Distinguished Lecture: "Opportunities for White Space Radios to Provide Broadband Access"

By Dr. Timothy X Brown
Professor in Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering

Abstract: Wireless technology has the potential to expand broadband access to many people with modest investment. But, where will the critical wireless spectrum come from? All useful spectrum is already allocated while paradoxically most spectrum is unused. This paradox can be shattered with a new technology, dynamic spectrum access.

We will discuss how dynamic spectrum access presents both technical challenges that need solved while also creating opportunities for regulators to unlock the potential of their country's spectrum. We will also present examples of its use including access to the unused "white spaces" in the television band to provide broadband.

Biography: Timothy X Brown is a Professor in Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering and served as Director of the Interdisciplinary Telecommunications Program at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He received his B.S. in physics from Pennsylvania State University and his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from California Institute of Technology in 1990.

His research interests include adaptive network control, machine learning, and wireless communication systems.  His current research funding includes NSF, FAA, DOE, and industry. Projects include the role of mobility in network control of unmanned aircraft, denial of service vulnerabilities in wireless protocols, spectrum policy frameworks for cognitive radios, and indoor wireless network performance.

He is a recipient of the NSF CAREER Award, and the GWEC Wireless Educator of the Year Award.