A Non-Interfering Radio Communication System for the SKA Astronomy Project

This paper describes the design of a wide area digital mobile radio network intended for use in the Square Kilometer Array radio quiet zone. The stringent limitations on radio frequency emissions are a major design constraint on the system. Three bands of operation are investigated and compared based on their feasibility and potential for radio frequency interference to the astronomical receivers hosted on the site. Various measurement and analysis procedures which characterize the risks presented by the recommended system are described, as well as a field test of a procured test system setup. Finally, an overall systems design is presented. The recommended system has been deemed acceptable to be implemented in the required area.