The RMA - A framework for reconfiguration of SDR equipment

Software radio promises to bring unparalleled flexibility and reconfigurability to wireless systems, with enormous commercial potential. As the next decade. progresses SDR is expected by many to emerge as the dominant design in the commercial wireless marketplace. However, significant practical issues associated with security and regulation exist which, if not adequately addressed, could threaten to result in regulatory hurdles precluding, or at least delaying, its deployment-a regulator could be understandably hesitant about authorising the operation of a handset whose radio emissions can be determined by an end user downloading and using unproven software from an arbitrary source post-purchase. In this article we describe the Reconfiguration Management Architecture-a pragmatic technological approach, developed within the framework of Mobile VCE research, that offers solutions to this and other associated SDR. problems. The RMA approach fully acknowledges and builds upon the necessary interaction between the user terminal and the network to allow full validation of a reconfigured user device prior to realtime operational authorisation. Such an architecture allows responsibility for validation to be delegated and assigned by a national regulator to, for example, a mobile network operator. Such a capability can, in turn, facilitate the creation and growth of an open market in downloadable software provision, which itself promises to encourage rapid development of new capabilities, applications and innovation. New business models and revenue streams may be expected to result. This article describes the basic technical concepts associated with the RMA, explaining the key functionalities residing within the terminal and the network and their interrelationships. The RMA is presently being evaluated as part of the SDR Forum's security and architecture work. It promises to provide realistic solutions that could accelerate the successful commercial deployment and rollout of SDR technology to the benefit of the industry, across the whole value chain.