Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) Sharing Ecosystem Assessment (SEA) Modeling Methodology Report

Published

October 13, 2026

Author(s)

Thao Nguyen, Duncan McGillivray, Todd Schumann, Aric Sanders, Keith Hartley

Abstract

The purpose of the NASCTNCBRSSEA program is to provide data-driven insight into the CBRS sharing ecosystem's effectiveness between commercial and DoD incumbent systems, and to track changes in the spectrum environment over time. CBRS is the "first of a kind" nationwide shared spectrum ecosystem in the 3550-3700 MHz band. To support this program, NASCTN developed modeling and simulation techniques that are built upon the foundational CBRS governing models. This approach informed the selection of sensor sites and correlated modeled and measured data at operationally relevant sites near Norfolk, VA and San Diego, CA. This modeling methodology report provides: 1. Introduction: A brief description of the NASCTNCBRSSEA program, modeling methodology and scope. 2. Modeling Approach: A description of data, algorithms, and code used for modeling. 3. Modeling Informed Sensor Location Selection: A description of tools and strategies used to inform sensor location selection. 4. Modeled and Collected Sensor Data Comparison: An in-depth analysis comparing modeled with collected sensor data. 5. DPA Neighborhood Distance Recalculation: A study on the impacts of data and models used for Dynamic Protection Area (DPA) neighborhood distance calculation. 6. Conclusion: A summary of the modeling approach, data, models, and findings presented in the report.

Citation

Technical Note (NIST TN) - 2392

Report Number

2392

NIST Pub Series

Technical Note (NIST TN)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.TN.2392

Local Download

Keywords

advanced communications, spectrum sharing, aggregate emissions, interference protection, citizens broadband radio service, CBSD, dynamic protection areas, environmental sensing capabilities, NASCTN

Citation

Nguyen, T. , McGillivray, D. , Schumann, T. , Sanders, A. and Hartley, K. (2026), Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) Sharing Ecosystem Assessment (SEA) Modeling Methodology Report, Technical Note (NIST TN), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.TN.2392, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=962670 (Accessed October 14, 2026)

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