L-Band Spectral Opportunities for Cognitive GEO-LEO Dual Satellite Networks.

With the increasing congestion in lower frequency bands of satellite spectrum, the integration of cognitive radio technology is expected to become essential for efficient spectrum sharing in both Geostationary and Low Earth Orbit satellite systems. Intelligent spectrum sharing strategies enable more efficient and effective satellite communications, leading to increased capacity and improved performance. In this paper, we provide an overview of incorporating cognitive radio technology into dual satellite communications applications. Moreover, this paper presents a measurement apparatus for identifying spectral opportunities and presents preliminary results for such opportunities in a portion of the L-band used by the Inmarsat Broadband Global Area Network downlink. Numerous opportunities in both the time and frequency domains were identified for the spectrum surveyed. The results revealed that almost half of the spectrum was available for over 99% of the capture duration, with only 8% being available less than 1% of the time.