Spectrum Sharing Controller and Spectrum Sharing Technology

Abstract

A spectrum sharing controller, comprising: an interface to a sharable spectrum, wherein the sharable spectrum is assigned to a first hierarchical level; a processor configured to: enable a first entity to access at least a portion of the sharable spectrum on the first hierarchical level, wherein the processor is configured to: assign a second hierarchical level to at least a portion of the sharable spectrum accessible by the first entity, and wherein the processor is configured to: enable a second entity to access at least a portion of the sharable spectrum on the second hierarchical level.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a spectrum sharing controller and spectrum sharing technology. This disclosure provides an architecture and method for efficiently sharing spectrum between multiple independently operating networks, for example, using a spectrum sharing system (e.g., a spectrum access system (SAS) or a licensed shared access system (LSA)). In particular, this disclosure relates to a spectrum sharing method within SAS priority access users. Background Art

[0002] A spectrum access system (SAS) is a hierarchical static allocation scheme based on database lookups to share spectrum. The first layer is owned by incumbents. They are the current users of the spectrum and can use the spectrum without any restrictions. They receive interference protection from the lower two layers. The second layer is priority access (PA): this is similar to licensed spectrum that can be won in an auction. However, the PA must vacate the spectrum for the incumbents. Priority users are protected from the lower layer. Via a priority access license (PAL) in the form of a channel, PA users are guaranteed access to a certain amount of spectrum. The exact channels will vary based on the presence or absence of layer 1 users. In the United States, PALs will be allocated up to 70 MHz (within 3550 MHz - 3650 MHz). A single PAL user cannot occupy more than 40 MHz at any given time. The third layer is general authorized access (GAA), in which sharing is open to implementation. In the United States, GAA can use all unused spectrum from 3550 MHz - 3700 MHz. GAA users do not receive explicit interference protection against other GAA users. PALs statically allocate spectrum to specific users. If the allocated spectrum is not being used, it can only be used by the GAA layer and has no protection. Other PA users cannot use the unused PA spectrum and are protected from GAA, even if they may be willing to dynamically acquire a PAL for the duration of their additional capacity needs. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0003] The drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the aspects, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate the aspects and, together with the specification, are used to explain the principles of the aspects.

[0004] Other aspects and many of the expected advantages of the aspects will be readily understood, as they can be better understood by reference to the following detailed description. Like reference numerals refer to corresponding like parts.

[0005] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a spectrum access system (SAS) 100 for spectrum management according to FCC regulations.

[0006] Figure 2a It is a block diagram of a Licensed Shared Access (LSA) system 200 currently defined in Europe.

[0007] Figure 2b It shows a diagram illustrating a two-dimensional spectrum sharing method.

[0008] Figure 2c It shows a diagram 260 illustrating a three-dimensional spectrum sharing method.

[0009] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram illustrating the architecture of an exemplary spectrum sharing system 300 with a software-defined spectrum sharing controller (SDSSC) according to the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a state transition 400 between spectrum usage states of a spectrum sharing system according to the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary channel resource 500 of a spectrum sharing system according to the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 6 It is a block diagram of an exemplary SAS system 600 according to the present disclosure, including a software-defined spectrum sharing controller (SDSSC) for controlling spectrum sharing.

[0013] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of controlling a PAL spectrum 700 by a software-defined spectrum sharing controller (SDSSC) according to the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary message flow 800 between a SAS controller / SDSSC, a civilian broadband service device (CBSD), and a mobile device.

[0015] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary message flow 900 at the interface between an SDSSC and a SAS.

[0016] Figure 10 It is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary message flow 1000 at the interface between an SDSSC and a spectrum pool.

[0017] Figure 11 It is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary message flow 1100 at the interface between an SDSSC and a network operator.

[0018] Figure 12 It is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary message flow 1200 at the interface between an SDSSC and a CBSD.

[0019] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary message flow 1300 at the interface between the SDSSC and the charging system.

[0020] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a spectrum sharing controller 1400 according to the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a spectrum sharing method 1500 according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In the context of the present disclosure, spectrum sharing systems and spectrum sharing networks for sharing spectrum resources between different radio networks according to a spectrum sharing scheme are described.

[0023] Either the radio network and the radio link can operate according to any one or more of the following radio communication technologies and / or standards, including but not limited to: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) radio communication technology, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) radio communication technology, Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) radio communication technology, and / or 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) radio communication technology, such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Freedom of Multimedia Access (FOMA), 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE), 3GPP Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-Advanced), Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000), Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD), Mobitex, 3rd Generation (3G), Circuit Switched Data (CSD), High Speed Circuit Switched Data (HSCSD), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (3rd Generation) (UMTS(3G)), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) (W-CDMA(UMTS)), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), High Speed Packet Access Plus (HSPA+), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System Time Division Duplex (UMTS-TDD), Time Division-Code Division Multiple Access (TD-CDMA), Time Division-Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-CDMA), 3rd Generation Partnership Project Release 8 (Pre-4G) (3GPP Rel.8(Pre-4G)), 3GPP Rel.9 (3rd Generation Partnership Project Release 9), 3GPP Rel.10 (3rd Generation Partnership Project Release 10), 3GPP Rel.11 (3rd Generation Partnership Project Release 11), 3GPP Rel.12 (3rd Generation Partnership Project Release 12), 3GPP Rel.13 (3rd Generation Partnership Project Release 13), 3GPP Rel.14 (3rd Generation Partnership Project Release 14), 3GPP Rel.15 (3rd Generation Partnership Project Release 15), 3GPP Rel.16 (3rd Generation Partnership Project Release 16), 3GPP Rel.17 (3rd Generation Partnership Project Release 17), 3GPP Rel.18 (3GPP Release 18), 3GPP 5G, 3GPP LTE Extra, LTE-Advanced Pro, LTE Licensed-Assisted Access (LAA), MuLTEfire, UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA), Long Term Evolution-Advanced (4th Generation) (LTE-Advanced (4G)), cdmaOne (2G), Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (3rd Generation) (CDMA2000 (3G)), Evolution-Data Optimized or Evolution-Data Only (EV-DO), Advanced Mobile Phone System (1st Generation) (AMPS (1G)), Total Access Communication System / Extended Total Access Communication System (TACS / ETACS), Digital AMPS (2nd Generation) (D-AMPS (2G)), Push-to-Talk (PTT), Mobile Telephone System (MTS), Improved Mobile Telephone System (IMTS), Advanced Mobile Telephone System (AMTS), OLT (Norwegian for Offentlig LandmobilTelefoni, Public Land Mobile Telephone), MTD (abbreviation for Swedish Mobiltelefonisystem D, or Mobile Telephone System D), Public Automatic Land Mobile (Autotel / PALM), ARP (Finnish Autoradiopuhelin, "vehicle radio telephone"), NMT (Nordic Mobile Telephone), High Capacity Version of NTT (Nippon Telegraph and Telephone) (Hicap), Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD)), Mobitex, DataTAC, Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (iDEN), Personal Digital Cellular (PDC), Circuit Switched Data (CSD), Personal Handy-phone System (PHS), Wideband Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (WiDEN), iBurst, Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) (also known as 3GPP Generic Access Network or GAN standard), Zigbee,. Wireless Gigabit Alliance (WiGig) standards, general millimeter-wave (mmWave) standards (wireless systems operating at 10 GHz - 300 GHz and above, such as WiGig, IEEE 802.11ad, IEEE 802.11ay, etc.), technologies operating above 300 GHz and in the THz band, (based on 3GPP / LTE or IEEE 802.11ap, etc.), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-X (V2X) as well as vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) and infrastructure-to-vehicle (I2V) communication technologies, 3GPP cellular V2X, DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communications) communication systems (e.g., intelligent transportation systems, etc.), European ITS-G5 systems (i.e., European-style DSRC based on IEEE 802.11p, including ITS-G5A (i.e., operation of ITS-G5 in the European ITS band dedicated to ITS safety-related applications in the frequency range of 5875 GHz to 5905 GHz), ITS-G5B (i.e., operation in the European ITS band dedicated to ITS non-security applications in the frequency range of 5855 GHz to 5875 GHz), ITS-G5C (i.e., operation of ITS applications in the frequency range of 5470 GHz to 5725 GHz), etc.).

[0024] This solution can be used in the context of any spectrum management solution, including dedicated licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, (licensed) shared spectrum (e.g., Licensed Shared Access = LSA in 2.3 GHz - 2.4 GHz, 3.4 GHz - 3.6 GHz, 3.6 GHz - 3.8 GHz and other frequencies and Spectrum Access System = SAS in 3.55 GHz - 3.7 GHz and other frequencies). Applicable frequency bands include IMT (International Mobile Telecommunications) spectrum (including 450 MHz - 470 MHz, 790 MHz - 960 MHz, 1710 MHz - 2025 MHz, 2110 MHz - 2200 MHz, 2300 MHz - 2400 MHz, 2500 MHz - 2690 MHz, 698 MHz - 790 MHz, 610 MHz - 790 MHz, 3400 MHz - 3600 MHz, etc. Note that some frequency bands are restricted to specific regions and / or countries), advanced IMT spectrum, IMT-2020 spectrum (expected to include 3600 MHz - 3800 MHz, 3.5 GHz band, 700 MHz band, frequency bands in the range of 24.25 GHz - 86 GHz, etc.), spectrum provided under the FCC's "Spectrum Frontiers" 5G plan (including 27.5 GHz - 28.35 GHz, 29.1 GHz - 29.25 GHz, 31 GHz - 31.3 GHz, 37 GHz - 38.6 GHz, 38.6 GHz - 40 GHz, 42 GHz - 42.5 GHz, 57 GHz - 64 GHz, 64 GHz - 71 GHz, 71 GHz - 76 GHz, 81 GHz - 86 GHz and 92 GHz - 94 GHz, etc.), 5.9 GHz (usually 5.85 GHz - 5.925 GHz) and ITS (Intelligent Transport System) frequency bands of 63 GHz - 64 GHz, frequency bands currently allocated to WiGig (e.g., WiGig band 1 (57.24 GHz - 59.40 GHz), WiGig band 2 (59.40 GHz - 61.56 GHz) and WiGig band 3 (61.56 GHz - 63.72 GHz) and WiGig band 4 (63.72 GHz - 65.88 GHz)), 70.2 GHz - 71 GHz frequency band, any frequency band between 65.88 GHz and 71 GHz, frequency bands currently allocated to automotive radar applications (e.g., 76 GHz - 81 GHz), and future frequency bands (including 94 GHz - 300 GHz and above). In addition, this solution can be used adjunctively in frequency bands such as TV white space bands (usually below 790 MHz), where in particular the 400 MHz and 700 MHz frequency bands are promising candidates. In addition to cellular applications, specific applications in vertical markets can also be addressed, such as PMSE (Programme Making and Special Events), medical, healthcare, surgical, automotive, low latency, drone and other applications.

[0025] In addition, note that hierarchical application of this solution is possible, for example, by introducing hierarchical priorities for different types of users based on preferential access to the spectrum (e.g., low / medium / high priorities, etc.). For example, the highest priority is given to layer 1 users, followed by layer 2 users, then layer 3 users, and so on.

[0026] By allocating OFDM carrier data bit vectors to corresponding symbol resources, this solution can also be applied to different single-carrier or OFDM formats (CP-OFDM, SC-FDMA, SC-OFDM, filter bank-based multicarrier (FBMC), OFDMA, etc.), especially 3GPP NR (New Radio).

[0027] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description and in which specific aspects in which the present invention can be practiced are shown by way of illustration. It should be understood that other aspects can be utilized and structural or logical changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be considered restrictive. The following terms, abbreviations, and symbols will be used herein.

[0028] 3GPP: Third Generation Partnership Project;

[0029] LTE: Long Term Evolution;

[0030] LTE-A: Advanced LTE, Release 10 and later versions of 3GPP LTE;

[0031] BS: Base Station, eNodeB;

[0032] FCC: Federal Communications Commission;

[0033] SAS: Spectrum Access System;

[0034] LSA: Licensed Shared Access;

[0035] PA: Preferential Access;

[0036] GAA: General Authorized Access;

[0037] PAL: Preferential Access License;

[0038] ASA: Authorized Shared Access;

[0039] CSS: Cloud Spectrum Service;

[0040] RF: Radio Frequency;

[0041] UE: User Equipment;

[0042] MIMO: Multiple Input Multiple Output;

[0043] TDD: Time Division Duplex;

[0044] FDD: Frequency Division Duplex;

[0045] CBSD: Civil Broadband Wireless Service Device;

[0046] DP: Dedicated Pool;

[0047] SP: Shared Pool;

[0048] TP: Tertiary Pool.

[0049] It should be understood that the comments made in connection with the described method also hold true for the corresponding devices configured to perform the method, and vice versa. For example, if specific method steps are described, the corresponding device may include units for performing the described method steps, even if such units are not explicitly described or shown in the drawings. In addition, it should be understood that the features of the various exemplary aspects described herein may be combined with each other unless otherwise specifically noted.

[0050] The described device may include integrated circuits and / or passive devices and may be fabricated according to various technologies. For example, the circuit may be designed as a logic integrated circuit, an analog integrated circuit, a mixed-signal integrated circuit, an optical circuit, a memory circuit, and / or an integrated passive device.

[0051] The methods and devices described herein may be configured to transmit and / or receive radio signals. The radio signals may be or may include radio frequency signals radiated by a radio transmitting device (or radio transmitter or transmitter), where the radio frequency is in the range of approximately 3 kHz to 300 GHz. The frequency range may correspond to the frequency of the alternating current signal used to generate and detect radio waves.

[0052] The methods and devices described below may be applied in a SAS system, for example, the SAS system 100 as Figure 1 shown. The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) has issued a Report and Order outlining the rules for wireless devices operating in the 3.5 GHz band, which spans 3550 MHz to 3700 MHz. The FCC has released this spectrum for sharing with incumbents, which means that incumbents have priority in this band and broadband devices can use it when (or where) the incumbents are not using the spectrum. The incumbents in this band include DoD radars. In addition to incumbents, there are two other layers of spectrum users, namely Priority Access (PA) and General Authorized Access (GAA). Priority Access License (PAL) users are protected from GAA users, which is similar to unlicensed spectrum.

[0053] The FCC also mandates the implementation of a Spectrum Access System (SAS), which will coordinate spectrum usage among incumbents, PAs, and GAAs. The SAS is important for this band, and layer 2 or layer 3 devices cannot operate unless they continuously communicate with the SAS and receive information on when and where to use the 3.5 GHz channels. Before the SAS can be deployed, it must first obtain FCC approval. Since the SAS is the central coordinator for this spectrum, it needs to have a large amount of information about the network and devices. In fact, the FCC mandates that most of this information be included in the SAS. The FCC's Report and Order outlines example systems with SASs, such as Figure 9 as shown. If there are multiple SASs, they are considered to be synchronized with each other. However, the FCC does not specify details on how the SAS must be implemented and which information must be synchronized.

[0054] The methods and devices described below can be applied in LSA (Licensed Shared Access) systems (e.g., the LSA system 200 as Figure 2a shown), ASA (Authorized Shared Access) systems, and CSS (Cloud Spectrum Services) systems. The LSA (Licensed Shared Access) concept was recently developed by the RSPG (Radio Spectrum Policy Group) on a European-wide basis. The aim is to propose a new way to meet the operators' need for more spectrum. It is expected that in the future, there will be no more dedicated spectrum available for cellular operators for mobile communications. Therefore, LSA proposes a mechanism for introducing a shared-spectrum-based solution, i.e., mobile cellular operators will be able to access additional licensed spectrum from other licensees (such as public safety, government, etc.) that they normally cannot access. LSA is based on a solution similar to ASA (Authorized Shared Access). However, ASA is limited to IMT spectrum, while LSA also addresses non-IMT bands. Both are currently at a rather conceptual level.

[0055] A related technology is CSS (Cloud Spectrum Services), which proposes the same framework as LSA and ASA but introduces more detailed implementation solutions. At the regulatory level, there is great interest in LSA / ASA / CSS, especially in Europe. CEPT WG FM has agreed to establish a corresponding project team. ETSI RRS has completed the establishment of the so-called SRDoc (System Reference Document), which specifically targets the 2.3 GHz - 2.4 GHz band, which is expected to be one of the most direct candidates for shared spectrum use. CEPT WG FM also acknowledges this. CEPT has taken these inputs into account in its CEPT WG FM project teams PT52 and PT53. Although current activities focus on the 2.3 GHz - 2.4 GHz band in Europe, it should be noted that the use of the LSA concept is not limited to any specific band. In fact, it is expected that 2.3 GHz - 2.4 GHz represents the first exercise and that the use of LSA will be extended to other bands in the future.

[0056] The methods and devices described below can be applied to WiFi and Bluetooth systems or any Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. WiFi is a local area wireless computer networking technology that allows electronic devices to connect to a network mainly using the 2.4 GHz (12 cm) UHF and 5 GHz (6 cm) SHF ISM radio bands. The Wi-Fi Alliance defines Wi-Fi as any "Wireless Local Area Network" (WLAN) product based on the IEEE 802.11 standards. However, since most modern WLANs are based on these standards, the term "Wi-Fi" is used as a synonym for WLAN in everyday English. Many devices can use WiFi, such as personal computers, video game consoles, smartphones, digital cameras, tablets, and digital audio players. They can connect to network resources, such as the Internet, via a wireless network access point. Such access points (or hotspots) have a range of approximately 20 meters indoors and a greater range outdoors.

[0057] Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances (using short-wavelength UHF radio waves in the 2.4 GHz to 2.485 GHz ISM band) with fixed and mobile devices and for establishing a Personal Area Network (PAN). It can connect several devices, thus overcoming synchronization problems.

[0058] The methods and apparatuses described below can be applied to LTE FDD mode systems as well as LTE TDD mode systems, such as LTE mode systems with a type 1 LTE frame structure or LTE mode systems with a type 2 LTE frame structure. A type 1 LTE frame includes 10 subframes 204, each subframe having two time slots 206. The total length of a basic type 1 LTE frame is 10 milliseconds. The total length of a type 2 LTE frame is 10 milliseconds. A 10 ms frame includes two half-frames, each half-frame being 5 ms long.

[0059] The methods and apparatuses described below can be applied to MIMO systems. A multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless communication system uses multiple antennas at the transmitter and receiver to increase system capacity and achieve better quality of service. In the spatial multiplexing mode, the MIMO system can achieve higher peak data rates by transmitting multiple data streams in parallel in the same frequency band without increasing the system bandwidth.

[0060] The FCC issued a Report and Order on April 17, 2015, “FCC REPORT AND ORDER AND SECOND FURTHER NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING, FCC 15-47, April 21 st 2015”, outlining the rules for operating wireless devices in the 3.5 GHz band (across 3550 MHz - 3700 MHz). The FCC released this spectrum to be shared with incumbents, which means that incumbents have priority in this band, and broadband devices can use it when (or where) the incumbents are not using the spectrum. The incumbents in this band include DoD radars. In addition to incumbents, there are two other layers of spectrum users, namely Priority Access (PA) and General Authorized Access (GAA). Priority Access License (PAL) users are protected from GAA users, which is similar to unlicensed spectrum.

[0061] The FCC also stipulates a Spectrum Access System (SAS), which coordinates spectrum usage among incumbents, PA, and GAA. The SAS is important for this band, and none of the layer 2 or layer 3 devices can operate unless they continuously communicate with the SAS and receive information on when and where to use the 3.5 GHz channels. Before the SAS can be deployed, it must first obtain FCC approval. Since the SAS is the central coordinator for this spectrum, it needs to have a large amount of information about the network and devices. In fact, the FCC stipulates that most of the information should be included in the SAS. The FCC's Report and Order outlines an example system with an SAS, as Figure 1 shown. If there are multiple SASs, they are considered to be synchronized with each other. However, the FCC does not specify details on how the SAS must be implemented and which information must be synchronized.

[0062] In the following text, an Access Point (AP) and User Equipment (UE) are described. The term AP can be interpreted broadly. In some cases, it can be an eNB, a small cell, a femto / pico / micro / macro cell, etc. Additionally, in the context of SAS, the term CBSD is used instead of AP. Note that the term "AP" encompasses all of these technologies / terms. The UE can act as an AP / CBSD, in which case a link to the SAS controller is maintained via a different (i.e., non-SAS) connection (e.g., via a dedicated licensed LTE band). In this case, it is the UE's classical modem that interacts with the novel SAS stack in order to make the classical (i.e., non-SAS) UE compliant with SAS requirements.

[0063] Negotiation can be performed between APs / CBSDs in order to query a UE or multiple / all UEs as to whether they are SAS-compatible. Only if they are compatible is the SAS stack added and the SAS band supported. Otherwise, SAS is not provided as a service to the UE. That is, the UE can receive a query from an AP / CBSD regarding SAS compatibility and / or the intention to use the SAS band, and then respond to the query by confirming or denying the intended use of the SAS band / service.

[0064] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a Spectrum Access System (SAS) 100 for spectrum management in accordance with FCC regulations. The SAS system includes an exemplary number of two central SAS coordinators 131, 132 for coordinating spectrum usage among incumbents, PA (Priority Access) users, and GAA (General Authorized Access) users in accordance with FCC (Federal Communications Commission) standardization.

[0065] The SAS communication system 100 includes an exemplary number of two SAS entities (also referred to as SAS coordinators or SAS controllers) 131, 132, an FCC database 141, and an ESC (Environmental Sensing Capability) entity 142, which are coupled to each other. An exemplary number of four CBSD (Civil Broadband Wireless Service Device) entities 111, 112, 113, 114 are coupled to the SAS1 entity 131, where CBSD1, CBSD2, and CBSD3 are coupled via a proxy network manager 121. The CBSD devices can be coupled to users 101, 102, 103, 104. In Figure 1 the example, the CBSD1 device is connected to the first user 101 and the second user 102, while the CBSD4 device is connected to the third user 103.

[0066] The SAS entities 131, 132 have the following functions: promulgating and implementing all policies and procedures developed by the SAS administrator; determining and providing to the CBSD the allowed channels or frequencies at its location; determining and providing to the CBSD the maximum allowed transmission power level at its location; retaining and implementing information on no-go areas and protected areas; communicating with the ESC to obtain information on transmissions by federal incumbent users and ordering the CBSD to move to another frequency range or stop transmitting; ensuring that the CBSD operates within the geographical areas and maximum power levels required to protect federal incumbent users from harmful interference; registering and verifying the identification information and location of the CBSD; ensuring that the CBSD protects non-federal incumbent users from harmful interference; protecting priority access licensees from interference by other PAL and GAA users; facilitating coordination among GAA users of operation class B CBSDs; resolving conflicting uses of the band while maintaining a stable radio frequency environment; ensuring secure and reliable transmission of information between the SAS and the CBSD.

[0067] In the United States, for layer 2, a PAL can be assigned up to 70 MHz (within 3550 MHz - 3650 MHz). At any given time, a single PAL user may not occupy more than 40 MHz in each 10 MHz block: at any given point in time, there can be a maximum of 7 PA users per 10 MHz. It is possible for fewer than 7 PALs to obtain the full 70 MHz spectrum. For example. The spectrum ownership and utilization rights can be as shown in the example of Table 1:

[0068] Layer 2 users Owned spectrum Utilized spectrum Spectrum forced to the GAA layer PAL 1 40 MHz 20 MHz 20 MHz PAL 2 30 MHz 20 MHz 10 MHz

[0069] Table 1: Example of spectrum ownership and utilization rights of PAL spectrum

[0070] The 30 MHz spectrum that sinks to the GAA layer can be monetized. In the above use case, a traditional SAS system cannot create opportunities for additional PALs. If PAL 2 requires more than 30 MHz of spectrum on demand, it cannot be adjusted either.

[0071] Regarding spectrum use in the SAS, the following definitions can be applied: S = the total available spectrum in layer 2 is 70 MHz within 3550 MHz - 3650 MHz. Primary access (PA) users can have multiples of 10 MHz of spectrum within the range of 10 MHz - 40 MHz. There may be unassigned channels among the 70 MHz of layer 2 spectrum.

[0072] Outside of SAS, other definitions can be applied: all channels assigned to PAL are collectively referred to as the dedicated pool (DP). Unassigned channels from layer 2 can be called the shared pool (SP). PA users are assigned two spectrums: the primary spectrum (PS) of 10 MHz; and the secondary spectrum (SS), which is an additional spectrum that is a multiple of 10 MHz dedicated to PA users from within the shared pool. In addition to this, PA users can also use the GAA layer as the tertiary spectrum (TS).

[0073] Based on the above content, the following relationships hold:

[0074] The total spectrum (S) in layer 2 = 70 MHz;

[0075] Dedicated pool

[0076] Shared pool (SP) = S - DP;

[0077] Tertiary pool (TP) = the total spectrum in layer 3 = 80 MHz,

[0078] where N = the total number of PA users in the system.

[0079] By applying spectrum sharing techniques as described in this disclosure, available spectrum can be shared efficiently. For example, additional PALs can be created in the above use cases. The basic principles of the spectrum sharing techniques according to this disclosure are as follows:

[0080] 1. Allow flexible ownership of layer 2 PA spectrum, ensuring it is protected from layer 3 GAA users. This increases the number of PA users.

[0081] 2. Create pay - per - use spectrum ownership. This reduces the cost of spectrum ownership for PA users.

[0082] 3. More PA users are willing to obtain layer 2 licenses, which increases the potential revenue of the system.

[0083] 4. Create PA usage precedence over GAA usage.

[0084] 5. Have a centralized control mechanism for real - time monitoring of layer 2 spectrum.

[0085] 6. Allow PALs to choose between dedicated licensed / unlicensed spectrum usage.

[0086] Figure 2ais a block diagram of a Licensed Shared Access (LSA) system 200 currently defined in Europe, which includes an LSA controller 213 for adjusting spectrum usage. The Licensed Shared Access (LSA) communication system 200 includes an LSA library 211, an LSA controller 213, an OA&M entity, an exemplary number of three incumbents 201, 202, 203, and a public mobile communication system having an exemplary number of two base stations BS1, BS2, and one exemplary user equipment UE connected to base station BS1. The public mobile communication system provides licensed spectrum 221 and LSA spectrum 222.

[0087] The LSA library 211 can store information about the availability of the LSA spectrum over time, space, and frequency. The LSA controller 213 can be used to control access to the LSA system. The OA&M entity 215 can be used to maintain the operation of the LSA system.

[0088] Although this disclosure mainly addresses the SAS scenario (US scenario) as Figure 1 shown, the basic principles also apply to the European LSA context as Figure 2a shown.

[0089] Figure 2b FIG. 250 shows a two-dimensional spectrum sharing method for an illustrated system (e.g., LSA, CBRS, SAS, etc.). For CBRS / SAS, the spectrum is typically allocated to so-called "census tracts" 251 in a 2-D manner. LSA and CBRS / SAS systems generally consider spectrum allocation from a 2-D perspective (i.e., in two-dimensional space). However, according to this disclosure, as Figure 2c shown, the concept can be extended to 3-D sharing. So, the disclosed reallocation strategy (e.g., for terrestrial wireless services) can be adopted in a 2-D manner as described below, but can also be adopted in a 3-D manner (e.g., for drone communication, etc.).

[0090] Therefore, 3-D boxes 261 (or any other 3-D shape) that can be independently bid on can be defined. Thus, satellites / drones / etc. can operate within a given spatial "block", achieving guaranteed interference limits. In the upper right corner, each box can be assigned to one (or more) drones / satellites / other devices so that they can move within the assigned space while ensuring a maximum interference level. Additionally, in this 3-D scenario, ground stations may tend to conduct 3-D bidding to ensure that there is no interference from above (or below).

[0091] In addition, the allocated 3-D space can move over time. For example, a satellite moves, and the corresponding allocated space can be defined in a way that it follows the movement of the satellite (e.g., the satellite may always be located in the middle of the 3D space where the maximum interference level is defined, typically after an auction process or a similar process). Similarly, in the case of a drone or a swarm of drones (where each 3D space covers a single, multiple, or all drones), the 3D box (and thus the space defining the maximum interference level) can move with the movement of the drone(s).

[0092] For CBRS / SAS, the method is valid for PAL (Priority Access License) and GAA (General Authorized Access) users. Typically, if a 2-D license was previously obtained (usually on the ground) and the system moves to 3-D license approval (as shown above), the ground system will typically obtain a 3-D space where the interference level is guaranteed. In this way, the ground system will be protected from stations above (or below) that may generate additional interference.

[0093] Figure 3 FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the architecture of a spectrum sharing system 300 having a software-defined spectrum sharing controller (SDSSC) 301 according to the present disclosure. The spectrum sharing system 300 described in the present disclosure is based on a centralized controller that arbitrates spectrum access among multiple operators. This controller is called the software-defined spectrum sharing controller (SDSSC) 301. All operator networks are connected to the SDSSC 301.

[0094] The SDSSC 301 is coupled to an exemplary number of two operator networks: a first network operator OP1 310 and a second network operator OP2 320. The first network of OP1 310 includes an exemplary number of k radio cells 311, 312, each radio cell being coupled to a corresponding node U1 - Un, 330. The second network of OP2 320 includes an exemplary number of k radio cells 321, 322, each radio cell 321, 322 being coupled to a corresponding node U1 - Un 330. Of course, there can be more than two radio networks, and the radio networks can have different numbers of radio cells and network nodes.

[0095] A spectrum pool is available for the infrastructure nodes 330, and channel utilization information can be provided by the cells 311, 312, 321, 322. The spectrum pool is also available for the operators 310, 320, such as the primary spectrum (PS), secondary spectrum (SS), and tertiary spectrum (TS) described above or below regarding Figure 4 The SDSSC can add, modify, and / or delete the PS pool and the SS pool.

[0096] The SDSSC 301 is coupled to a policy control module 302 that can perform policy control, for example, based on an analysis of PS, SS, and TS usage. The SDSSC 301 is also coupled to a spectrum charging system 303 that is used to charge users for the spectrum used. The SDSSC 301 is also coupled to a usage statistics module 304 that is used to calculate statistics on users' spectrum usage.

[0097] In the SAS system described above Figure 1 the SAS controller is responsible for the protection and coordination of the spectrum between the incumbents, primary access, and general access defined in the 3-tier structure. The SAS promulgates and enforces all policies of the FCC regarding spectrum access regulations.

[0098] The SDSSC controller 301 enhances the functionality of the layer 2 spectrum (PAL) by providing an enabler for sharing the spectrum among PAL users. It shall comply with federal regulations and have interfaces to the SAS controller, to the spectrum database, the operator, and the CBSD. This objective can be achieved by the following exemplary process: 1) A first PAL user provides information to the SDSSC spectrum sharing controller 301 indicating that it is proposing (terminating a proposal) to share its PAL spectrum with other users. A typical message to the SDSSC spectrum sharing node 301 can be as follows: {user ID, PAL census tract ID, (propose to share PAL spectrum, terminate sharing PAL spectrum)}. 2) A second user intends to use the available PAL spectrum in a shared manner. This user is automatically notified by the SDSSC spectrum sharing of the availability of the PAL (the user may be registering with the SDSSC spectrum sharing controller 301 by a message such as {user ID, target census tract ID, (request information on available shared PAL spectrum, terminate request)}), or may request information on the availability of such spectrum ({user ID, target census tract ID, (request access to shared PAL spectrum, terminate request)}). The SDSSC spectrum sharing controller 301 can provide information on the available spectrum (e.g., by a message such as {user ID, target census tract ID, PAL spectrum sharing ID, "PAL spectrum (no longer) available for sharing", sharing duration, sharing conditions}). The relevant users can then confirm the proposal by a message such as ({user ID, target census domain ID, PAL spectrum sharing ID, "accept PAL spectrum in secondary mode"}). The SDSSC spectrum sharing controller 301 can finally confirm (or reject) the transaction (e.g., by a message such as {user ID, target census tract ID, PAL spectrum sharing ID, "shared access confirmed / rejected"}).

[0099] The SDSSC 301 can provide the following services: 1) Implement a secondary market for the primary access licensees within the SAS framework. 2) Identify and provide to the SAS a list of permitted channels or frequencies at its location. 3) Identify and provide to the SAS the maximum permitted transmission power level at its location. 4) Maintain information on the secondary pool available for CBSDs. 5) Facilitate the CBSD to protect the use of the spectrum by secondary PALs from the secondary pool. 6) Ensure and create a framework for the CBSD to protect compliant non-federal incumbent users. 7) Ensure and create a coordination framework among PAL spectrum users.

[0100] Below, an exemplary service interface of the SDSSC 301 is described. The first service interface is the SDSSC-SAS interface. The SDSSC 301 can use this interface to notify the SAS of the authorized secondary users regarding the PAL licensed bands used during the CBSD registration. It can be used as follows: A) Proposal regarding the available PAL spectrum for shared use: {User ID, PAL census tract ID, (Propose to share PAL spectrum, Terminate sharing PAL spectrum)}. B) Request for information regarding the available PAL spectrum: {User ID, Target census tract ID, (Request to obtain information on the available shared PAL spectrum, Terminate request)} or {User ID, Target census tract ID, (Request access to the shared PAL spectrum, Terminate request)}. C) Information provided: {User ID, Target census tract ID, PAL spectrum sharing ID, "PAL spectrum (is no longer) available for sharing", Sharing duration, Sharing conditions}. D) Confirmation of the proposal by the user: {User ID, Target census tract ID, PAL spectrum sharing ID, "Accept PAL spectrum in secondary mode"}. E) The SDSSC spectrum sharing controller 301 finally confirms (or rejects) the transaction: {User ID, Target census tract ID, PAL spectrum sharing ID, "Shared access has been confirmed / rejected"}.

[0101] The second service interface is the SDSSC-spectrum pool interface. This interface can update the database of the secondary pool with underutilized PAL licensed bands. The database can be fed by the PAL licensee or the SAS controller or the SDSSC spectrum sharing controller 301: {User ID, Target census tract ID, PAL usage level}. The SDSSC spectrum sharing controller can identify the corresponding underutilized PAL areas and spectrum blocks and make them available for shared use.

[0102] The third interface is the SDSSC-carrier interface. This interface can perform authorization to use the shared spectrum pool in the SDSSC->carrier direction and can provide information on the detected frequency bands in the carrier->SDSSC direction.

[0103] The fourth interface is the SDSSC-CBSD interface. This interface can notify the secondary operator CBSD about the authorization from the PAL licensee. This information should be used during the SAS registration.

[0104] The fifth interface is the SDSSC-Billing interface. This interface can collect statistics on the spectral resources used per cell for each PAL licensed band. This can be normalized to the channel busy time percentage, for example, according to {cell_id, Operator_identifier, busy-time_percentage}.

[0105] The sixth interface is the SDSSC-Usage Statistics interface. This interface can provide information to the analysis module and the billing interface. For example, the following information can be provided: Channel usage: {cell_id, Operator_identifier, busy-time_percentage}; UE load factor: {cell_id, number of UEs}; Packet error rate, loading factor per modulation scheme, retransmissions.

[0106] The seventh interface is the SDSSC-Analysis interface. This interface can provide suggestions on the spectral usage by the primary operator and the secondary operator in the SDSSC->operator direction.

[0107] The following identifiers can be used: PAL_identifier, which is the unique identifier of each PAL licensee; Operator_identifier, which is the unique identifier of each licensee (PAL licensee or secondary licensee of PAL); Cell_id, which identifies the cell (geographical location and coverage); Busy-time_percentage: the normalized time ratio of the channel busy time to the total time.

[0108] In Figure 3 the connectivity between the various nodes in the network is shown.

[0109] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the state transition 400 between the spectral usage states of the spectral sharing system according to the present disclosure. The state transition 400 can be applied to the spectral sharing system 300 described above regarding Figure 3 .

[0110] There are three types of spectra. The first type is the primary spectrum (PS). This is the minimum amount of spectrum that is always guaranteed to be available to the operator. The operator can pay only an upfront license fee for the PS. The total dedicated pool is the sum of all the primary spectra allocated to all the operators in the system and can be represented by the following relationship: The second spectrum type is the secondary spectrum (SS). This is assigned to the operator by the SDSSC in an interference manner. For each operator, the SS channel amount can be different and does not have to be continuous. The availability of this spectrum for the operator is not guaranteed, but rather, based on analysis and machine learning to evaluate demand, this spectrum is provided from the freely available layer 2 sharing pool (SP). The third spectrum type is the tertiary spectrum (TS). This is the same as the layer 3 GAA spectrum in SAS terminology. This is a freely available spectrum pool that the operator accesses on demand for the elasticity of its capacity requirements.

[0111] The spectrum that is being used by any operator (e.g., Figure 4 the new operator 411 shown) can be a combination of the following dedicated spectrum pool and shared spectrum pool. 1) PS, 401. 2) PS + SS, 402. 3) PS + TS, 403. 4) PS + SS + TS, 404. The state diagram 400 shows the transitions between the states of the spectrum being used. The main states 410 are the states PS, 401 and PS + SS, 402. The addition or removal of SS to / from the PP can be performed using a controller input, while the addition or removal of the PP to / from the TS is not performed using a controller input.

[0112] According to the state transition diagram 400 of the operator's spectrum usage, the following state transitions cause an update to the SAS secondary pool database: PS, 401 → PS + SS, 402 and PS + SS, 402 → PS, 401.

[0113] Figure 5 FIG. is a schematic diagram of the channel resource 500 of the spectrum sharing system according to the present disclosure. As described above regarding Figure 4 the three different spectrum types PS 510, SS 520, and TS 530 are shown for the operator 1, 310 and the operator 2, 320 as described in the Figure 3 system 300. The channel resource 500 is depicted with respect to time (horizontal axis) and frequency (vertical axis). Geographic allocation is also possible, but is not shown in Figure 5 FIG.

[0114] For the first type of PS 510 and the second type of SS 520, channel resources are allocated to both operators 310 and 320. That is, for operator 1, 310, the resources 511 of the first type 510 are allocated; for operator 2, 320, the resources 512 of the first type 510 are allocated; for operator 1, 310, the resources 521 of the second type 520 are allocated; for operator 2, 320, the resources 522 of the second type 520 are allocated. For the third type of TS 530, channel resources 531, 532, 533, 534, 535 are allocated to operator 2, 320, and channel resources 536, 537, 538, 539, 540, 541 are allocated to operator 1, 310. These channel resources of the third type TS 530 are blocks of a specific time and frequency range.

[0115] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a SAS system 600 including a software-defined spectrum sharing controller (SDSSC) for controlling spectrum sharing according to the present disclosure. The SDSSC 301 may correspond to the SDSSC 301 described above with respect to Figure 3 The SDSSC 301 may be collocated with the SAS system 100 as described above with respect to Figure 1 The SDSSC 301 may be placed together with the FCC database 141 or the ESC database 142 (see Figure 1 ). Alternatively, the SDSSC 301 may be added to or integrated with the SAS controller, such as SAS 1, 131 or SAS 2, 132. The database of the secondary pool 604 may be collocated with the ESC database 142. The SDSSC 301 may access this database of the secondary pool 604.

[0116] The SAS system 600 may use various interfaces as described above with respect to Figure 3 An operator network having CBSD 1, 601, CBSD 2, 602 and end-users 611, 612, 613 may be integrated into the SAS system 600, for example, as the operator 1, 310 network (as described above with respect to Figure 3 ). The licensed spectrum 621 may overlap with the SAS spectrum 622.

[0117] The software-defined spectrum sharing controller (SDSSC) 301 may update the database of the spectrum of the shared pool 604 used by PA users in a dedicated manner to ensure immunity from GAA users. The interface between the SDSSC and the SAS system is as Figure 6 shown.

[0118] With respect to Figure 5 and Figure 6, instead of a GAA WiFi AP, any other GAA entity can be used, including a GAA eNB, GAACBSD (Civil Broadband Service Device), GAA small cell, GAA pico / micro / macro cell, etc. Additionally, this can equally apply to the UE side, i.e., existing modems (e.g., LTE, MuLTEfire, WiFi, WiGig, etc. modems) can be supplemented with an external SAS stack. This is particularly useful when the UE acts as, for example, a GAA CBSD / AP. It is indeed possible to use an LTE (or any other technology, such as WiFi, 5G based on 3GPP Rel.15 and higher, etc.) link to connect the SAS stack to the SAS controller in order to maintain the expected information exchange with that entity (including the trigger to vacate the frequency band when a priority user (usually an incumbent and / or PAL user) arrives and needs to reoccupy the frequency band, or the operation dispatching and configuration regarding the frequency band, power level, etc. generally with the goal of meeting interference requirements). Note that this method is not limited to GAA use and can also be applied to PAL, or jointly applied to PAL and / or GAA use. Additionally, the same method can be used for the Licensed Shared Access (LSA) method in order to make classical (3GPP / WiFi / etc.) non-LSA eNB / AP and / or classical non-LSA UE compatible with the LSA scheme, i.e., an LSA stack for communicating with the classical (non-LSA) stack will be added. Also note that CBRS / SAS and LSA are merely examples of spectrum sharing schemes. This technology applies to any scheme where one user (group) has a different priority compared to another user (group) or other users (groups). For example, this can be applied to TV white space type applications or vehicle applications in the 60 GHz band, where intelligent transportation systems (ITS) can share the same frequency band (or can at least overlap, as is the case for the 63 GHz - 64 GHz regulation in Europe currently where ITS overlaps with the 2WiGig band, and it is expected that this will be modified in the future such that the overlap only affects a single WiGig channel (and not two of them), and may require one system to have priority over the other (usually the ITS system over commercial WiGig applications).

[0119] Note that the interaction between the shown classical stack (e.g., WiFi stack) and the SAS stack at the application layer (e.g., "driver-to-driver" type of interaction) is only an example. This interaction can also be implemented as, for example:

[0120] · SAS application layer to / from classical system (e.g., WiFi) application layer, requester (security) layer, data stack layer, MLME layer, MAC layer, and / or PHY layer.

[0121] · The SAS data stack layer communicates with / to the application layer of classical systems (e.g., WiFi), the requester (security) layer, the data stack layer, the MLME layer, the MAC layer, and / or the PHY layer.

[0122] · It is also possible for the SAS LBT function to interact with classical systems (e.g., WiFi): In this case, the SAS LBT connects to / from the application layer of classical systems (e.g., WiFi), the requester (security) layer, the data stack layer, the MLME layer, the MAC layer, and / or the PHY layer.

[0123] · It is possible for the SAS stack to be supplemented by other layers (e.g., the security layer, etc.). In this case, the upper layer interaction is applied in the same way between any new layer and classical systems (e.g., WiFi), that is, to / from the application layer of classical systems (e.g., WiFi), the requester (security) layer, the data stack layer, the MLME layer, the MAC layer, and / or the PHY layer.

[0124] Figure 7 FIG. is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of controlling the PAL spectrum 700 by a software-defined spectrum sharing controller (SDSSC) according to the present disclosure. The SAS controller / SDSSC 710 controls the spectrum access to an exemplary number of four PAL frequency bands: the first PAL frequency band 701, the second PAL frequency band 702, the third PAL frequency band 703, and the fourth PAL frequency band 704. In one example implementation, the exclusive spectrum allocation 711 is for a specific PAL licensee, such as using PAL band 1 701 and PAL band 2 702. The other PAL spectra, namely PAL band 3 703 and PAL band 4 704, are accessible to GAA-type users. For example, for a high-quality unlicensed system, only registered users can access, or it is available to all, etc.

[0125] Figure 7 FIG. illustrates the concept of expanding GAA usage using PAL pooling, as described below. Typically, the PAL spectrum and the GAA spectrum are reserved for different spectrum usage scenarios - the PAL spectrum allows PAL licensees to access exclusive spectrum availability in a specific census tract. On the other hand, the GAA is generally available without achieving exclusive use; instead, GAA users need to compete for the spectrum based on a protocol such as CSMA / CA.

[0126] According to the framework of the present disclosure, the PAL spectrum can be pooled by network operators ("investors"), and they can choose to allow unlicensed-type access for their respective customers (utilizing the FCC's rule-based licensing framework). In this way, Wi-Fi / MuLTEfire or similar operators can acquire new PAL spectra and convert them to competition-based access.

[0127] Overall coordination can be accomplished by SDSSC 301. SDSSC 301 can decide whether to 1) allocate a specific PAL band for exclusive use or 2) open a specific PAL band for general access (similar to GAA). General access can be related to any user requesting access to the band, or only to registered users who may have paid for certain extended services, which allows them to use the service. The general principle is as Figure 7 shown.

[0128] Figure 8 FIG. is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary message flow 800 between a SAS controller / SDSSC 710, a civilian broadband service device (CBSD) 601, and a mobile device. The functions of the SAS controller / SDSSC 710 can be implemented by SAS controllers 131, 132 (see Figure 1 and Figure 6 ), or by SDSSC 301 (see Figure 3 and Figure 6 ). The CBSD can be a base station circuit or an eNodeB circuit or an access point circuit.

[0129] From a high-level perspective, the relevant CBSD will access the spectrum as shown in the flowchart of Figure 8 . The message flow is as follows: In a first message (801) from the CBSD 601 to the SAS controller / SDSSC 710, the CBSD 601 requests spectrum allocation for dedicated licensed or unlicensed use. In a second message (802) from the SAS controller / SDSSC 710 to the CBSD 601, the SAS controller / SDSSC responds by providing a list of GAA, PAL, and PAL for unlicensed use time slots. Then, the CBSD 601 selects a suitable configuration 803 (e.g., the number of GAA, PAL, and PAL for unlicensed use time slots). In a third message (804) from the CBSD 601 to the SAS controller / SDSSC 710, the CBSD 601 reports the selection regarding spectrum allocation for dedicated licensed or unlicensed use. In a fourth message (805) from the SAS controller / SDSSC 710 to the CBSD 601, the SAS controller / SDSSC responds by providing the allocated time slots and ACK / NACK for specific time slots. In a fifth message (806) from the CBSD 601 to the mobile device 611, the CBSD 601 provides the allocated spectrum usage to the mobile device 611 according to the allocated time slots.

[0130] By using the concepts described in this disclosure, more degrees of freedom can be introduced in how to utilize PAL and GAA spectra. This improves the overall spectrum efficiency. This concept can be translated into the following with reference toFigures 9 - 13 Use of the service interface of the described SDSSC.

[0131] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary message flow 900 at the interface between SDSSC and SAS. SDSSC 301 uses this interface to notify SAS about the authorized secondary users of the PAL licensed bands used during CBSD registration.

[0132] The message flow is as follows: In the first message (901) from CBSD 601 to SDSSC 301, CBSD 601 agrees to share the PAL band / census tract. In the second message (902) from SDSSC 301 to SAS controller 131, SDSSC 301 provides information about the shared PAL band. In the third message (903) from SAS controller 131 to CBSD 601, SAS controller 131 notifies CBSD 601 of the allocation of the shared PAL band. In the fifth message (905) from CBSD 601 to mobile device 611, CBSD 601 notifies mobile device 611 of the allocation of the shared PAL band.

[0133] Figure 10 It is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary message flow 1000 at the interface between SDSSC and the spectrum pool. This uses the underutilized PAL licensed bands to update the database of the secondary pool.

[0134] The message flow is as follows: In the first message (1001) from SAS controller 131 to SDSSC 301, SAS controller 131 notifies SDSSC 301 of observing the underutilized PAL bands. In the second message (1002) from CBSD 601 to SDSSC 301, CBSD 601 reports the underutilized PAL bands to SDSSC 301. In the third message (1003) from SDSSC 301 to database 604, SDSSC 301 provides summary information about the underutilized PAL bands to database 604. In the fourth message (1004) from database 604 to SAS controller 131, database 604 provides summary information about the underutilized PAL bands to SAS controller 131.

[0135] Figure 11 It is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary message flow 1100 at the interface between SDSSC and the network operator. This SDSSC-operator interface is used in the SDSSC->operator direction to authorize the use of the shared spectrum pool and in the operator->SDSSC direction to provide information about the detected bands.

[0136] Message flow 1100 is as follows: In the first message (1101) from the operator 310 to the SDSSC 301, the operator 310 requests information on available PAL spectrum and provides information on the detected frequency bands to the SDSSC 301. The SDSSC manages (1102) operator registration, permissions, etc. In the second message (1103) from the SDSSC 301 to the database 604, the SDSSC 301 requests information on available PAL spectrum from the database 604. In the third message (1104) from the database 604 to the operator 310, the database 604 provides summary information on underutilized PAL frequency bands to the operator 310.

[0137] Figure 12 FIG. is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary message flow 1200 at the interface between the SDSSC and the CBSD. The SDSSC-CBSD interface can be used to notify a secondary operator CBSD of an authorization from a PAL licensee. This information can be used during SAS registration.

[0138] Message flow 1200 is as follows: In the first message (1201) from the secondary CBSD 602 to the SDSSC 301, the secondary CBSD 602 requests additional PAL spectrum from the SDSSC 301. In the second message (1202) from the SDSSC 301 to the database 604, the SDSSC 301 requests summary information on underutilized PAL frequency bands from the database 604. In the third message (1203) from the database 604 to the SDSSC 301, the database responds by providing summary information on underutilized PAL frequency bands. In the fourth message (1204) from the SDSSC 301 to the secondary CBSD 602, the SDSSC 301 authorizes the use of additional PAL spectrum.

[0139] Figure 13 FIG. is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary message flow 1300 at the interface between the SDSSC and the billing system. The SDSSC-billing interface collects statistics on the use of spectrum resources per cell for each PAL licensed band. This can be normalized to the percentage of channel busy time. The parameters are: {cell_id, Operator_identifier, busy-time_percentage}.

[0140] The message flow 1300 is as follows: In the first message (1301) from the network operator 310 to the SDSSC 301, the operator 310 requests billing information. The SDSSC 301 manages (1302) information regarding PAL usage in a shared / exclusive manner. In the second message (1303) from the SDSSC 301 to the database 604, the SDSSC 301 interacts with the database 604. In the third message (1304) from the SDSSC 301 to the SAS 100, the SDSSC 301 interacts with the SAS system 100. In the fourth message (1305) from the SDSSC 301 to the operator 310, the SDSSC 301 provides PAL usage and related billing information.

[0141] A similar process is used for the SDSSC - Usage Statistics Interface and the SDSSC - Analysis Interface.

[0142] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a spectrum sharing controller 1400 according to the present disclosure. The spectrum sharing controller 1400 is an exemplary implementation of the software - defined spectrum sharing controller (SDSSC) 301 described above with respect to Figures 3 to 13 The functions of the SDSSC 301 can be implemented in software, for example, by a program running on the processor of the spectrum sharing controller 1400 described below, or can be implemented in hardware, for example, by specific hardware logic or an application - specific integrated circuit forming the processor described below.

[0143] The spectrum sharing controller 1400 includes an interface to the sharable spectrum, where the sharable spectrum is assigned to a first hierarchical layer. The spectrum sharing controller 1400 further includes a processor 1401 configured to: enable a first entity to access at least a portion of the sharable spectrum on the first hierarchical layer. The processor 1401 is configured to: assign a second hierarchical layer to at least a portion of the sharable spectrum accessible by the first entity. The processor 1401 is configured to: enable a second entity to access at least a portion of the sharable spectrum on the second hierarchical layer. The term "spectrum sharing controller" should be interpreted in a broad sense, i.e., not limited to the "SAS controller" of the CBSD system. The spectrum sharing controller 1400 can be in any network device, such as a CBSD / eNB / AP / SAS controller, etc. In some cases, even a UE can assume this role, for example, for CBSD layer 3 spectrum usage, where the UE can, for example, assume a coordination role (such as a cluster head or a similar role in automotive application scenarios or similar scenarios) and perform corresponding spectrum assignments (such as assigning to other layer 3, and potentially to layer 2 users).

[0144] The processor 1401 may combine shareable spectrums on multiple identical or different hierarchical levels and enable a third entity to access the combined shareable spectrum. The processor 1401 may enable an entity to access the shareable spectrum based on an auction, a fixed-price offer, free access for a limited time, access to another service in return, a negotiated-price offer, an assessment of achievable target QoS, and / or an assessment of overall efficiency. The processor 1401 may also combine the shareable spectrum with other types of spectrums, which include unlicensed spectrum, any type of white space spectrum, licensed spectrum, and / or spectrum under a rule-based licensing regime.

[0145] The spectrum sharing controller 1400 includes a (first) interface 1404 with the first-layer network 1410, a (second) interface 1405 with the second-layer network 1420, and a processor 1401. The first interface 1404 is configured to receive a spectrum sharing offer 1406 for sharing at least a portion of the radio spectrum allocated to the first-layer network 1410. The second interface 1405 with the second-layer network 1420 is configured to receive a spectrum sharing request 1407 for sharing at least a portion of the radio spectrum. The processor 1401 is configured to, with respect to the spectrum sharing offer 1406 and the spectrum sharing request 1407, allocate access by the second-layer network 1420 to at least a portion of the radio spectrum based on the spectrum sharing scheme 1403. The radio spectrum may be the radio spectrum of the SAS system 100 described above (e.g., within 3550 MHz - 3650 MHz) or the radio spectrum of the LSA system 200 described above. Figure 1 described in the SAS system 100 (e.g., within 3550 MHz - 3650 MHz) or the radio spectrum of the LSA system 200 described above. Figure 2a described in the LSA system 200.

[0146] The spectrum sharing scheme 1403 may be based on, for example, an optimization criterion regarding the information received from the spectrum sharing offer 1406 and the information received from the spectrum sharing request 1407, such as in the form of an auction.

[0147] The optimization criterion (or auction) may be based on the amount of available spectrum indicated by the spectrum sharing offer 1406 and the amount of requested spectrum indicated by the spectrum sharing request 1407.

[0148] The spectrum sharing controller 1400 may also include an interface (not shown) with a database (e.g., the database described above). The processor 1401 may be configured to store information regarding the shareable portion of the radio spectrum in the database 604. The processor 1401 may update the database 604 based on the portion of the radio spectrum that is allocated. Figures 6 to 13 described above) 604.

[0149] The processor 1401 may provide information about the available portion of the radio spectrum to the second-tier network 1420 and may allocate access to the available portion of the radio spectrum based on an acknowledgment received from the second-tier network 1420, as described above with respect to Figures 8 to 13 as described.

[0150] A spectrum sharing request 1407 may be received from the second-tier network 1420 based on the registration of the second-tier network 1420 with the spectrum sharing controller 1400.

[0151] This portion of the radio spectrum may be a portion with respect to time, frequency, and / or geographical location, e.g., within the radio resources 500 as described above with respect to Figure 5 as described.

[0152] The first-tier network 1410 and the second-tier network 1420 may be radio networks of a spectrum access system (SAS) or radio networks of a licensed shared access system (LSA), e.g., as described above with respect to Figure 1 and FIG. 2.

[0153] The processor 1401 may share the radio spectrum between a priority access license (PAL) radio network and a general authorized access (GAA) radio network, e.g., as described above with respect to Figures 3 to 13 as described. The processor 1401 may allocate GAA radio network access to a portion of the radio spectrum owned by the PAL radio network, e.g., as described above with respect to Figures 3 to 13 as described. For example, this portion of the radio spectrum owned by the PAL radio network may be less than the entire bandwidth of the radio spectrum. The processor 1401 may share the radio spectrum based on a combination of a primary spectrum (PS) pool, a secondary spectrum (SS) pool, and a tertiary spectrum (TS) pool, e.g., as described above with respect to Figure 4 as described. The PS pool is a portion of the radio spectrum guaranteed to a radio network, the SS pool is a portion of the radio spectrum allocated to a radio network in a non-interfering manner, and the TS pool is a portion of the radio spectrum allocated to a radio network based on the spectrum sharing scheme 1403.

[0154] The spectrum sharing controller 1400 may further include an interface with the SAS controller, e.g., as described above with respect to Figures 6 to 13 as described. The processor 1401 may provide information about the shared PAL band and / or the second-tier network to which access to the shared PAL band is allocated to the SAS controller, e.g., the SAS controller 131 as described above with respect to Figures 1 to 13 as described.

[0155] The spectrum sharing controller 1400 may further include an interface with a secondary citizen broadband wireless service (CBSD) (e.g., as described above with respect toFigure 12 The interface of the radio network of the described CBSD 602). The processor 1401 may provide information about the authorization of the PAL band of the primary CBSD (e.g., the primary CBSD 601 described above) to the secondary CBSD 602. Figure 6 The spectrum sharing controller 1400 may also include an interface with a billing system, e.g., as described above. The processor 1401 may provide information about the use of the shared PAL band of the radio spectrum to the billing system, e.g., the spectrum billing system 303 described above.

[0156] The spectrum sharing controller 1400 may also include an interface with a statistics system, e.g., as described above. The processor 1401 may provide usage statistics of the shared PAL band of the radio spectrum to the statistics system. Figure 13 The spectrum sharing controller 1400 may also include an interface with a billing system, e.g., as described above. The processor 1401 may provide information about the use of the shared PAL band of the radio spectrum to the billing system, e.g., the spectrum billing system 303 described above. Figure 3 The spectrum sharing controller 1400 may also include an interface with a statistics system, e.g., as described above. The processor 1401 may provide usage statistics of the shared PAL band of the radio spectrum to the statistics system.

[0157] The spectrum sharing controller 1400 may also include an interface with a statistics system, e.g., as described above. The processor 1401 may provide usage statistics of the shared PAL band of the radio spectrum to the statistics system. Figure 13 The spectrum sharing controller 1400 may also include an interface with a statistics system, e.g., as described above. The processor 1401 may provide usage statistics of the shared PAL band of the radio spectrum to the statistics system.

[0158] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a spectrum sharing method 1500 according to the present disclosure. The method 1500 includes: receiving (1501) from a first layer network 1410 a spectrum sharing offer 1406 for sharing at least a portion of the radio spectrum allocated to the first layer network 1410, e.g., as described above. The method 1500 includes: receiving (1502) from a second layer network 1420 a spectrum sharing request 1407 for sharing at least a portion of the radio spectrum, e.g., as described above. The method 1500 further includes: based on the spectrum sharing offer 1406 and the spectrum sharing request 1407, allocating (1503) access by the second layer network 1420 to at least a portion of the radio spectrum according to a spectrum sharing scheme 1403, e.g., as described above. The method 1500 may include other functions as described above and may be executed by the processor 1401 as described above. Figure 14 The spectrum sharing controller 1400 may also include an interface with a statistics system, e.g., as described above. The processor 1401 may provide usage statistics of the shared PAL band of the radio spectrum to the statistics system. Figure 14 The spectrum sharing controller 1400 may also include an interface with a statistics system, e.g., as described above. The processor 1401 may provide usage statistics of the shared PAL band of the radio spectrum to the statistics system. Figure 14 The spectrum sharing controller 1400 may also include an interface with a statistics system, e.g., as described above. The processor 1401 may provide usage statistics of the shared PAL band of the radio spectrum to the statistics system. Figure 14 The spectrum sharing controller 1400 may also include an interface with a statistics system, e.g., as described above. The processor 1401 may provide usage statistics of the shared PAL band of the radio spectrum to the statistics system. Figure 14 The spectrum sharing controller 1400 may also include an interface with a statistics system, e.g., as described above. The processor 1401 may provide usage statistics of the shared PAL band of the radio spectrum to the statistics system.

[0159] The methods, systems, and devices described herein may be implemented as software in a digital signal processor (DSP), microcontroller, or any other coprocessor, or as hardware circuitry in a chip or application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0160] The embodiments described in this disclosure may be implemented in digital electronic circuits, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or combinations thereof, such as in the available hardware of a mobile device, or in new hardware dedicated to processing the methods described herein.

[0161] This disclosure also supports a computer program product that includes computer-executable code or computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause at least one computer to perform the execution and calculation blocks described herein, particularly the method 1500 described above with respect to Figure 15 the method described above and with respect to Figures 1 to 14 the techniques described above. Such a computer program product may include a readable storage medium having program code stored thereon for use by a processor, the program code including instructions for performing any of the methods described above.

[0162] Examples

[0163] The following examples pertain to other embodiments. Example 1 is a spectrum sharing controller, including: an interface to a sharable spectrum, where the sharable spectrum is assigned to a first hierarchical layer; a processor configured to: enable a first entity to access at least a portion of the sharable spectrum on the first hierarchical layer, where the processor is configured to: assign a second hierarchical layer to the at least a portion of the sharable spectrum accessible by the first entity, and where the processor is configured to: enable a second entity to access at least a portion of the sharable spectrum on the second hierarchical layer.

[0164] In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 may optionally include: the processor is configured to: combine the sharable spectrum on multiple identical or different hierarchical layers and enable a third entity to access the combined sharable spectrum, and the processor is further configured to: combine the sharable spectrum with other types of spectra, the other types of spectra including unlicensed spectra (e.g., ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) bands, etc.), any type of white space spectrum (i.e., any spectrum not occupied by incumbent users, such as TV white space), licensed spectra (e.g., LTE licensed spectra), and / or spectra under the (FCC) rule-based licensing regime, etc.

[0165] In Example 3, the subject matter of any of Examples 1-2 may optionally include: the processor is configured to: enable an entity to access the sharable spectrum based on at least one of the following: an auction; a fixed-price offer; free access for a limited time; access to another service in return; a negotiated-price offer; an assessment of achievable target QoS (i.e., a target such as data rate / delay / etc. to be achieved); an assessment of overall efficiency (e.g., in terms of cost, power consumption, etc.).

[0166] In Example 4, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 - 3 may optionally include: an interface with a first - layer network, configured to: receive a spectrum - sharing offer for sharing at least a portion of the radio spectrum allocated to the first - layer network; an interface with a second - layer network, configured to: receive a spectrum - sharing request for sharing at least a portion of the radio spectrum; and the processor is configured to: with respect to the spectrum - sharing offer and the spectrum - sharing request, allocate access by the second - layer network to at least a portion of the radio spectrum based on a spectrum - sharing scheme.

[0167] In Example 5, the subject matter of Example 4 may optionally include: the spectrum - sharing scheme is based on an auction regarding the spectrum - sharing offer and the spectrum - sharing request.

[0168] In Example 6, the subject matter of any one of Examples 4 - 5 may optionally include: the auction is based on the amount of available spectrum indicated by the spectrum - sharing offer and the amount of requested spectrum indicated by the spectrum - sharing request.

[0169] In Example 7, the subject matter of any one of Examples 4 - 6 may optionally include: an interface with a database, wherein the processor is configured to: store information about the shareable portion of the radio spectrum in the database.

[0170] In Example 8, the subject matter of Example 7 may optionally include: the processor is configured to: update the database based on the portion of the radio spectrum that is allocated.

[0171] In Example 9, the subject matter of any one of Examples 4 - 8 may optionally include: the processor is configured to: provide information about the available portion of the radio spectrum to the second - layer network and, based on an acknowledgement received from the second - layer network, allocate access to the available portion of the radio spectrum.

[0172] In Example 10, the subject matter of any one of Examples 4 - 9 may optionally include: receiving the spectrum - sharing request from the second - layer network based on the registration of the second - layer network with the spectrum - sharing controller.

[0173] In Example 11, the subject matter of any one of Examples 4 - 10 may optionally include: the portion of the radio spectrum is a portion with respect to time, frequency, and / or geographical location.

[0174] In Example 12, the subject matter of any one of Examples 4 - 5 may optionally include: the first - layer network and the second - layer network are radio networks of a Spectrum Access System (SAS) or radio networks of a Licensed Shared Access System (LSA).

[0175] In Example 13, the subject matter of Example 12 may optionally include: the processor is configured to share radio spectrum between a Priority Access License (PAL) radio network and a General Authorized Access (GAA) radio network.

[0176] In Example 14, the subject matter of Example 13 may optionally include: the processor is configured to: allocate GAA radio network access to a portion of the radio spectrum owned by the PAL radio network.

[0177] In Example 15, the subject matter of Example 14 may optionally include: this portion of the radio spectrum owned by the PAL radio network is less than the entire bandwidth of the radio spectrum.

[0178] In Example 16, the subject matter of any one of Examples 12 - 15 may optionally include: the processor is configured to: share radio spectrum based on a combination of a Primary Spectrum (PS) pool, a Secondary Spectrum (SS) pool, and a Tertiary Spectrum (TS) pool, where the PS pool is a portion of the radio spectrum guaranteed to a radio network, the SS pool is a portion of the radio spectrum allocated to the radio network in a non-interfering manner, and the TS pool is a portion of the radio spectrum allocated to the radio network based on a spectrum sharing scheme.

[0179] In Example 17, the subject matter of any one of Examples 12 - 16 may optionally include: an interface with a SAS controller, where the processor is configured to: provide information about the shared PAL band and / or the layer 2 network to which access to the shared PAL band is allocated to the SAS controller.

[0180] In Example 18, the subject matter of any one of Examples 12 - 17 may optionally include: an interface with a radio network of a Secondary Commercial Broadband Wireless Service (CBSD), where the processor is configured to: provide information about the authorization for the PAL band of the primary CBSD to the secondary CBSD.

[0181] In Example 19, the subject matter of any one of Examples 12 - 18 may optionally include: an interface with a billing system, where the processor is configured to: provide information about the use of the shared PAL band of the radio spectrum to the billing system.

[0182] In Example 20, the subject matter of any one of Examples 12 - 19 may optionally include: an interface with a statistics system, where the processor is configured to: provide usage statistics about the shared PAL band of the radio spectrum to the statistics system.

[0183] Example 21 is a method for spectrum sharing, the method comprising: receiving a spectrum sharing offer from a first-tier network for sharing at least a portion of the radio spectrum allocated to the first-tier network; receiving a spectrum sharing request from a second-tier network for sharing at least a portion of the radio spectrum; and allocating access by the second-tier network to at least a portion of the radio spectrum based on a spectrum sharing scheme with respect to the spectrum sharing offer and the spectrum sharing request.

[0184] In Example 22, the subject matter of Example 21 may optionally include: the spectrum sharing scheme is based on an auction with respect to the spectrum sharing offer and the spectrum sharing request.

[0185] In Example 23, the subject matter of Example 22 may optionally include: the auction is based on the amount of available spectrum indicated by the spectrum sharing offer and the amount of requested spectrum indicated by the spectrum sharing request.

[0186] In Example 24, the subject matter of any one of Examples 21-23 may optionally include: storing information about the sharable portion of the radio spectrum in the database.

[0187] In Example 25, the subject matter of Example 24 may optionally include: updating the database based on the portion of the radio spectrum allocated.

[0188] In Example 26, the subject matter of any one of Examples 21-25 may optionally include: providing the second-tier network with information about the available portion of the radio spectrum; and allocating access to the available portion of the radio spectrum based on an acknowledgement received from the second-tier network.

[0189] In Example 27, the subject matter of any one of Examples 21-26 may optionally include: receiving the spectrum sharing request from the second-tier network based on registration of the second-tier network for spectrum sharing.

[0190] In Example 28, the subject matter of any one of Examples 21-27 may optionally include: the portion of the radio spectrum is a portion with respect to time, frequency, and / or geographical location.

[0191] In Example 29, the subject matter of any one of Examples 21-28 may optionally include: the first-tier network and the second-tier network are radio networks of a spectrum access system (SAS) or radio networks of a licensed shared access system (LSA).

[0192] In Example 30, the subject matter of Example 29 may optionally include: sharing radio spectrum between a priority access license (PAL) radio network and a general authorization access (GAA) radio network.

[0193] In Example 31, the subject matter of Example 30 may optionally include: allocating GAA radio network access to a portion of the radio spectrum owned by the PAL radio network.

[0194] In Example 32, the subject matter of Example 31 may optionally include: the portion of the radio spectrum owned by the PAL radio network being less than the entire bandwidth of the radio spectrum.

[0195] In Example 33, the subject matter of any one of Examples 29 - 32 may optionally include: sharing the radio spectrum based on a combination of a primary spectrum (PS) pool, a secondary spectrum (SS) pool, and a tertiary spectrum (TS) pool, where the PS pool is a portion of the radio spectrum guaranteed to a radio network, the SS pool is a portion of the radio spectrum allocated to the radio network in a non-interfering manner, and the TS pool is a portion of the radio spectrum allocated to the radio network based on a spectrum sharing scheme.

[0196] In Example 34, the subject matter of any one of Examples 29 - 33 may optionally include: providing information about the shared PAL band and / or the layer 2 network to which access to the shared PAL band is allocated to the SAS controller.

[0197] In Example 35, the subject matter of any one of Examples 29 - 34 may optionally include: a secondary CBSD providing information about the authorization for the PAL band of the primary civilian broadband wireless service (CBSD).

[0198] In Example 36, the subject matter of any one of Examples 29 - 35 may optionally include: providing information about the use of the shared PAL band of the radio spectrum to a billing system.

[0199] In Example 37, the subject matter of any one of Examples 29 - 36 may optionally include: providing usage statistics for the shared PAL band of the radio spectrum to a statistics system.

[0200] Example 38 is a spectrum sharing controller circuit, including: an interface with a plurality of radio networks, configured to: receive a spectrum sharing offer for sharing at least a portion of the radio spectrum allocated to at least one first radio network from at least one first radio network among the plurality of radio networks, and configured to: receive a spectrum sharing request for sharing at least a portion of the radio spectrum from at least one second radio network among the plurality of radio networks; and a processor, configured to: allocate access by the at least one second radio network to at least a portion of the radio spectrum based on a spectrum sharing scheme with respect to the spectrum sharing offer and the spectrum sharing request.

[0201] In Example 39, the subject matter of Example 38 may optionally include: the spectrum sharing scheme is based on an auction regarding the spectrum sharing offer and the spectrum sharing request.

[0202] In Example 40, the subject matter of Example 39 may optionally include: the auction is based on the amount of available spectrum indicated by the spectrum sharing offer and the amount of requested spectrum indicated by the spectrum sharing request.

[0203] In Example 41, the subject matter of any one of Examples 38 - 40 may optionally include: an interface with a database, wherein the processor is configured to store information about a sharable portion of the radio spectrum in the database.

[0204] In Example 42, the subject matter of Example 41 may optionally include: the processor is configured to update the database based on the portion of the radio spectrum that is allocated.

[0205] Example 43 is a device for spectrum sharing, the device comprising: a module for receiving, from a first - tier network, a spectrum sharing offer for sharing at least a portion of a radio spectrum allocated to the first - tier network; a module for receiving, from a second - tier network, a spectrum sharing request for sharing at least a portion of the radio spectrum; and a module for allocating, regarding the spectrum sharing offer and the spectrum sharing request, access by the second - tier network to at least a portion of the radio spectrum based on a spectrum sharing scheme.

[0206] In Example 44, the subject matter of Example 43 may optionally include: the spectrum sharing scheme is based on an auction regarding the spectrum sharing offer and the spectrum sharing request.

[0207] Example 45 is a spectrum sharing system, comprising: a spectrum access system (SAS) configured to share a radio spectrum among an incumbent first - tier network, a priority access license (PAL) second - tier network, and a general authorization access (GAA) third - tier network; and a spectrum sharing controller comprising: an interface with the second - tier network configured to receive a spectrum sharing offer for sharing at least a portion of the radio spectrum allocated to the second - tier network; an interface with the third - tier network configured to receive a spectrum sharing request for sharing at least a portion of the radio spectrum; and a processor configured to allocate, regarding the spectrum sharing offer and the spectrum sharing request, access by the third - tier network to at least a portion of the radio spectrum based on a spectrum sharing scheme.

[0208] In Example 46, the subject matter of Example 45 may optionally include: the spectrum sharing scheme is based on an auction regarding the spectrum sharing offer and the spectrum sharing request.

[0209] Example 47 is a spectrum sharing system, including: a Licensed Shared Access (LSA) system configured to share radio spectrum between an incumbent first-tier network and a licensed second-tier network; and a spectrum sharing controller including: an interface with the first-tier network configured to receive a spectrum sharing offer for sharing at least a portion of the radio spectrum allocated to the first-tier network; an interface with the second-tier network configured to receive a spectrum sharing request for sharing at least a portion of the radio spectrum; and a processor configured to allocate, based on a spectrum sharing scheme, access by the second-tier network to at least a portion of the radio spectrum with respect to the spectrum sharing offer and the spectrum sharing request.

[0210] In example 48, the subject matter of example 47 may optionally include: the spectrum sharing scheme is based on an auction with respect to the spectrum sharing offer and the spectrum sharing request.

[0211] In example 49, the subject matter of any one of examples 47-48 may optionally include: the portion of the radio spectrum is a portion with respect to time, frequency, and / or geographical location.

[0212] Example 50 is a computer-readable non-transitory medium having computer instructions stored thereon, which when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform the method of any one of examples 21-37.

[0213] Example 51 is a User Equipment (UE) including: a receiver configured to receive a query from an access point or a Citizen Broadband Radio Service (CBSD), where the query indicates compatibility of shareable spectrum and / or an intention to use the shareable spectrum; and a transmitter configured to send a response to the query, the response including an affirmation or a denial of using the shareable spectrum.

[0214] In example 52, the subject matter of example 51 may optionally include: the compatibility indicates whether the UE is compatible with the spectrum access system (SAS) band and / or service of the access point or CBSD.

[0215] In addition, although specific features or aspects of the present invention have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature or aspect may be combined with one or more other features or aspects of other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Further, if the terms "comprising", "having", "including", or other variants thereof are used in the detailed description or claims, these terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "including". Additionally, it should be understood that aspects of the present invention may be implemented in discrete circuits, partially in integrated circuits or fully in integrated circuits, or in programming modules. Further, the terms "exemplary", "for example", and "such as" merely denote examples, not the best or optimal.

[0216] Although specific aspects have been shown and described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various alternative and / or equivalent implementations may substitute for the specific aspects shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific aspects discussed herein.

Claims

1. A spectrum sharing controller, comprising: A first interface with a first layer network, the first layer network having priority access to shareable spectrum on a first hierarchical level, wherein the shareable spectrum is assigned to the first hierarchical level; A second interface with a second layer network, the second layer network having priority access to shareable spectrum on a second hierarchical level; and A processor configured to: enable a first entity to access at least a portion of the shareable spectrum on the first hierarchical level, wherein the first interface is configured to: receive a spectrum sharing offer for sharing at least a portion of the shareable spectrum on the first hierarchical level, wherein the second interface is configured to: receive a spectrum sharing request for sharing at least a portion of the shareable spectrum on the first hierarchical level, wherein the processor is configured to: with respect to the spectrum sharing offer and the spectrum sharing request, assign access on the second hierarchical level to at least a portion of the shareable spectrum on the first hierarchical level that the first entity can access, based on a spectrum sharing scheme, wherein the processor is configured to: combine shareable spectrum on multiple identical or different hierarchical levels, and enable a third entity to access the combined shareable spectrum, and wherein the processor is further configured to: combine the shareable spectrum with other types of spectrum, the other types of spectrum including unlicensed spectrum, any type of white space spectrum, licensed spectrum, and / or spectrum under a rules-based licensing regime.

2. The spectrum sharing controller according to claim 1, Among them, The processor is configured to enable an entity to access the shareable spectrum based on at least one of the following: A bid; An offer at a fixed price; Free access for a limited time; Access to another service in return; An offer with a negotiated price; An assessment of achievable target QoS; And An assessment of overall efficiency.

3. The spectrum sharing controller according to claim 1, Among them, The spectrum sharing scheme is based on a bid with respect to the spectrum sharing offer and the spectrum sharing request.

4. The spectrum sharing controller according to claim 3, Among them, The bid is based on the amount of available spectrum indicated by the spectrum sharing offer and the amount of requested spectrum indicated by the spectrum sharing request.

5. The spectrum sharing controller according to claim 1, comprising: An interface with a database, wherein the processor is configured to: store information about the shareable portion of the radio spectrum in the database.

6. The spectrum sharing controller according to claim 5, Among them, The processor is configured to: update the database based on the assigned portion of the radio spectrum.

7. The spectrum sharing controller according to claim 1, Among them, The processor is configured to: provide information about the available portion of the radio spectrum to the second layer network, and based on an acknowledgement received from the second layer network, assign access to the available portion of the radio spectrum.

8. The spectrum sharing controller according to claim 1, Among them, Receiving the spectrum sharing request from the second-layer network based on the registration of the second-layer network with the spectrum sharing controller.

9. The spectrum sharing controller according to claim 1, Among them, The portion of the radio spectrum is a portion with respect to time, frequency, and / or geographical location.

10. The spectrum sharing controller according to claim 1, Among them, The first-layer network and the second-layer network are radio networks of a spectrum access system (SAS) or radio networks of a licensed shared access system (LSA).

11. The spectrum sharing controller according to claim 10, Among them, The processor is configured to: share radio spectrum between a priority access license (PAL) radio network and a general authorization access (GAA) radio network.

12. The spectrum sharing controller according to claim 11, Among them, The processor is configured to: allocate access to the GAA radio network to a portion of the radio spectrum owned by the PAL radio network.

13. The spectrum sharing controller according to claim 12, Among them, The portion of the radio spectrum owned by the PAL radio network is less than the entire bandwidth of the radio spectrum.

14. The spectrum sharing controller according to claim 10, Among them, The processor is configured to: share radio spectrum based on a combination of a primary spectrum (PS) pool, a secondary spectrum (SS) pool, and a tertiary spectrum (TS) pool, wherein the PS pool is a portion of the radio spectrum guaranteed to a radio network, the SS pool is a portion of the radio spectrum allocated to the radio network in a non-interfering manner, and the TS pool is a portion of the radio spectrum allocated to the radio network based on the spectrum sharing scheme.

15. The spectrum sharing controller according to claim 10, comprising: An interface with an SAS controller, wherein the processor is configured to: provide information about the shared PAL band and / or the second-layer network to which access to the shared PAL band is allocated to the SAS controller.

16. The spectrum sharing controller according to claim 10, comprising: An interface with a radio network of a secondary citizen broadband wireless service (CBSD), wherein the processor is configured to: provide information about the authorization of the PAL band of the primary CBSD to the secondary CBSD.

17. The spectrum sharing controller according to claim 10, comprising: An interface with a billing system, wherein the processor is configured to: provide information about the use of the shared PAL band of the radio spectrum to the billing system.

18. The spectrum sharing controller according to claim 10, comprising: An interface with a statistics system, wherein the processor is configured to: provide information about the usage statistics of the shared PAL band of the radio spectrum to the statistics system.

19. A method for spectrum sharing of sharable spectrum, wherein, The sharable spectrum is allocated to a first hierarchical level, and the method includes: Enabling a first entity to access at least a portion of the sharable spectrum at the first hierarchical level; Receive a spectrum sharing offer for sharing at least a portion of the sharable spectrum on the first hierarchical layer, wherein the spectrum sharing offer is received through a first interface with a first layer network that has priority access to the sharable spectrum on the first hierarchical layer; Receive a spectrum sharing request for sharing at least a portion of the sharable spectrum on the first hierarchical layer, wherein the spectrum sharing request is received through a second interface with a second layer network that has priority access to the sharable spectrum on a second hierarchical layer; Regarding the spectrum sharing offer and the spectrum sharing request, allocate access on the second hierarchical layer to at least a portion of the sharable spectrum on the first hierarchical layer that is accessible by the first entity based on a spectrum sharing scheme; Combine the sharable spectrum on multiple identical or different hierarchical layers and enable a third entity to access the combined sharable spectrum; and Combine the sharable spectrum with other types of spectrum, where the other types of spectrum include unlicensed spectrum, any type of white space spectrum, licensed spectrum, and / or spectrum under a regulatory licensing regime.

20. The method according to claim 19, Among them, The spectrum sharing scheme is based on an auction regarding the spectrum sharing offer and the spectrum sharing request.

21. The method according to claim 20, Among them, The auction is based on the amount of available spectrum indicated by the spectrum sharing offer and the amount of requested spectrum indicated by the spectrum sharing request.

22. A computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 19-21.

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