Automated frequency coordination (afc) system and method for controlling frequency sharing and/or interference in a communications system

Abstract

Methods and/or apparatus for implementing an automated or automatic frequency coordination (AFC) system are described. The method involves determining if allowing a transmitter to use spectrum, e.g., a frequency or band of frequencies, will result in unacceptable interference to another device or if the interference produced by the transmitter will be within an acceptable level. The method involves generating and storing Threshold to Interference (T/I) ratio tables, e.g., based on actual transmitter and/or receiver characteristic information, prior to a request to use spectrum being received. The T/I tables are stored in a T/I threshold database which is accessed and used to determine if a transmitter will create unacceptable interference to a device within the transmit area of the transmitter if frequency sharing is permitted. The T/I threshold tables can be computed, stored and the values stored therein can be used for multiple frequency use decisions by one or more AFC systems.