RTSO: Comprehensive Framework for Real-Time Frequency Channel Occupancy and Spectrum Hole Detection

Abstract

Efficient spectrum utilization remains a key challenge in modern wireless communications, especially in dynamic environments with limited spectrum availability. This paper introduces Real-Time Spectrum Optimization (RTSO), a framework that combines Geo-Location Spectrum Databases (GLSDBs) with real-time spectrum sensing to detect frequency channel occupancy and identify spectrum holes. RTSO uses advanced energy detection techniques, including Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN) modelling, to distinguish between idle and occupied channels accurately. It incorporates mathematical tools such as occupancy time and Frequency Channel Occupation (FCO) metrics for effective spectrum analysis. A notable feature is a revisit-time-based sensing mechanism that infers channel status during intermittent scans. Practical evaluations demonstrated improved detection accuracy, reduced false alarms, and better decision-making for dynamic access to available channels. Key performance metrics, including latency, bandwidth, and error rate, were compared with baseline methods, showing substantial gains in efficiency. This work provides a valuable contribution to cognitive radio systems and dynamic spectrum access, paving the way for more intelligent and adaptive spectrum management strategies in real-time communication networks.