Agilent Techniques and Trends in Signal Monitoring, Frequency Management and Geolocation of Wireless Emitters

Monitoring RF signals in a wireless environment is often required by a variety of wireless equipment operators, facility and test managers and government agencies. Signal monitoring applications can range from compliance of carrier-specific transmissions to the discovery and location of unknown or illegal transmitters. Traditional methods for signal monitoring rely on high performance spectrum analyzers and digi-tizers often operating as a standalone system. With the current widespread availability of broadband connectiv-ity, signal monitoring systems have evolved into cooperative networks of low-cost sensors that collectively monitor the wireless spectrum over a large geographic area. This application note reviews various issues, techniques and associated equipment required for signal monitoring and frequency management of RF spectrum in the VHF/UHF frequency range. The goals and automation requirements for various monitoring applications will be discussed and the concepts of implementing a distributed sensor network for determining the geoloca-tion of a wireless " emitter " will be introduced.