On the Performance of Unlicensed Data Access Systems

Unlicensed operation has become a viable alternative for building wireless access infrastructures. In the future unlicensed operation may be an important part of the infrastructure. However even if many problems can be solved there are many challenges involved as well. This paper studies how two operators interact when they have two networks in the same geographical area. Data traffic (packets) is studied for two frequency hopping systems under different conditions. Different propagation, user requirements and for different amounts of available spectrum. The outcome is highly situation dependent. This study does not find a technical solution that is better than splitting the spectrum. However unlicensed operation may have other benefits than the technical characteristics that makes it a candidate for future wireless systems.