Comparisons Between an Oblique Ionosphere Sounding Technique Based on KiwiSDR Receivers and a Proprietary Analytical Propagation Model

Abstract

Ionosphere’s variability largely influences the reliability and the stability of high frequency communications. Approaching this topic, the present paper proposes a passive sounding technique able to evaluate narrowband radio channels based on spectral digital signal processing methods. To this end, the study employs two freely available KiwiSDR receivers, thus encouraging a discussion on the potential that the online SDR infrastructure has in relation to ionosphere enquires. The experimental results, derived out of roughly 48 hours of sounding, are ultimately used to determine the degree of conformity of a proprietary analytical model developed previously.