Frequently Asked Questions

RAPTORX
GENERAL
SPECTRUM BENEFITS
CHANNEL SELECTION
INTERFERENCE
NETWORK CAPABILITIES
ANTENNAS

RaptorX

1) How does RaptorX determine locally available channels?
  1. The embedded RaptorX Registration engine securely reaches out via an internet connection to query iconectiv’s FCC-approved database at https://spectrum.iconectiv.com/main/home/contour_vis.shtml
  2. This query returns to the installer a list of all locally available VHF and UHF channels from which the installer can choose.
2) What are the basic steps in setting up a point-to-point RaptorX link?
  1. Determine locally available channels using a certified database: https://spectrum.iconectiv.com/main/home/contour_vis.shtml
    https://www.google.com/get/spectrumdatabase/channel/
  2. Register each RaptorX using the location information (lat/long) for each proposed deployment site.
  3. Deploy Base and Remote units and follow the User’s Manual registration guidelines. (Base Station is the designation given to the RaptorX unit connected to the primary internet access point.
  4. On Base Station start-up.  It will automatically register and seek its associated remote unit(s).
  5. Remote unit(s) will automatically register with the iconectiv database when it associates.
  6. SafariView will provide status of each RaptorX device.
3) According to FCC specifications, every 24 hours, each White Space device must reconfirm the available channels. In the rare event that an operating channel becomes unavailable, how is connectivity maintained?
  1. RaptorX’s patented Safari spectrum management system maintains RF continuity by:
    1. Automatically switching to another available channel. This process is synchronized with associated RaptorXs using the same channel.
    2. This process is automatically transparent to the user or installer who can manually choose a new primary and secondary channel from the available channel list.
4) What if a planned link reaches between locations that do not share a common channel?
  1. RaptorX is designed to handle this specific situation. Normally, in a Time Division Duplex (TDD) mode a common RF channel is used for transmitting (Tx) and receiving (Rx). In the RaptorX the Tx and Rx channel frequencies can be independently set.
  2. Let’s say that Site A has channel 21 available and Site B has only channel 30 available. In this case, Site A would be configured to transmit (Tx) on channel 21 and receive (Rx) on Channel 30. Site B would be set to transmit (Tx) on channel 30 and receive (Rx) on channel 21.

Questions?

Contact us to learn more about White Space and the RaptorXR.

General

1) What is unlicensed White Space Spectrum? Who can use it?

White Space Spectrum is the term applied to unused VHF and UHF TV channels released when the U.S went from analog to HDTV broadcasts. These unlicensed bands are in the 54–60, 76–88, 174–216, 470–602, 620–698 MHz TV spectrum. White Space Spectrum is usable by anyone with an FCC-certified TV band device.

2) What are the basic FCC rules for using TV White Space Spectrum?
  • Only an FCC-certified TV band (TVBD) device can be sold and deployed.
  • An FCC-certified database such as Google, ¡Conectiv, Spectrum Bridge, etc. must be used to determine available channels in your operating area.
  • Maximum Tx conductive power cannot exceed 1 Watt (30 dBm); EIRP (Equivalent Isotropically-Radiated Power) cannot exceed 4 Watts (36 dBm).
  • Every 24 hours, the TV band device must automatically contact an FCC-certified database using GPS location data to re-validate channel use.
  • If a White Space radio loses contact with the FCC database, it must automatically cease operation by 23:59 of the next day. This situation can be avoided by providing an alternate internet connection via another White Space radio.

SPECTRUM BENEFITS

What channels are recommended for Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) and Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) communications?

Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) paths are obscured by trees, and buildings, etc. In general, high-band VHF signals (174 to 216 MHz) and low-band UHF (470 to 698 MHz) channels perform well on NLOS and BLOS paths.

CHANNEL SELECTION

1) How do I determine which channels are available?

To determine available White Space channels anywhere in the US, enter the deployment location latitude and longitude coordinates, street address, or zip code using either of the links below:

https://www.google.com/get/spectrumdatabase/channel/

https://spectrum.iconectiv.com/main/home/contour_vis.shtml

Choosing a channel

Operating channels should match your application. For example, the longer the range, or wider the required coverage, the lower the recommended operating frequency or channel.

2) What channels are best for long range, urban, and high arboreal areas?

In Line-of-Sight (LOS) applications, both VHF and UHF bands offer comparable service, although, when possible, the lower frequency provides additional margin. For outdoor to indoor operation, UHF is recommended. In high vegetative and beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) applications, VHF and low-band UHF is superior.

3) Can Metric Systems provide proprietary system solutions?

Yes. White Space Spectrum opens the possibilities to solving persistent challenges. MSC welcomes the opportunity to work with you to provide customized solutions to fit your specific application.

INTERFERENCE

1) What happens if there is channel interference?

Link quality is continuously monitored. When communication is degraded by interference, the RaptorX can be configured to manually, or automatically do the following to maintain connectivity:

  • Adjust the modulation format to a lower Bit Error Rate (BER) to maintain data flow.
  • Increase Raptor ‘s power to 27.8 dBm.
  • Switch to an alternate authorized clear channel using RaptorX’s embedded SafariView Spectrum Management tools.
  • Reroute the signal around the interference (requires mesh architecture).

NETWORK CAPABILITIES

1) Can I aggregate multiple VHF/UHF channels to increase transport speed and reliability?

Yes. Independent adjacent or non-adjacent channels in the same or different VHF/UHF bands can be bonded together to increase transport rate. In addition, channel bonding enhances frequency and spatial diversity to increase system reliability in the event of channel degradation by noise or fading.

Note: Multiple channel bonding requires at least one RaptorX Channel Expansion Shelf per link.

2) Can I change channels remotely?

Yes. Once your RaptorX securely registers over the internet and downloads the available channels per its GPS location, any of the channels can be selected for operation. RaptorX‘s SafariView channel evaluator will automatically score each available channel for usability.

ANTENNAS

1) How do I determine what antenna to use?
  • In a point-to-point application, directional gain antennas are recommended. RaptorX offers an Independent Receive Antenna option that allows the use of independent high-gain Rx antennas to increase Rx signal level for extended reach applications.
  • For point-to-multipoint operations, recommended antennas range from 360° omnidirectional coverage to 90° to 180° sector antennas, providing defined geographical coverage.
2) Can I integrate a Raptor White Space network into an existing 900 MHz, 2.4/5.8 GHz, or microwave infrastructure network?

Yes, the RaptorX is an internet protocol (IP) device using Ethernet and SCADA USB interconnect technology which is compatible with all other network devices including WiFi and LTE/4G systems. RaptorX‘s internal routing allows you to integrate with any network-based communications system.

3) Can Metric Systems provide RF planning and network design support?

Yes, we welcome the opportunity to assist in the evaluation phase, provide training and after sales support to maintain optimum network performance.