What is Software Radio and What Can it Do for You?

Software radio technology is only limited by a person's imagination; it can be turned into anything. Not just a radio, but a phone, or mp3 player, it is whatever you can program it to be. Software radio is not something you will go out and buy, it is free through GNUradio, although by itself it is just software until you program it. Software radio has multiple possibilities and is considered an open source code meaning that it is free for you to do what you like with it. To the average person Software radio would be of no use, unless of course you were familiar with C++ or python programming languages, then you would not be the average person.

Software radio be can used to create a software program for your phone, or other software based communications. Software radio has been used in many different military operations around the world. Germany is one country that has military software-defined radios (SDR). Depending on who is in control of the software will determine how fast it can become a revolutionary tool. For example, Software radio can be used as a two-way radio or CB one minute and then reprogrammed to be used in a phone the next. Making the use of it limited to the knowledge of the user, or the programming capability in the device.

Of course at this time changing a Software radio from a CB to a phone at the speed of light is not widely feasible, although the theory behind Software radio is. The easiest way to think of Software radio in everyday life is a cell phone. For example, many times cell phone carriers add new capabilities to specific model phone. The BlackBerry is known for needing its software updated for a new application. One instance was when it was given the capability to use GPS navigation. Many of Nextel's customers wanted to try it, however; they quickly found that they needed to download the current software to their phone in order for it to work.

Software radio is software that is free to be programmed into whatever the user can think to use it for. The most common use that most people are aware of today is wireless technology. Software radio technology is what allows people to change applications, or even features without having to change hardware. The software performs the various functions of the hardware, which is why Software radio applications can save money not only for a company but also a consumer.

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Reed, J. (2008, June). Mobile Application Environments for Software Radio. (cover story). Portable Design, 14(6), 22-28. Retrieved September 18, 2009, from Business Source Premier database.