Implementing a dynamic cloud spectrum database as a mechanism for cataloging and controlling spectrum availability

Abstract

A system and method are provided for implementing a dynamic cloud spectrum database to codify and store information on, and track the use of, spectrum resources made available by primary spectrum holders in an effort to facilitate spectrum management for networks using spectrum allocated through a Dynamic Spectrum Access scheme that allows the primary spectrum holders, or proxies assigned to manage a given allocations of spectrum, to temporarily “rent” access to the spectrum they hold to other entities. Spectrum may be listed in the database defined by a common unit measurement system according to a defined metric for quantifying spectrum. A time-frequency unit or TFU is defined according to a unit of spectrum being available for a specified time, e.g., 1 MHz of spectrum being available for use for 1 second at a given location. Spectrum resources negotiated in the disclosed transactions are represented and / or transferred in multiples of TFU's.

Description

[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 603,261, entitled “Intelligent Spectrum Allocation Based on User Behavior Patterns For Efficient Spectrum Usage,” filed on Feb. 25, 2012. This application is related to co-pending International Patent Application Nos. (Attorney Docket Nos. P43616PCT and P43617PCT), filed on the same day as this application, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Disclosed Embodiments[0003]This disclosure relates to systems and methods for implementing a dynamic cloud spectrum database (CSD) to codify and store information on, and track the use of, spectrum resources made available by primary spectrum holders (PSH's). The disclosed CSD facilitates spectrum management for networks using spectrum allocated through a Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) scheme that allows the PSH's, or proxies assigned to manage a given allocations of spectrum, to ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This approach effectively recovers underused spectrum, potentially doubling the available spectrum for mobile cellular network communications, ensuring efficient and scalable spectrum management while providing incentives for both spectrum holders and users, and maintaining service quality.

Problems solved by technology

As the increase in demand for wireless data access continues, the world is headed toward a global spectrum shortage.

If solutions are not found, users of wireless devices will frustratingly experience increased instances of dropped calls and slow data speeds all while paying higher fees for access to the scarce resource that will be the wireless data and voice communication spectrum.

A cursory review of the breakdown of the licensed spectrum for any particular geographic area reveals that the availability of new spectrum to support the assignment of additional exclusive licenses to any particular licensee is nearly exhausted.

As mobile cellular network communication traffic continues its dramatic increase, congestion occurs today and the congestion problem is forecast to rise significantly in coming years in the portions of the spectrum currently licensed to mobile cellular network operators to support wireless voice and data communications.

Regardless of these efforts, however, the pipe will never get any bigger due to the fixed, finite spectrum covered by licenses.

The above efforts may delay the inevitable.

There will still come a time, however, when the currently licensed portions of the spectrum that support commercial mobile voice and data communications will become overburdened.

Often these methods reduce the quality of service experienced by individual customers.

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