Federated Wireless to Begin Testing Environmental Sensing in Virginia

Federated Wireless, Inc., a developer of cloud-based wireless infrastructure solutions to extend the access of carrier networks, has announced that a new testbed in Norfolk, Virginia will be used for demonstration and verification of its Environmental Sensing Capability (ESC).

The company said its ESC is important for unlocking the value of shared spectrum in major metropolitan areas with the goal of improving the performance and capacity of wireless networks, encouraging innovation, supporting new business models and economic growth.

Federated Wireless’ ESC and Spectrum Access Systems (SAS), which are part of its CINQ XP platform, are currently in the certification process with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for commercial availability.

The ESC is designed to increase available spectrum in coastal areas while providing prioritized, interference-free use by incumbent federal users. When the ESC sensor detects a federal transmission, it will activate a protection zone and inform the SAS to reallocate users in the area to other parts of the band. The ESC is a key component of the Federated Wireless solution since it opens the value of shared spectrum along U.S. coastlines where as much as 45 percent of the population lives.

“By offering both the SAS and ESC for the 3.5 GHz band in a fully integrated manner, Federated Wireless can ensure that we can provide our shared spectrum solution to the entire country, and best guarantee the efficiency and security of the wireless ecosystem,” said Iyad Tarazi, CEO¸ Federated Wireless. “We recognize that field testing of our ESC in the near future is essential to build trust and confidence with federal incumbents, build momentum towards commercial use of the 3.5 GHz band and ready ourselves to deploy our network of sensors as soon our solution is approved by the FCC.”   

The Federated Wireless testbed is an important step toward formal approval of its ESC, providing important insights into the deployment and operational aspects of an ESC network, establishing a field network for future ESC test and certification, and promoting a demonstration environment for key stakeholders.

In a few weeks Federated Wireless will announce the initial metropolitan areas it will prepare for sensor deployment as part of its planned ESC operation.