Coexistence and incumbent protection in a cognitive radio network

A method of dynamic RF spectrum allocation to at least one RF transmitter, comprising:

• receiving a message from a first communication system requesting available RF spectrum over which to transmit RF signals, the message indicating a geographic location of a first non-incumbent transmitter associated with the first communication system;
• for the RF spectrum, determining a maximum power level at which the first non-incumbent transmitter may transmit without exceeding a threshold level of interference at least one focal point;
• and
• communicating to the first communication system a RF spectrum list identifying at least the RF spectrum and the determined maximum power level, further comprising receiving from the first communication system at least one message, the at least one message comprising:
• an indication of a selection by the first communication system to utilize the RF spectrum;
• and
• an indication of a threshold transmit power level that will not be exceeded by the first non-incumbent transmitter while utilizing the RF spectrum.

A method of dynamic RF spectrum allocation among a plurality of RF transmitters, comprising:

• communicating a RF spectrum availability request to a cognitive radio controller, the RF spectrum availability request identifying a geographic location of a first non-incumbent transmitter;
• receiving from the cognitive radio controller a RF spectrum list identifying a plurality of available RF spectrums and, for each of the available RF spectrums, an indication of a maximum power level at which the non-incumbent transmitter may transmit;
• determining whether the maximum power level for at least one of the plurality of available RF spectrums is sufficient for proper operation of the non-incumbent transmitter;
• and
• when it is determined that the maximum power level for at least one of the plurality of available RF spectrums is sufficient for proper operation of the non-incumbent transmitter:
• from the plurality of available RF spectrums selecting at least one RF spectrum for use by the non-incumbent transmitter;
• and
• communicating to the cognitive radio controller a message indicating the selected RF spectrum and a threshold transmit power level that will not be exceeded by the non-incumbent transmitter while utilizing the selected RF spectrum.