Software Defined Radio (SDR)
In radio communication systems where software performs functions traditionally handled by hardware, in flexible, adaptable radio operation, such as USRP (Universal Software Radio Peripheral).
The telecommunications industry faces a major challenge – a lack of spectrum to meet growing demand, particularly for Internet and mobile communications. There are innovative approaches to address this demand by improving the efficiency of spectrum usage. Reconfigurable Radio Systems (RRS) are smart radio entities or functions that can react to their environment and/or have their radio parameters updated via software. This offers an opportunity to support the needs of our connected world by sharing spectrum among multiple services and radio networks.
ETSI’s Technical Committee on Reconfigurable Radio Systems (TC RRS) is responsible for the development of standards and other technical deliverables related to Reconfigurable Radio Systems. It also works on the definition of spectrum sharing platforms, and on enabling technical interoperability as well as regulatory compliance in this field. TC RRS provides ETSI with a major centre of expertise in the area of Reconfigurable Radio Systems.
Key areas of work
Cognitive Radio (CR)
In radio systems with learning capabilities with automatically parameter adjustment for optimal spectrum use and efficiency, such as UHF ‘White Spaces’ and Radio Environment Maps.
Spectrum sharing platforms such as evolved Licensed Shared Access (eLSA)
eLSA facilitates spectrum allocation procedure, including automatic local area licensing and leasing agreements, to manage the conditions of spectrum use.
ETSI Technical Reports and ETSI guides
Related to Reconfigurable Radio Systems and adjacent areas such as dynamic spectrum sharing also extended in the use of AI/ML (Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning) techniques.
Specification and management of dynamic radio systems
Co-ordination of ETSI positions in Dynamic Spectrum Access as a critical aspect of modern wireless communications.
Center of expertise in Reconfigurable Radio Systems
Providing advice in Reconfigurable Radio Systems, in all activity areas including the regulatory framework.
What we do
Current TC RRS work focuses on:
- Maintenance of a framework for software reconfiguration preserving regulatory compliance for Reconfigurable Radio Systems. The framework is intended to support conformity assessments in the context of the Radio Equipment Directive as well as the Cyber Resilience Act.
- Development of a technical specification that defines requirements for a common and secure software update mechanism, supporting the secure delivery of software components affecting compliance with the Radio Equipment Directive.
- Maintenance and evolution of the technical specifications for DSAS (Dynamic Spectrum Allocation Service) to meet the needs of local private networks for dynamic and temporary use cases.
- Extension of the scope of the spectrum sharing framework by studying the feasibility of the use of AI/ML (Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning) techniques.
Working Groups
TC RRS WG 1
System aspects, cognitive functionalities and radio
TC RRS WG 3
RRS security, certification and declaration of conformity
Standards & documents
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ETSI TS 104 011 V1.2.1 (2026-04) Published
Reconfigurable Radio Systems (RRS); Dynamic Spectrum Allocation Service (DSAS); System requirements
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ETSI TS 104 011 V1.1.1 (2024-07) Published
Reconfigurable Radio Systems (RRS) Dynamic Spectrum Allocation Service (DSAS) System Requirements
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ETSI TR 104 012 V1.1.1 (2023-12) Published
Reconfigurable Radio Systems (RRS); Feasibility study of the usage of software reconfiguration for Radio Equipment Directive and Proposal for Cyber Resilience Act
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ETSI TR 103 885 V1.1.2 (2023-06) Published
Reconfigurable Radio Systems (RRS); Feasibility study on existing spectrum sharing frameworks for temporary and flexible spectrum access
Get involved
For participation inquiries or further information, please contact: [email protected]
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Related technologies
Technology
Wireless and mobile technologies
Ensuring safe, dependable wireless communications for billions of users and connected devices
