Spectrum monitoring apparatus, spectrum access verification system and method for verification of spectrum access rights

Abstract

Amongst others, a spectrum monitoring apparatus is disclosed. In some embodiments, a spectrum monitoring apparatus includes a radio-frequency (RF) receiver, an RF decoder, a query interface coupled to a spectrum access right database, a processor, and an access right determination module. The RF receiver is configured to receive radio frequency signals of an operator of a radio communication system utilizing frequencies of a monitored spectrum. The RF decoder is configured to decode radio frequency signals received by the RF receiver and to determine an identity of the operator. The processor is configured to send an operator query to the spectrum access right database via the query interface, the operator query containing the determined identity of the operator. The access right determination module is configured to receive a response from the spectrum access right database to the operator query via the query interface and to determine, on the basis of the determined identity of the operator and the response, whether the operator of the RF communication system is licensed to utilize the monitored frequencies.