Unlocking the Future of Wireless: How Shared Testbeds Are Changing the Game

In the ever-evolving world of wireless technology, one thing is clear: the way we use spectrum is changing. With the rise of new technologies like Wi-Fi 6E and the upcoming Wi-Fi 7, more devices than ever are fighting for space in the airwaves. With limited spectrum available, how do we ensure everything runs smoothly without interfering with existing systems?

That’s exactly what Professor Monisha Ghosh and her team at The Wireless Institute at The University of Notre Dame are working to figure out. Their NSF funded research is focused on shared testbeds—real-world environments where new wireless technologies can be tested and studied alongside existing systems to improve spectrum sharing and network performance. And with wireless networks becoming more crowded, their work couldn’t come at a better time.

Why Spectrum Sharing Matters

Traditionally, different parts of the radio spectrum were assigned to specific users—cellular networks, satellite communications, military radars, and Wi-Fi all had their own designated space.

Now however, spectrum is increasingly being shared between newcomers and long-time users.

“It is a critical time for spectrum innovation and policy in the U.S., with an emphasis on sharing and coexistence in the mid-band frequency range.”

_{Professor Monisha Ghosh}

The Power of Shared Testbeds

A major challenge in wireless research is that while new technologies are rapidly deployed, there aren’t large-scale testbeds dedicated to studying spectrum sharing in live environments. The Wireless Institute at Notre Dame and Professor Ghosh’s research aims to change that.

Engaging in joint research with colleagues at the University of Michigan, her team has been conducting extensive research at both the University of Michigan and the University of Notre Dame, effectively turning these campuses into large-scale testbeds for studying 6 GHz Wi-Fi deployments. These universities have already implemented dense networks of Wi-Fi 6E access points (APs) under the low-power indoor (LPI) regime, and many are now expanding to outdoor use with standard power (SP) rules. This makes them ideal locations to study how well these sharing rules are working in the real world.

Gathering the Data That Matters

So how do you measure real-world wireless performance? Ghosh’s team has devised a clever strategy: they are using phones to collect data directly from active networks through a custom Android app called SigCap. These devices continuously track network performance, interference patterns, and how Wi-Fi 6E interacts with other users of the 6 GHz band.

According to Ghosh, “Using smartphone based apps to track real-time signal strength, where signals are the strongest, we can learn how wireless coverage can be optimized.”

All of this data is sent to a centralized data repository, where advanced tools—like ArcGIS—are used to map, analyze, and visualize network behavior.

The goal? To create the most detailed dataset ever collected on real-world 6 GHz spectrum sharing, which will be publicly released for the wireless research community. The lessons learned here will inform dynamic spectrum sharing options in new future bands.

What’s Next? Scaling Up for the Future

Professor Ghosh’s research doesn’t stop at 6 GHz. With 5G and NextG deployments on the rise, and the NTIA exploring new spectrum bands like lower 3 GHz (3.1–3.45 GHz) and 7 GHz, continuous monitoring of network performance is crucial.

To keep up with these advancements, her team is working on scaling up their methodology to enable nationwide wireless network assessments. Their strategy includes:

• Deploying more phones to measure signals across different environments
• Expanding data collection to include emerging frequency bands
• Using machine learning to predict and optimize network performance

The insights from this research could help shape future wireless standards, improve network efficiency, and ensure that spectrum sharing remains effective as new technologies emerge.

Why This Research Matters to You

Whether you’re streaming Netflix, making a Zoom call, or connecting your smart home devices, your internet experience relies on efficient spectrum management. The research led by Professor Ghosh is playing a crucial role in ensuring that Wi-Fi, cellular networks, and critical communication systems can coexist without interference.

By turning university campuses into real-world testbeds and making their findings publicly available, Ghosh and her students are paving the way for smarter, more efficient wireless networks—not just in the 6 GHz band, but across the entire spectrum. So next time you connect to Wi-Fi, remember: behind every seamless connection is a world of research ensuring that everything works smoothly. And thanks to shared testbeds, the future of wireless is looking brighter than ever.

Story written by Julie Hahn

The Wireless Institute at Notre Dame. For more information on this story or the Institute contact us @ jhahn5@nd.edu

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Want more information on Professor Ghosh’s work in Shared Testbeds? Check out the link below.