A mobile network spectrum sharing optimization method based on blockchain and crowdsourcing monitoring

Abstract

The application provides a mobile network spectrum sharing optimization method based on a blockchain and crowdsourcing monitoring, and comprises the following steps: establishing a mobile network spectrum sharing system based on a blockchain and crowdsourcing monitoring; the system architecture of the established mobile network spectrum sharing system based on a blockchain and crowdsourcing monitoring comprises a blockchain network, MNO base stations, crowdsourcing users CUs and ordinary users; in a spectrum transaction; in a spectrum monitoring stage, a crowdsourcing monitoring process is adopted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of mobile communication technology, and more specifically, to a method for optimizing spectrum sharing in mobile networks. This method utilizes blockchain technology and crowdsourced monitoring mechanisms to improve the security and effectiveness of spectrum sharing. Background Technology

[0002] Spectrum is a scarce resource in mobile networks, especially for 5G and future network technologies designed to support high bandwidth demands, where the need for spectrum resources is constantly increasing. To address this scarcity, spectrum sharing technology is considered an effective solution. However, most existing spectrum sharing technologies employ a centralized architecture, relying on third-party institutions or centralized databases to manage spectrum leasing among mobile network operators (MNOs). These centralized solutions are susceptible to risks such as single point of failure (SPF), denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, and privacy breaches.

[0003] Blockchain technology, with its decentralized nature, data immutability, traceability, and the ability to automatically execute smart contracts, is considered an effective way to solve the problems existing in centralized spectrum sharing solutions. In existing research, blockchain is used as an immutable database for spectrum sharing and leasing. By building a distributed, secure, and transparent spectrum leasing blockchain platform, spectrum leasing can be realized, improving the utilization efficiency of spectrum resources, reducing management costs, and enhancing the system's resistance to attacks.

[0004] Nevertheless, due to the weak coupling between blockchain systems and mobile networks, current solutions fail to effectively record contract violations after spectrum leasing is completed. For example, during contract performance, MNOs without spectrum usage rights may illegally use the spectrum within the contract scope. Therefore, while existing blockchain-based spectrum sharing solutions can securely and transparently complete spectrum leasing, they lack reliable evidentiary support when dealing with violations during contract performance after the lease is completed. This severely impacts the effectiveness and reliability of spectrum sharing. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a method for optimizing mobile network spectrum sharing, aiming to effectively record evidence of contract violations after spectrum leasing, thereby optimizing the implementation effect of spectrum sharing. The technical solution of this invention is as follows:

[0006] A method for optimizing mobile network spectrum sharing based on blockchain and crowdsourced monitoring includes the following steps:

[0007] (I) Establishing a mobile network spectrum sharing system based on blockchain and crowdsourced monitoring. The system architecture of this system includes a blockchain network, MNO base stations, crowdsourced users (CUs), and ordinary users. The MNO base stations belong to either primary operator (POs) or secondary operator (SOs). Each MNO base station has an edge server deployed as a blockchain node, forming the blockchain network. This mobile network spectrum sharing system allows:

[0008] 1) During the spectrum leasing phase, primary operators (POs) with idle spectrum can lease their idle spectrum resources to secondary operators (SOs) with spectrum needs on the blockchain network.

[0009] 2) During the spectrum monitoring phase, SOs will use the blockchain network to invoke pre-deployed smart contracts to automatically monitor spectrum usage; the smart contract is responsible for publishing and managing crowdsourced monitoring tasks, while crowdsourced users CUs are free to choose whether to accept the crowdsourced monitoring tasks;

[0010] (II) During the spectrum leasing phase, the spectrum leasing process is as follows:

[0011] (1) SOs submit rental applications;

[0012] (2) POs leased spectrum;

[0013] (III) During the spectrum monitoring phase, the crowdsourcing monitoring process is as follows:

[0014] (1) Before releasing the crowdsourced monitoring task, the system information broadcast by the 5G base station is encrypted and the digital signature generated by SIB1 and SIB9 is embedded into the system information broadcast by the 5G base station.

[0015] (2) On the blockchain network, SoCs call a smart contract containing crowdsourced monitoring tasks to publish crowdsourced monitoring tasks, including the spectrum range to be monitored, geographical location, monitoring duration and reward for CUs; ​​CUs interested in the task within the target location confirm acceptance of the crowdsourced monitoring task on the blockchain network and monitor the MNO base station in the corresponding task; the CUs' public key and corresponding account will be recorded in the task acceptor list.

[0016] (3) When the CUs receives the system information broadcast by the 5G base station, it verifies the digital signature. If there is any breach of contract, the system information broadcast by the 5G base station is reported to the blockchain network as evidence.

[0017] (4) After CUs sends evidence with its own digital signature to the blockchain network, each blockchain node needs to reach a consensus on whether the evidence is valid.

[0018] Furthermore, during the spectrum leasing phase, the spectrum leasing process is as follows:

[0019] (1) SOs submits a rental application

[0020] SOs submit spectrum rental applications in the blockchain network. The application includes detailed information such as the required spectrum range, geographical location, rental period, rental price, and validity period of the rental application. The rental application is digitally signed by the SOs. Blockchain nodes need to verify the validity of the rental application, including but not limited to checking the reasonableness of the spectrum range, geographical location, and rental period. In addition, the rental application will automatically expire once the validity period of the rental application is exceeded.

[0021] (2) POs rental spectrum

[0022] POs can query spectrum rental applications in the blockchain network, or directly publish information about renting spectrum through the blockchain network according to their own rental needs. The information about renting spectrum includes, but is not limited to, spectrum range, geographical location, rental period, rental price, and validity period of the rented spectrum. Blockchain nodes need to verify the information about renting spectrum, including but not limited to confirming that the rented spectrum does indeed belong to the PO, and the reasonableness of the rental period and geographical location. If the information about renting spectrum is not rented within the specified validity period, the information about renting spectrum will automatically expire.

[0023] (3) Agree to rent

[0024] After the blockchain network collects information on the leasing applications or spectrum rentals of various MNO base stations, SOs use the spectrum resources leased by POs in accordance with the contract.

[0025] Furthermore, the NCGI, frequencyInfoDL, frequencyInfoUL, and UTC information carried in the SIB1 and SIB9 system information broadcast by 5G base stations are used in the encryption design of system information broadcast by 5G base stations.

[0026] Furthermore, the system information broadcast by 5G base stations is encrypted. The method of embedding the digital signature of each MNO base station into the system information broadcast by the 5G base station is as follows:

[0027] Each MNO base station is equipped with a private key generator (PKG) that can generate a unique MNO private key (SK). O The MNO public key PK is generated based on elliptic curve cryptography (ECC). O :

[0028] PK O =SK O ·G

[0029] In the formula, G is the base point on the elliptic curve;

[0030] According to NCGI, SK O and PK O Generate a private key SK for each MNO base station ID and PK ID ;

[0031] SK ID =SK O NCGI

[0032] PK ID =PK O NCGI

[0033] Each MNO base station retains its SK ID , and PK O The PK is stored on the blockchain network. After CUS connects to the blockchain network, it directly queries the blockchain network for the PK. O .

[0034] Furthermore, each MNO base station performs the following process to complete the digital signature embedding process:

[0035] 1) Concatenate SIB1 and SIB9 into a single string S;

[0036] 2) Generate a digital signature using a digital signature generation algorithm;

[0037] 3) Insert digital signatures into unused fields of system information broadcast by 5G base stations.

[0038] Furthermore, the CUs receives system information broadcast by the 5G base station, and the steps for verifying the digital signature are as follows:

[0039] 1) Concatenate SIB1 and SIB9 from the system information broadcast by the received 5G base station into a single string S';

[0040] 2) Obtain NCGI from SIB1, then based on PK O Calculate PK ID ;

[0041] 3) Use S' and PK ID To verify the validity of the digital signature, if it is invalid, it proves that the system information broadcast by the 5G base station was sent by a fake base station, and it is discarded directly. Then, monitoring continues until the crowdsourced monitoring task ends. If it is valid, the CUS confirms that the system information broadcast by the 5G base station was sent from a base station with a specific NCGI, and then proceeds to step 4).

[0042] 4) CUs parses the transmission time and spectrum range information of the system information broadcast by the 5G base station from SIB1 and SIB9, and determines whether the MNO has illegally allocated illegal spectrum at the current time based on the crowdsourcing monitoring task; if there is a contract violation, CUs reports the system information broadcast by the 5G base station as evidence to the blockchain network, and then continues to monitor until the crowdsourcing monitoring task ends.

[0043] This invention provides a mobile network spectrum sharing optimization method based on blockchain and crowdsourced monitoring. It automates the spectrum leasing process by deploying smart contracts specifically responsible for spectrum leasing on the blockchain, and leverages the immutability of the blockchain to ensure the integrity and authenticity of leasing records. Furthermore, this invention proposes utilizing the wide distribution and high flexibility of crowdsourced users to collect evidence of unauthorized spectrum use after leasing by monitoring system information broadcast by 5G base stations. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 This is an example diagram of a mobile network spectrum sharing system architecture based on blockchain and crowdsourced monitoring. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The mobile network spectrum sharing optimization method based on blockchain and crowdsourced monitoring of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0046] 1. This invention proposes to establish a mobile network spectrum sharing system (hereinafter referred to as the System) based on blockchain and crowdsourced monitoring. This system allows...

[0047] 1) During the spectrum leasing phase, primary operators (POs) with idle spectrum can lease their idle spectrum resources to secondary operators (SOs) with spectrum needs on the blockchain network. See step 2 for the specific spectrum leasing process.

[0048] 2) During the spectrum monitoring phase, SOs will utilize the blockchain network to invoke pre-deployed smart contracts to automate the monitoring of spectrum usage. These smart contracts are responsible for publishing and managing crowdsourcing monitoring tasks, and crowdsourcing users (CUs) can freely choose whether to accept these tasks. See step 3 for the specific crowdsourcing monitoring process.

[0049] The system architecture consists of a blockchain network, MNO base stations, crowdsourcing users, and ordinary users. Figure 1For example, in region A, there are three MNO base stations, belonging to PO, SO1, and SO2 respectively. Each base station has an edge server deployed as a blockchain node, forming a blockchain network. In addition, there are two crowdsourcing users (CU1 and CU2) and a large number of ordinary users. During the spectrum leasing phase, PO leases its idle spectrum to SO1 on the blockchain network. During the spectrum monitoring phase, SO1 invokes the relevant smart contract on the blockchain network to publish crowdsourcing monitoring tasks. CU1 and CU2 accept these tasks and monitor PO and SO2 respectively.

[0050] 2. During the spectrum leasing phase, the specific spectrum leasing process is as follows:

[0051] (1) Each MNO has a unique account address.

[0052] Each MNO has a unique account address that can be used for spectrum leasing.

[0053] (2) Rental application

[0054] SOs submit spectrum rental requests on the blockchain network. The requests include detailed information such as the required spectrum range, geographical location, rental period, rental price, and the validity period of the rental application. The rental application is digitally signed by the SO and issued in the form of a rental. Blockchain nodes need to verify the validity of the rental application, including but not limited to checking the reasonableness of the spectrum range, geographical location, and rental period. Furthermore, the rental application will automatically expire once the validity period has elapsed.

[0055] (3) Leased spectrum

[0056] POs (Proprietary Entities) can query spectrum rental applications on the blockchain network or directly publish spectrum rental information based on their own rental needs. This rental information includes, but is not limited to, key parameters such as spectrum range, geographical location, rental period, rental price, and the validity period of the rented spectrum. Blockchain nodes need to verify the rented spectrum information, including but not limited to confirming that the rented spectrum indeed belongs to the PO, and the reasonableness of the rental period and geographical location. If the rented spectrum information is not rented within the specified validity period, the rented spectrum information will automatically expire.

[0057] (4) Agree to rent

[0058] After the blockchain network collects information on the rental applications or spectrum rentals from various MNOs, the relevant smart contracts will automatically execute the matching process to achieve spectrum rental. Then, SOs can use the spectrum resources rented by POs according to the contract.

[0059] 3. During the spectrum monitoring phase, the crowdsourcing monitoring process is as follows:

[0060] (1) In order to complete the crowdsourced monitoring task, this invention proposes that before publishing the crowdsourced monitoring task, the system information broadcast by the 5G base station should be encrypted, that is, the digital signature of each MNO base station should be embedded in the system information broadcast by the 5G base station.

[0061] Specifically, the system information broadcast by 5G base stations is transmitted to all users within the served cell, providing crucial information for user network access. Among the system information broadcast by 5G base stations are two special types: System Information Block Type 1 (SIB1) and System Information Block Type 9 (SIB9). SIB1 contains the NR Cell Global Identifier (NCGI), a unique identifier for each 5G base station cell. Additionally, SIB1 includes frequencyInfoDL and frequencyInfoUL, which can be used to calculate downlink and uplink spectrum resource allocation for the cell, while SIB9 carries UTC (Coodinated Universal Time) time information.

[0062] The information carried by SIB1 and SIB9 can be used for the encryption design of system information broadcast by 5G base stations. In the specific design, each MNO deploys a Private Key Generator (PKG), which can generate a unique MNO private key SK. O Then, an MNO public key is generated based on elliptic curve cryptography (ECC):

[0063] PK O =SK O ·G

[0064] Here, G is the base point on the elliptic curve. Next, we can determine the origin based on NCGI and SK. O and PK O Generate a private key SK for each base station ID and PK ID .

[0065] SK ID =SK O NCGI

[0066] PK ID =PK O NCGI

[0067] We ensure that each base station retains its SK. ID , and PK O It is then stored on the blockchain network (no PK is stored here). ID Instead, it stores PK. O This is because there are too many base stations; if each PK is stored... ID It will consume too much storage space; on the contrary, the PK of each MNO O (Only one), after CUS connects to the blockchain network, it can directly query the PK from the blockchain network. O .

[0068] Next, we propose embedding the digital signatures generated by SIB1 and SIB9 into the system information broadcast by 5G base stations. Each base station needs to execute the following procedure to complete the digital signature embedding process:

[0069] 1) Concatenate SIB1 and SIB9 into a single string S;

[0070] 2) Use a digital signature generation algorithm (such as ECDSA) to generate a digital signature (r,s), for example, (r,s) = ECDSA(S,SK) ID );

[0071] 3) Insert (r,s) into the unused fields of the system information broadcast by the 5G base station (for example, if ECDSA is used, (r,s) is 40 bytes long, where r and s each consist of a 20-byte value).

[0072] (2) After encrypting the system information broadcast by the 5G base station, SOs will invoke a crowdsourced monitoring task on the blockchain network, including the spectrum range to be monitored, geographical location, monitoring duration, and reward for CUs. CUs within the target location and interested in the task can confirm acceptance of the crowdsourced monitoring task by sending a rental application on the blockchain network. The rental application will be processed by a smart contract, and the CU's public key and corresponding account will be recorded in the task acceptor list.

[0073] (3) When the CUs receives system information broadcast by the 5G base station, it can verify the digital signature through the following steps:

[0074] 1) Concatenate SIB1 and SIB9 from the system information broadcast by the received 5G base station into a single string S';

[0075] 2) Obtain NCGI from SIB1, then based on PK O Calculate PK ID ;

[0076] 3) Use S' and PKID To verify if (r,s) is valid, if invalid, it proves that the system information broadcast by the 5G base station was sent by a fake base station, and can be discarded directly. Then continue monitoring until the crowdsourcing monitoring task ends. If valid, then CUs can confirm that the system information broadcast by the 5G base station was sent from a base station with a specific NCGI, and then proceed to step 4).

[0077] 4) CUs parses the transmission time and spectrum range information of the system information broadcast by the 5G base station from SIB1 and SIB9, and determines whether the MNO has illegally allocated spectrum at the current time based on the crowdsourced monitoring task. If there is a contract violation, CUs immediately reports the system information broadcast by the 5G base station as evidence to the blockchain network, and then continues monitoring until the crowdsourced monitoring task ends.

[0078] (4) After CUs sends evidence with its own digital signature to the blockchain network, each blockchain node needs to reach a consensus on whether the evidence is valid.

[0079] By embedding the digital signature of a 5G base station into the system information it broadcasts, this invention can identify the sender of the system information and record evidence of MNO’s illegal use of spectrum on a blockchain network in an irrefutable manner, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and reliability of spectrum sharing.

Claims

1. A method for optimizing mobile network spectrum sharing based on blockchain and crowdsourced monitoring, comprising the following steps: (I) Establish a mobile network spectrum sharing system based on blockchain and crowdsourced monitoring. The system architecture of the established mobile network spectrum sharing system based on blockchain and crowdsourced monitoring includes a blockchain network, MNO base stations, crowdsourced users (CUs), and ordinary users; among which, MNO base stations, belonging to either primary operator POs or secondary operator SOs, have an edge server deployed at each MNO base station location as a blockchain node, forming a blockchain network. This mobile network spectrum sharing system allows: 1) During the spectrum leasing phase, primary operators (POs) with idle spectrum can lease their idle spectrum resources to secondary operators (SOs) with spectrum needs on the blockchain network. 2) During the spectrum monitoring phase, SOs will use the blockchain network to invoke pre-deployed smart contracts to automatically monitor spectrum usage; the smart contract is responsible for publishing and managing crowdsourced monitoring tasks, while crowdsourced users CUs are free to choose whether to accept the crowdsourced monitoring tasks; (II) During the spectrum leasing phase, the spectrum leasing process is as follows: (1) SOs submit rental applications; (2) POs leased spectrum; (III) During the spectrum monitoring phase, the crowdsourcing monitoring process is as follows: (1) Before releasing the crowdsourced monitoring task, the system information broadcast by the 5G base station is encrypted and the digital signature generated by SIB1 and SIB9 is embedded into the system information broadcast by the 5G base station. (2) On the blockchain network, SoCs call a smart contract containing crowdsourced monitoring tasks to publish crowdsourced monitoring tasks, including the spectrum range to be monitored, geographical location, monitoring duration and reward for CUs; ​​CUs interested in the task within the target location confirm acceptance of the crowdsourced monitoring task on the blockchain network and monitor the MNO base station in the corresponding task; the CUs' public key and corresponding account will be recorded in the task acceptor list. (3) When the CUs receives the system information broadcast by the 5G base station, it verifies the digital signature. If there is any breach of contract, the system information broadcast by the 5G base station is reported to the blockchain network as evidence. (4) After CUs sends evidence with its own digital signature to the blockchain network, each blockchain node needs to reach a consensus on whether the evidence is valid.

2. The mobile network spectrum sharing optimization method based on blockchain and crowdsourced monitoring according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the spectrum leasing phase, the spectrum leasing process is as follows: (1) SOs submits a rental application SOs submit spectrum rental applications in the blockchain network. The application includes detailed information such as the required spectrum range, geographical location, rental period, rental price, and validity period of the rental application. The rental application is digitally signed by the SOs. Blockchain nodes need to verify the validity of the rental application, including but not limited to checking the reasonableness of the spectrum range, geographical location, and rental period. In addition, the rental application will automatically expire once the validity period of the rental application is exceeded. (2) POs rental spectrum POs can query spectrum rental applications in the blockchain network, or directly publish information about renting spectrum through the blockchain network according to their own rental needs. The information about renting spectrum includes, but is not limited to, spectrum range, geographical location, rental period, rental price, and validity period of the rented spectrum. Blockchain nodes need to verify the information about renting spectrum, including but not limited to confirming that the rented spectrum does indeed belong to the PO, and the reasonableness of the rental period and geographical location. If the information about renting spectrum is not rented within the specified validity period, the information about renting spectrum will automatically expire. (3) Agree to rent After the blockchain network collects information on the leasing applications or spectrum rentals of various MNO base stations, SOs use the spectrum resources leased by POs in accordance with the contract.

3. The mobile network spectrum sharing optimization method based on blockchain and crowdsourced monitoring according to claim 1, characterized in that, The NCGI, frequencyInfoDL, frequencyInfoUL, and UTC information carried in the SIB1 and SIB9 system information broadcast by 5G base stations are used in the encryption design of system information broadcast by 5G base stations.

4. The mobile network spectrum sharing optimization method based on blockchain and crowdsourced monitoring according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method for encrypting the system information broadcast by 5G base stations and embedding the digital signature of each MNO base station into the system information broadcast by 5G base stations is as follows: Each MNO base station is equipped with a private key generator (PKG) that can generate a unique MNO private key (SK). O The MNO public key PK is generated based on elliptic curve cryptography (ECC). O : PK O =SK O ·G In the formula, G is the base point on the elliptic curve; According to NCGI, SK O and PK O Generate a private key SK for each MNO base station ID and PK ID ; SK ID =SK O ·NCGI PK ID =PK O ·NCGI Each MNO base station retains its SK ID , and PK O The PK is stored on the blockchain network. After CUS connects to the blockchain network, it directly queries the blockchain network for the PK. O .

5. The mobile network spectrum sharing optimization method based on blockchain and crowdsourced monitoring according to claim 4, characterized in that, Each MNO base station performs the following process to complete the digital signature embedding process: 1) Concatenate SIB1 and SIB9 into a single string S; 2) Generate a digital signature using a digital signature generation algorithm; 3) Insert digital signatures into unused fields of system information broadcast by 5G base stations.

6. The mobile network spectrum sharing optimization method based on blockchain and crowdsourced monitoring according to claim 3, characterized in that, The steps for CUs to verify the digital signature after receiving system information broadcast by the 5G base station are as follows: 1) Concatenate SIB1 and SIB9 from the system information broadcast by the received 5G base station into a single string S′; 2) Obtain NCGI from SIB1, then based on PK O Calculate PK ID ; 3) Using S′ and PK ID To verify the validity of the digital signature, if it is invalid, it proves that the system information broadcast by the 5G base station was sent by a fake base station, and it is discarded directly. Then, monitoring continues until the crowdsourced monitoring task ends. If it is valid, the CUS confirms that the system information broadcast by the 5G base station was sent from a base station with a specific NCGI, and then proceeds to step 4). 4) CUs parses the transmission time and spectrum range information of the system information broadcast by the 5G base station from SIB1 and SIB9, and determines whether the MNO has illegally allocated illegal spectrum at the current time based on the crowdsourcing monitoring task; if there is a contract violation, CUs reports the system information broadcast by the 5G base station as evidence to the blockchain network, and then continues to monitor until the crowdsourcing monitoring task ends.

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