validate the ideas. The broader impact of the project is its potential to transform how radio spectrum and

Key facts

NSF award ID
2434081
Awardee
Northeastern University (MA)
SAM.gov UEI
HLTMVS2JZBS6
PI
Michele Polese
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
Estimated total
$759,422
Funds obligated
$759,422
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
07/15/2025 → 06/30/2028