IEEE DySPAN (2025) is the International Symposium on Dynamic Spectrum Access Networks, and it is the number one international forum on spectrum technology and policy innovation. The symposium brings together experts from all corners of the world and includes representatives from academia, industry, regulatory, and government bodies. DySPAN platforms the latest advancements in research and practice around spectrum management, sharing, coexistence, and cutting‑edge wireless tech.
HASC’s Branded Exhibition Space at IEEE DySPAN 2025 Including All Spectrum Connectivity – Banners
This year’s event was even more special than usual, celebrating 20 years of DySPAN so it was a huge pleasure to take such a significant part in the event this time around. Our colleague Simon Cotton from the HASC Hub was the overall Technical Programme Committee Chair for DySPAN 2025 so we caught up with him for our round-up of what was, an excellent event.
Simon is Professor of Wireless Communications and Director of Research, School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Queen’s University Belfast, IEEE Fellow, and HASC Principal Investigator. Read our interview with Simon, as he discusses with us the highlights of this years’ event and why events like this are so vital to the research community and industry alike. Let’s dive in!
HASC: Why Was the DySPAN 2025 Event So Important?
SIMON COTTON: “DySPAN 2025 marked a significant milestone for the spectrum community this year. It brings together such a diverse audience with delegates from technologists to policymakers and industry leaders from across the world. This year there were experts from 13 different countries. The symposium provides a platform to come together and rethink how spectrum is managed. And all in an era where we are seeing such rapid innovation in wireless and not to mention, evolving demand.
During his opening keynote, Simon Saunders (General Chair of DySPAN 2025), emphasised the UK’s ambitions in spectrum innovation and as this was the first DySPAN event to take place outside the US since the COVID-19 pandemic, this further underscored the UK’s growing leadership in this space, which is really exciting!”
HASC: What Challenges or Opportunities Were Discussed?
SIMON COTTON: “A central theme of the event was the complex and ever-evolving challenge of managing spectrum in a crowded and competitive environment. Discussions focused heavily on issues around spectrum access, sharing, coexistence, and utilisation, particularly in relation to cutting-edge wireless technologies such as millimetre wave (mmWave) and terahertz (THz) bands.
Speakers and delegates alike recognised the need for innovative and flexible approaches to spectrum allocation, especially as next-generation technologies become more widespread and traditional systems more challenged under ever-increasing demand.”
HASC: What Were the Key Take-Aways, Highlights, or Trends to Track?
SIMON COTTON: “Several key themes emerged from DySPAN 2025, and we can certainly expect these to shape the spectrum landscape in the years ahead. I have six stand-out trends and takeaways:
1. Global Collaboration in R&D
The first major takeaway was the importance of international collaboration in spectrum research and development (R&D). HASC played a central role here, participating in a workshop exploring global models for aligning R&D with policy and regulatory frameworks. Our Director, Dominic O’Brien, shared the hub’s strategic goals and research priorities, positioning HASC alongside leading institutions such as SpectrumX in the US and the CONNECT Centre in Ireland.
2. Advancing Regulatory Frameworks
Another major highlight was the UK Spectrum Policy Forum’s Future Spectrum Policy Summit (SPF) which was held in collaboration DySPAN 2025. SPF provided an extended insight into the direction of upcoming regulatory reforms. There was a clear indication of a shift towards more agile, adaptive frameworks capable of responding to the pace of technological change.
3. Two Decades of Innovation at DySPAN 2025
DySPAN 2025 is celebrating two decades of innovation. As a result, a special anniversary panel took place, featuring leading voices from MIT, Nokia, UCLA, and Ofcom, who reflected on the event’s legacy and future trajectory. A real highlight for me, since it really demonstrates to the evolution of our field.
4. Real-world Spectrum Sharing
The event showcased practical examples from the Regulatory Spectrum Sandboxes initiative, highlighting UK government-funded projects actively working to increase spectrum sharing and demonstrate its viability. The spectrum sandbox initiative provides a testing environment where innovators can come together to test spectrum sharing scenarios that are not currently possible in ordinary licensing conditions. It was really great to get updated insights from this project’s vital work.
5. AI Seen as A Spectrum Game-Changer
Perhaps not surprisingly, one of the most striking trends discussed was the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in spectrum management. AI is rapidly becoming a transformative force in all our lives, however what was on offer here was the potential to radically enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of wireless systems. Delegates agreed it will be central to future spectrum allocation strategies – a fact reflected in the work being carried at HASC.
6. Balancing Tech & Regulation
Throughout the event, there was a recurring emphasis on striking the right balance between technical advancement and effective regulation. Discussions consistently underscored the importance of spectrum sharing, emphasising the need to balance cutting-edge technical solutions with robust, yet flexible, regulatory frameworks. This will be vital in order for us the realise the full potential of dynamic spectrum access in the years to come.
There is certainly vast and rapid developments taking place in these areas, and this just provides just a small a snapshot!”
What Did HASC Bring Along to DySPAN?
SIMON COTTON: “HASC made a strong impression at DySPAN 2025. We hosted an exhibitor stand, where Anthony Reece-Thompson and Abderrahmen Trichili presented the hub’s research and recent achievements. Our team also articulated a clear vision for positioning the UK as a global leader in spectrum research.
Left to Right: Anthony & Abderrahmen Standing by our Exhibition Banners at DySPAN 2025
I myself, served as the overall Technical Program Committee Chair for the symposium, and HASC was one of the main patrons for the event, so not only was HASC well represented, but we also played a pivotal role in shaping the event’s academic and technical direction overall. We’re very much looking forward to what next year may bring and would like to thank all those who took part and attended!”
If you would like to find out more about the HASC project and stay up to date with news from across the hub, you can sign up for regular updates here
All communications rely on spectrum, the ‘frequency space’ needed to provide connectivity. As demand for this connectivity grows so does the search for new regions of the spectrum that can be used. All spectrum connectivity considers both the wireless spectrum that is well-known, and the spectrum that is available within fibres, understanding how to best use these together. This is the goal at HASC. In this article we take a deeper dive into what All Spectrum Connectivity is and where everything fits in.
Connectivity: The Invisible Thread Connecting Us All
From binge-watching your favourite boxset on Netflix to powering critical life-saving medical equipment, our world runs on effective connectivity. Most of our access to the internet is now wireless, so it’s worth starting with this part of the spectrum.
Wireless Technologies & The Spectrum
There are many ways our wireless communications are made possible, and all these use various parts of the spectrum, each with its own ‘rules of use.’
Licensed spectrum
In the UK, licensed spectrum frequencies are allocated to specific organisations via the communications regulator, Ofcom. Licences are typically used for services that need interference-free bandwidth or have the potential to cause interference to others.
Exclusive rights to use certain frequency bands are issued to organisations such as mobile networks like 4G/5G/6G services. This includes, TV and radio stations and some fixed wireless service providers (wireless broadband).
Licensed spectrum can provide reliable coverage as its use is limited to licensed users, but can be as expensive as it is regulated.
Unlicensed spectrum (license-exempt)
Certain bands are designated as licence-free and can be used if the equipment meets technical standards. Such bands are free to use but can be crowded and therefore prone to interference.
Common licence-exempt bands include
2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Bands: Used by Wi-Fi devices, Bluetooth, and other short-range communications
24GHz – Vehicle radar
27MHz – Citizens band (CB Radio)
863–865 MHz Band & 173.7–175.1 MHz Bands: Used by wireless microphones and audio equipment
Shared spectrum
Shared licences are used in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, aviation, utilities, manufacturing, and rural broadband initiatives. Bands include
3.8–4.2 GHz Band: Available for local licensing, enabling businesses and other organisations to deploy private networks, such as industrial IoT applications
1.8 GHz and 2.3 GHz Bands: Shared use under special technical conditions that reduce the likelihood of interference with existing users
Each band has its own unique characteristics. Likewise, they all come with their own limitations. For example, some provide coverage, and some are free to use. For instance, your phone might use licensed 5G for speed and range but switch to Wi-Fi when indoors (or use both at once without you even noticing).
Wired Technologies
Put simply, ‘wired and wireless’ just refers to whether data is travelling down a physical cable or ‘through the air.’ Wired networks include:
Copper cables (Ethernet) work by sending electrical signals
Fibre-optic cables transmit data using optical signals, typically in the infrared range (~200 THz)
Wired networks provide the data backbone for communications, with wireless increasing being used ‘at the edge’ of the network to connect users to this backbone.
Both wired and wireless technologies are essential. How to best use both existing and emerging technologies together is the goal of HASC.
What is All Spectrum Connectivity?
From radio waves to light pulses — see where your everyday tech fits in the spectrum of connectivity.
So, what is all spectrum connectivity? All Spectrum Connectivity means using all the above technologiestogetherintelligently, allowing devices and networks to switch dynamically or aggregate multiple bands for:
Better coverage
Increased capacity
Enhanced reliability and speed
Lower latency
All spectrum connectivity is much more than just Wi-Fi or mobile. It’s about intelligently combining all types of communication technology, from fibre to light to 5G. It aims to keep us all connected as networks become more complex and the spectrum becomes increasingly crowded.
The Hub in All-Spectrum Connectivity (HASC)
To tackle the challenges that exist in optimising all spectrum connectivity, HASC’s investigations span four main application areas:
C1 Connectivity – demonstrating how different connectivity techniques can be integrated to optimise both wired and wireless communication systems
C2 Adaptivity – explores adaptable networks that intelligently switch between wired and wireless technologies
C3 Security – focusing on how to ensure that increasingly complex systems remain secure and resilient
C0 Modelling – we are developing a holistic model of connectivity that unifies both wired and wireless communication systems across the spectrum
Here are some of the highlights from across the HASC project.
Virtual Fibre with Wireless Light Communication – University of Oxford
Most wireless traffic now happens indoors, with users relying heavily on Wi-Fi and demanding ever-higher data rates. Likewise, new applications such as virtual and augmented reality require mobile-friendly connectivity that allows users to move around but still enjoy a stable and uninterrupted experience.
This investigation explores an innovative approach using light – specifically, light transmitted via optical fibre – to provide high-speed wireless connectivity. A base station in the ceiling steers light to a mobile terminal within the room, enabling fast, low-latency communication, even as the user moves around.
This technology offers an efficient use of wired and wireless spectrum. It carries data over fibre (wired), through free-space using light (wireless), and then back into a wired connection. This creates a ‘virtual fibre’ link through the air.
Building on the success of the first-generation system, the team is now developing a second-generation version with improved real-time tracking. This system is bringing us closer to seamless, high-performance indoor connectivity. Learn more >
Wavelength Division Multiplexing Li-Fi at 100 Gbps – University of Cambridge
At the University of Cambridge, researchers are pushing the boundaries of wireless communication by pioneering Li-Fi. Li-Fi is a high-speed wireless technology that uses light instead of radio waves. In the latest experiments, they have built a system achieving ultra-fast data transmission speeds of 100 Gbps! This is around 100 times faster than typical home Wi-Fi or 5G.
One of the key motivations behind this work is the growing scarcity of radio frequency spectrum. The optical spectrum, by contrast, is vast, unregulated, and offers around 3,000 times more bandwidth, making it a valuable and untapped resource for future communications.
The aim is to build scalable, future-proof systems that can support next-generation applications. This includes everything from indoor connectivity to deep space communications, and even emerging technologies like holographic displays. Learn more >>
Ultra-low Latency Switched Fronthaul Networks – University of Bristol
Bristol’s research explores how artificial intelligence can revolutionise the way wireless networks are managed, particularly as we move towards future technologies like 6G. Traditionally, spectral resources (the radio frequencies used for wireless communication) are statically licensed to major operators. However, this often leads to inefficient use, with valuable bandwidth sitting idle.
To address this, researchers are investigating how AI, specifically deep reinforcement learning, can enable dynamic spectrum sharing. Dynamic spectrum sharing allocates resources in real time based on network demand. This approach could significantly improve performance, energy efficiency, and user experience. The team is also working within the Open RAN (Radio Access Network) ecosystem, developing more resilient and flexible network architectures that could replace current point-to-point links.
This shift from static to dynamic spectrum usage—paired with intelligent, AI-driven control—promises to unlock more efficient, responsive, and sustainable wireless networks for the 6G era. Learn more >>
Rate Splitting Multiple Access – University of Imperial College
This experiment focuses on Rate-Splitting Multiple Access (RSMA) — a pioneering technique developed at Imperial College. It makes wireless networks not only more efficient but also smarter. As spectrum becomes an increasingly limited resource, they are investigating ways to maximise its use by enabling both communication and sensing capabilities within the same network.
This is especially valuable as we move towards 6G, where multifunctional and highly efficient wireless systems will be essential. The goal is to demonstrate that the theoretical advantages of RSMA translate into real performance gains when implemented on existing hardware. Imperial has already identified over 40 different use cases for RSMA, and this work has led to the first working prototype for a range of applications, from unicast to complex multi-group multicast transmissions.
By using rate-splitting to share limited spectrum more intelligently, this approach not only supports faster, more reliable communication but also opens the door to integrated features like sensing — laying the groundwork for the versatile networks of the future. Learn more >>
Final Thoughts – A Future Where Everything Connects
As the demand for faster, smarter, and more reliable wireless communication grows, the use of all available regions of the spectrum becomes more pressing.
Whether it’s using visible light to unlock ultra-high data rates, dynamically sharing underused radio frequencies with the help of AI or developing new techniques like rate-splitting to combine communication and sensing in the same spectrum, researchers are finding innovative new ways to make every part of the spectrum work harder and more efficiently.
By leveraging the full spectrum, from fibre to free space, from licensed radio bands to unregulated optical channels, HASC hopes to play our part in delivering a truly resilient and responsive communications ecosystem fit for the 6G era and beyond.
