Abstract: A system for scanning a frequency spectrum to detect usage thereof includes an ultra-wideband receiver for performing the scanning, and cooperates with a spectrum usage estimator module and a radio controller unit. The spectrum usage estimator module derives from the scanning performed via the ultra-wideband receiver information as to usage of individual bands in the frequency spectrum. The radio controller unit controls operation of a radio cognitive system as a function of the information as to usage of individual bands in the frequency spectrum as derived by the spectrum usage estimator module. The radio cognitive system operates over unused bands in the frequency spectrum.

Abstract: A communication network such as a cellular network or a WLAN includes a set of user terminals. Within the communication network, a system dynamically controls spectrum usage. The system includes a functionality sensor for sensing spectrum usage within the area covered by the communication network, and a policy server for producing, as a function of the sensed spectrum usage, spectrum usage policies for the communication network. A broadcasting arrangement broadcasts the spectrum usage policies to the user terminals. The system is applicable to cognitive radio systems.