Dynamic spectrum management (DSM), also referred to as dynamic spectrum access (DSA), is a set of techniques based on theoretical concepts in network information theory and game theory that is being researched and developed to improve the performance of a communication network as a whole. The concept of DSM also draws principles from the fields of cross-layer optimization, artificial intelligence, machine learning etc. It has been recently made possible by the availability of software radio due to development of fast enough processors both at servers and at terminals. These are techniques for cooperative optimization. This can also be compared or related to optimization of one link in the network on the account of losing performance on many links negatively affected by this single optimization. It is most commonly applied to optimize digital subscriber line (DSL) performance of a network. Another potential application of DSM is for cognitive radio. Important and common principles of DSM include:

DSM in Digital Subscribers Loop

DSM can be achieved over ordinary copper phone lines' network by reducing or eliminating crosstalk, interference and near–far problem within a DSL network especially affecting the DSL phone lines that are close together in a binder. The technique involves multiple methods:

DSM in Wireless Networks

An important application of dynamic spectrum access is in wireless networks. Spectrum, as the key resource for wireless communications, plays a major role in network key performance indicators like coverage, quality of service, energy efficiency, and reliability. Most wireless communication services are provided under a fixed spectrum allocation predefined by regulators and assigned by auctions to the operators. This spectrum allocation process is highly inefficient, leading to significant spectrum underutilization. Despite the increasing improvements in the spectral efficiency of wireless technologies, the demand for bandwidth exceeds the availability of spectrum for new communication services and networks. Paradoxically, several spectrum surveys demonstrate that the spatial and temporal use of the sub-3 GHz spectrum is less than 20% world wide and less than 11% in rural areas. In this context, Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) networks enable the opportunistic use of unused or underutilized spectrum in specific areas or at particular times. By leveraging licensed but unused spectrum or by better distributing spectrum according to the dynamic demand of services, higher spectrum efficiency can be achieved. Some dynamic spectrum access and management techniques and methods include: