Method for the reallocation of communication resources by an entity delegated reallocation authorization

Abstract

The present disclosure relates, in particular, to a method (10) for reallocating communication resources allocated to an operator (TELCO) of a first access network of a wireless communication system, the method (10) comprising: - a delegated entity transmitting (S10), to a delegating entity, a request for delegation of authorization to reallocate communication resources that the delegating entity is authorized to reallocate; - the delegated entity receiving (S11) delegation of authorization to reallocate communication resources; - the delegated entity reallocating (S12) communication resources to an operator of a second access network according to the delegation of authorization to reallocate communication resources of the delegated entity.

Description

Description Title: Method for reassigning communication resources by a delegated reassignment authorization entity Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure belongs to the field of wireless communication systems, and more particularly relates to a method of reassigning communication resources, allocated to an operator of a first access network, to an operator of a second access network. Prior art

[0002] Communication resources, particularly radio frequencies, are rare and strategic resources whose use is generally subject to the control of a regulatory authority (National Frequency Agency, ANFR, in France).

[0003] For example, the use of certain frequency bands is subject to the prior obtaining of an operating license, issued by the regulatory authority. This is the case, for example, for cellular wireless communication systems (3G, 4G, 5G, etc.), which use frequency bands for which operating licenses are issued, and whose duration is of the order of several years (generally 20 years).

[0004] These frequency bands are therefore allocated (rented) statically to operators benefiting from such operating licenses.

[0005] Nowadays, there is a strong incentive from regulatory authorities to share frequency bands in order to make their use more efficient.

[0006] For example, it could be considered to temporarily reallocate all or part of a statically allocated frequency band, for example to deploy a temporary and local access network intended to serve an event such as a concert, a sporting competition, etc. Summary

[0007] The present disclosure aims to remedy all or part of the limitations of the prior art solutions, in particular those set out above, by proposing a solution which allows communication resources to be shared in a more dynamic manner.

[0008] Furthermore, the proposed solution makes it possible, at least in certain embodiments, to trace the respective responsibilities of the different actors involved in the sharing and / or to automatically verify the authorizations of the various actors involved in the sharing, and possibly to verify the use made of the shared communication resources, in particular in order to limit the risks of interference.

[0009] To this end, a process of reallocation of resources is proposed communication resources allocated to an operator of a first access network of a wireless communication system, said reallocation method comprising: a transmission, by a delegated entity and to a delegating entity, of a request for delegation of authorization to reassign communication resources that the delegating entity is authorized to reassign, a reception, by the delegated entity, of a delegation of authorization to reassign communication resources, said delegation of authorization to reassign communication resources comprising a set of parameters describing the authorization to reassign delegated to the delegated entity by the delegating entity, a reallocation of communication resources, by the delegated entity, to an operator of a second access network according to the delegation of authorization to reassign communication resources of said delegated entity.

[0010] Thus, the proposed solution aims at the reallocation (i.e. sharing) of communication resources allocated to an operator of a first access network. This operator of the first access network typically corresponds to the operator benefiting from a license to operate communication resources (in particular frequency resources) obtained from the regulatory authority, and the reallocation aims at sharing (i.e. subletting) all or part of these communication resources with a third party.

[0011] To this end, the proposed solution allows a delegated entity to request a delegation of authorization to reassign communication resources allocated to the operator of the first access network. This delegated entity is therefore authorized, once it has obtained a delegation of authorization to reassign, to reassign the communication resources concerned to an operator of a second access network, for example deployed temporarily and locally to serve an event such as a concert, a sports competition, etc. The delegating entity is for example directly the operator of the first access network, or another delegated entity having obtained a delegation of authorization to reassign communication resources from the operator of the first access network, etc.It should be noted that the operator of the first access network may also be a delegated entity, if it has requested and obtained a delegation of authorization to reassign, from the regulatory authority (for example the ANFR), all or part of the communication resources which were initially allocated to it by the regulatory authority.

[0012] Thus, such a delegated entity can act as an intermediation platform between customers (the operator of the second access network) and suppliers (the operator of the first access network), in charge of carrying out the reallocation of more dynamically. communication resources. Such a delegated entity may also obtain delegations of authorizations to reassign communication resources from different operators holding operating licenses obtained from the regulatory authority, so that it is then easier to respond to a specific reassignment request from an operator of a second access network.

[0013] The scope of the delegated reassignment authority is defined by a set of parameters included in the delegation of reassignment authority received by the delegated entity. The delegation of reassignment authority may also, optionally, be provided to the regulatory authority for review.

[0014] In particular modes of implementation, the reallocation method may further include, optionally, one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations.

[0015] In particular implementations, the delegation of reassignment authorization includes a smart contract to be executed to obtain the set of parameters describing the reassignment authorization delegated to the delegating entity by the delegating entity and / or to determine, prior to a reassignment of communication resources, whether the intended reassignment is consistent with the reassignment authorization delegated by the delegating entity.

[0016] The use of a smart contract automates the verification of compliance with the granted reassignment authorization delegation, since it is sufficient to execute the smart contract to do so. In addition, the smart contract, provided in the form of a non-editable binary code, is not modifiable, so the scope of the delegated reassignment authorization cannot be modified, either intentionally or inadvertently.

[0017] In particular modes of implementation, the reallocation method comprises, after reallocation, by the delegated entity, of communication resources to the operator of the second access network: a reception, by the delegated entity, of information and / or measurements relating to a use by the second access network of the reassigned communication resources, an evaluation of a conformity of use of the communication resources by the second access network, by comparison of the information and / or measurements with a set of parameters describing the use of communication resources authorized by the delegated entity.

[0018] Such provisions enable the delegated entity to verify that the use made of the reassigned communication resources complies with the conditions of use authorized by the said delegated entity, in order, for example, to limit risks interference. Optionally, it is also possible to verify that the use made of the reassigned communication resources complies with the reassignment authorization delegated by the delegating entity.

[0019] In particular implementations, the delegated entity generates a smart contract to be executed to compare the information and / or measurements with the set of parameters describing the use of communication resources authorized by the delegated entity.

[0020] The use of a smart contract makes it possible to automate the verification of compliance with the conditions of use authorized by the delegated entity.

[0021] In particular implementation modes, the set of parameters includes information relating to an authorization to grant sub-delegations of authorization to reassign and, if the delegating entity is authorized to grant a sub-delegation of authorization to reassign, the delegating entity issues a delegation of authorization to reassign to another delegating entity, upon request from said other delegating entity and depending on the delegation of authorization to reassign communication resources granted by the delegating entity.

[0022] Thus, in such implementation modes, it is possible to sub-delegate reassignment authorizations, thus allowing other actors to intervene to facilitate the dynamic sharing of communication resources. The information relating to this authorization to grant sub-delegations may further, optionally, indicate a sub-delegation depth representative of a total number of successive sub-delegations that may be granted.

[0023] In particular implementations, the delegating entity is a delegated entity that has obtained a delegation of authorization to reallocate communication resources provided by another delegating entity.

[0024] In particular implementations, the delegating entity is the operator of the first access network and / or the delegated entity is authorized to use communication resources that said delegated entity is authorized to reallocate.

[0025] In particular implementations, the delegation of authorization to reassign communication resources also includes a digital certificate certifying that the delegating entity is authorized by the delegating entity to reassign communication resources, said digital certificate being generated using a digital certificate delegation protocol.

[0026] The fact that such a delegated entity is actually authorized to reassign communication resources is therefore automatically verifiable by means of a digital certificate generated for the delegated entity. This digital certificate is advantageously generated by means of a digital certificate delegation protocol (for example of the ACME-STAR type) which therefore allows the delegating entity to obtain the generation of a digital certificate on behalf of the delegating entity. In such a case, the delegation of authorization to reassign includes both the set of parameters describing the delegated authorization to reassign and the associated digital certificate.

[0027] In particular implementations, the delegating entity indirectly generates the digital certificate for the delegating entity, using an ACME-STAR type digital certificate delegation protocol.

[0028] In particular implementations, the delegated entity generates a digital certificate for the operator of the second access network to which said delegated entity reallocates communication resources, certifying that said operator of the second access network is authorized to use the reallocated communication resources.

[0029] Thus, the fact that the operator of the second access network is actually authorized to use reallocated communication resources can be automatically verified by means of a digital certificate generated by the delegated entity. The operator of the second access network can therefore present, for example to the regulatory authority, the digital certificate obtained certifying that it is authorized to use the communication resources that have been reallocated to it. Preferably, the digital certificate also indicates the delegated entity that reallocated the communication resources to it.

[0030] In particular implementation modes, the delegated entity directly generates the digital certificate for the operator of the second access network to which said delegated entity reallocates communication resources, based on the digital certificate of said delegated entity and by means of a digital certificate delegation protocol of the SubCert type.

[0031] Such provisions allow the delegated entity to generate directly, without going through a certification authority, a simplified digital certificate on behalf of the operator of the second access network.

[0032] In particular implementation modes, the set of parameters describing the reassignment authorization delegated to the delegated entity comprises at least one of the following parameters: a start date of validity of the delegation of reassignment authorization, an end date of validity of the delegation of reassignment authorization, a description of the communication resources that the delegated entity is authorized to reassign, an authorized power for the use of the communication resources that the delegated entity is authorized to reassign, an authorized geographic location for the use of the communication resources that the delegated entity is authorized to reassign, an authorized communication protocol for the use of the communication resources that the delegated entity is authorized to reassign, information relating to an authorization for the delegated entity to grant sub-delegations of authorization to reassign, information relating to an authorization for the delegating entity to suspend in whole or in part a reassignment carried out by the delegated entity, etc.

[0033] According to a second aspect, there is provided a computer program product comprising a set of program code instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, configure said at least one processor to implement a reallocation method according to any of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] According to a third aspect, there is provided a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a set of program code instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, configure said at least one processor to implement a reallocation method according to any of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a delegated entity comprising at least one memory and at least one processor configured to implement a reallocation method according to any of the implementation modes of the present disclosure. Brief description of the drawings

[0036] The invention will be better understood by reading the following description, given as a non-limiting example, and made with reference to the figures which represent: [Fig. 1] Figure 1: A diagram illustrating the main steps of an example of implementation of a communication resource reallocation process, - [Fig. 2] Figure 2: a schematic representation of the main exchanges allowing a reallocation of communication resources, - [Fig. 3] Figure 3: a diagram illustrating the main steps of another example of implementation of a communication resource reallocation method, - [Fig. 4] Figure 4: a schematic representation of the main exchanges allowing a reallocation of communication resources to be carried out, in the case of a particular example of implementation.

[0037] In these figures, like references from one figure to another designate identical or similar elements. For the sake of clarity, the elements shown are not to scale unless otherwise noted.

[0038] Furthermore, the order of steps shown in these figures is given only as a non-limiting example of the present disclosure which can be applied with the same steps performed in a different order. Description of the embodiments

[0039] As indicated above, the present disclosure relates to the sharing of communication resources, more particularly frequency resources. For example, the sharing of communication resources aims to reallocate communication resources that have been previously allocated, by a radio frequency regulatory authority (for example the ANFR in France), to an operator of a first access network. In the remainder of the description, such an operator having a license to operate one or more frequency bands (communication resources) is referred to as a "TELCO" (for "telephone company"). Such an allocation of communication resources to the TELCO is generally carried out on a long-term basis, for several years.The reallocation of communication resources initially allocated to the TELCO is preferably carried out temporarily (for example, for the order of one or more months), for example to allow a third party to deploy a second access network to temporarily serve an event likely to host a large number of people (concert, festival, sports competition, etc.). In the remainder of the description, the third party to which communication resources are to be reassigned is referred to as the “CLIENT”.

[0040] The present disclosure aims firstly to enable such reallocation in a controlled manner, and to enable other actors to intervene in the reallocation of the TELCO's communication resources. In particular, the present disclosure proposes to enable an intermediary actor, distinct from the TELCO, to reassign the TELCO's communication resources to a CUSTOMER. In the remainder of the description, "SPECCO" (for "spectrum company") refers to any intermediary actor involved in the reallocation of the TELCO's communication resources to a CUSTOMER.

[0041] Figure 1 schematically represents the main steps of an example of implementation of a reallocation method 10.

[0042] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the reassignment method 10 comprises a step S10 of sending, by a delegated entity and to a delegating entity, a request for delegation of authorization to reassign communication resources that the delegating entity is authorized to reassign. Thus, the delegating entity makes a request to obtain a delegation of authorization to reassign communication resources, that is to say to be authorized by the delegating entity to reassign communication resources. communication resources initially assigned to a TELCO. Thus, the delegating entity corresponds to a SPECCO, and the delegating entity corresponds, for example, to the TELCO to which the communication resources were assigned, or to another SPECCO having obtained a delegation of authorization to reassign from the TELCO or another SPECCO, etc.

[0043] The reassignment method 10 then comprises a step S1 1 of reception by the delegated entity of a delegation of authorization to reassign communication resources. The delegation of authorization to reassign communication resources, received by the delegated entity, comprises a set of parameters describing the authorization to reassign delegated to the delegated entity by the delegating entity.

[0044] The set of parameters received by the delegated entity describes the scope of the reassignment authorization delegated to the delegated entity by the delegating entity. In particular, the set of parameters specifies the communication resources (e.g., one or more specific frequency bands) that the delegated entity is authorized to reassign. If the delegation of reassignment authorization is time-limited, the set of parameters may also specify the time limits of said delegation, for example, in the form of a start date of validity of said delegation and / or an end date of validity of said delegation.

[0045] The parameter set may also specify, in some cases, certain particular conditions relating to the use that may be made of the reassigned communication resources. For example, the parameter set may specify one or more of the following conditions: an authorized power for the use of the communication resources that the delegated entity is authorized to reassign: for example, the power may be limited to 5W or less, in the frequency band(s) specified as reassignable communication resources, an authorized geographical location for the use of the communication resources that the delegated entity is authorized to reassign: for example, the use of the reassigned communication resources may be limited to a specific geographical area, which may be designated in any appropriate manner (for example, in the form of GPS coordinates and / or an associated area),at least one communication protocol authorized for the use of the communication resources that the delegated entity is authorized to reallocate: for example, the use of the reallocated communication resources may be limited to a 4G and / or 5G communication protocol, etc.,

[0046] The parameter set may also specify, in some cases, other information related to the reassignment authorization delegation granted. For example, the set of parameters may include, in certain cases, information relating to an authorization for the delegating entity to suspend in whole or in part the reallocation carried out by the delegating entity. Thus, the delegating entity may reserve the right to preempt the communication resources, after these have been reassigned by the delegating entity. In particular, such preemption may prove necessary for reasons of public order, to reassign these communication resources to law enforcement agencies at their request. Upon a preemption request, the delegating entity may notify the delegating entity, which in turn notifies the CLIENT to whom the communication resources have been reassigned that these have been preempted in whole or in part.

[0047] The set of parameters describing the delegated reassignment permission may also include, in some cases, an identifier of the delegating entity to which this reassignment permission is delegated and / or an identifier of the delegating entity that delegated this reassignment permission.

[0048] In preferred embodiments, the delegation of authorization to reassign communication resources, received by the delegating entity, also includes a digital certificate certifying that the delegating entity is authorized by the delegating entity to reassign communication resources. The digital certificate is, for example, generated by the delegating entity, directly or indirectly, using a digital certificate delegation protocol.

[0049] In the case where the delegating entity directly generates the digital certificate, the said delegating entity, which may already have a digital certificate, for example of type X.509, uses its own digital certificate to determine a digital certificate on behalf of the delegating entity. In such a case, the delegating entity executes, for example, a certificate delegation protocol of type SubCert (“Delegated credentials for (D)TLS”, https: / / datatracker.ietf.org / doc / html / draft-ietf-tls-subcerts-15), which makes it possible to generate a simplified digital certificate from a digital certificate of type X.509.

[0050] In the case where the delegating entity indirectly generates the digital certificate, said delegating entity requests a certification authority (CA) to generate a digital certificate for the delegating entity. In such a case, the delegating entity and the delegating entity execute, for example, a certificate delegation protocol of the ACME-STAR type (IETF documents RFC 8555 and RFC 8739), which allows the delegating entity to retrieve from the certification authority (hereinafter referred to as "CA") a digital certificate, for example of the X.509 type, generated by the CA at the request of the delegating entity. The case where the delegating entity indirectly generates the digital certificate for the delegating entity (via the CA) corresponds to a preferred mode of implementation because, the delegating entity being required to reassign communication resources, it is preferable to obtain for the said delegated entity a non-simplified digital certificate, for example of type X.509.

[0051] In the remainder of the description, the case where the delegated entity receives a digital certificate with the delegation of authorization to reassign is considered, without limitation. The digital certificate of the delegated entity and the set of parameters received make up the delegation of authorization to reassign of the delegated entity. Once the delegated entity has received this delegation of authorization to reassign, it is authorized (and this authorization is certified by the received digital certificate) to reassign communication resources (within the limits defined by the set of parameters).

[0052] In preferred embodiments, the delegation of authorization to reassign comprises a smart contract to be executed to obtain the set of parameters describing the authorization to reassign delegated to the delegating entity by the delegating entity and / or to determine, before a reassignment of communication resources, whether the envisaged reassignment complies with the authorization to reassign delegated by the delegating entity. In a manner known per se, a smart contract is a computer program product making it possible to automatically implement a contract between different parties. The execution of a smart contract makes it possible in particular to automatically verify whether conditions provided for in a contract are verified and, if necessary, to automatically execute actions also provided for in the contract.If the conditions provided for in the contract are not verified, the execution of the smart contract also allows it to be traced back to the different parties of the contract.

[0053] The smart contract is, for example, generated by the delegating entity and transmitted to the delegating entity. The delegating entity can then execute the smart contract to retrieve the set of parameters describing the delegated reassignment authorization. In addition, the delegating entity can, before reassigning communication resources, execute the smart contract to verify that the intended reassignment complies with the reassignment authorization granted to it. Once the reassignment has been carried out, the delegating entity can optionally inform the delegating entity, which can also verify this reassignment by executing the smart contract it provided to the delegating entity.

[0054] The reassignment method 10 may then comprise a step S12 of reassigning communication resources, by the delegated entity, to an operator of a second access network according to the delegation of authorization to reassign communication resources of said delegated entity. The communication resources are reassigned during step S12 within the limit of what is authorized by the delegation of authorization to reassign granted to the delegated entity, and the reassigned communication resources may correspond to all the resources of communication that the delegated entity is authorized to reassign, or simply to a part of the communication resources that the delegated entity is authorized to reassign. The operator of the second access network corresponds to the CUSTOMER as defined above.

[0055] In particular implementation modes, during the reallocation (step S12), the SPECCO (delegated entity) generates a digital certificate for the CLIENT to which said SPECCO reallocates communication resources, certifying that said CLIENT is indeed authorized to use the reallocated communication resources. For example, the CLIENT's digital certificate is generated using a digital certificate delegation protocol. Since the CLIENT is not intended to reallocate in turn the communication resources that have been reallocated to it by the SPECCO, it is possible to generate a simplified digital certificate using a SubCert type digital certificate delegation protocol. However, nothing precludes, according to other examples, the use of another type of digital certificate delegation protocol, for example ACME-STAR.

[0056] It should be noted that the SPECCO (delegating entity) may also, in certain cases, delegate in turn the authorization to reassign the communication resources received from the delegating entity. Thus, the delegating entity may in turn act as a delegating entity for another delegating entity (another SPECCO), if however this is authorized by the delegation of reassignment authorization received.

[0057] For this purpose, in particular implementation modes, the set of parameters includes information relating to an authorization to grant sub-delegations of authorization to reassign, that is to say information relating to an authorization for the delegating entity to act in turn as a delegating entity. If the delegating entity (SPECCO) is authorized to grant a sub-delegation of authorization to reassign, the delegating entity issues a delegation of authorization to reassign to another delegating entity (another SPECCO), at the request of said other delegating entity and depending on the delegation of authorization to reassign communication resources granted by the delegating entity. The information relating to this authorization to grant sub-delegations may furthermore, optionally, indicate a sub-delegation depth representative of a total number of successive sub-delegations that may be granted.For example, if the depth is zero (0), it means that the delegating entity is not allowed to grant sub-delegations of reassign permission. If the depth is one (1), it means that the delegating entity (SPECCO) is allowed to delegate reassign permission to another delegating entity (another SPECCO), but that other delegating entity will not be able to act as a delegating entity. If the depth is two (2), it means that the delegating entity (SPECCO) is allowed to delegate permission to. reassign to another delegating entity (another SPECCO), and that this other delegating entity may in turn act as a delegating entity, etc.

[0058] It should also be noted that the SPECCO (delegated entity) may also, in certain cases, use all or part of the communication resources that the SPECCO is authorized to reallocate. Where applicable, the SPECCO is therefore not only authorized to reallocate communication resources to a CLIENT, but it is also authorized to reallocate all or part of said communication resources to itself if said SPECCO is also an operator of an access network.

[0059] As indicated above, the delegating entity corresponds, for example, to the TELCO. The TELCO has an operating license issued by the regulatory authority. However, the ability to reallocate communication resources, or to authorize a SPECCO to reallocate communication resources for which the TELCO has an operating license, is not necessarily provided for in the said operating license. Alternatively, or in addition, it may be of interest for the TELCO to inform the regulatory authority that the said TELCO is considering authorizing a SPECCO to reallocate communication resources initially allocated to the TELCO.In specific implementation modes, the TELCO (delegating entity) may also act as a delegated entity of the regulatory authority, and obtain in advance from said delegating authority a delegation of authorization to reassign communication resources which were initially allocated to it.

[0060] Figure 2 schematically represents different exchanges allowing the reallocation to a CLIENT of communication resources, initially allocated to a TELCO, via one or more SPECCOs.

[0061] In the non-limiting example illustrated by Figure 2, the TELCO acts as a delegating entity, but is also a delegated entity of the regulatory authority (designated by "RA" in Figure 2, for "regulation authority"). Thus, the TELCO sends a request for delegation of authorization to reassign to the RA (step M20 in Figure 2). This delegation request may, for example, indicate the set of parameters, corresponding to particular conditions relating to the use that can be made of the reassigned communication resources, describing the delegation of authorization to reassign that the TELCO would like to obtain. The RA then sends the delegation of authorization to reassign granted to the TELCO (step M21 in Figure 2), which may include the set of parameters desired by the TELCO, or include a set of parameters modified compared to the TELCO's wish.

[0062] Then, a first SPECCO, designated by SPECCO #1 in Figure 2, issues a request for delegation of authorization to reassign to the TELCO (step M22 on Figure 2). This delegation request may, for example, indicate the set of parameters describing the delegation of authorization to reassign that SPECCO #1 would like to obtain. The TELCO then sends the delegation of authorization to reassign granted to SPECCO #1 (step M23 in Figure 2), which may include the set of parameters desired by SPECCO #1, or include a set of parameters modified compared to the wishes of SPECCO #1 (within the limits of what is authorized by the delegation of authorization to reassign granted to the TELCO).

[0063] In the non-limiting example illustrated by Figure 2, SPECCO #1 is authorized by the TELCO (itself possibly authorized by the RA) to act in turn as a delegating entity. In this example, a second SPECCO, designated by SPECCO #2 in Figure 2, issues a request for delegation of authorization to reassign to SPECCO #1 (step M24 in Figure 2). This delegation request may, for example, indicate the set of parameters describing the delegation of authorization to reassign that SPECCO #2 would like to obtain. SPECCO #1 then sends the delegation of authorization to reassign granted to SPECCO #2 (step M25 in Figure 2), which may include the set of parameters desired by SPECCO #2, or include a set of parameters modified compared to the wishes of SPECCO #2 (within the limits of what is authorized by the delegation of authorization to reassign granted to SPECCO #1).

[0064] In the non-limiting example illustrated by Figure 2, a CLIENT sends a request for reassignment of communication resources to SPECCO #2 (step M26 in Figure 2). SPECCO #2 reassigns communication resources to the CLIENT (within the limits of what is authorized by the delegation of authorization to reassign granted to SPECCO #2), and sends to the CLIENT a set of parameters describing the use of communication resources authorized by SPECCO #2 (step M27 in Figure 2). Everything previously said about the set of parameters describing an authorization to reassign delegated to a delegated entity is also applicable to the set of parameters describing the use of communication resources that the CLIENT is authorized to make.

[0065] As indicated above, the example in Figure 2 considers the case where the TELCO must first request a delegation of authorization to reassign from the RA. However, such a request is optional, in particular if the operating license granted to the TELCO already provides for such a delegation possibility. In addition, the example in Figure 2 considers the case where SPECCO #1 is also authorized to issue sub-delegations of authorization to reassign to a SPECCO #2 with a depth equal to one (1), i.e., SPECCO #2 is not authorized to issue sub-delegations of authorization to reassign. Nothing excludes, following other examples, from considering a depth different from one (1) for SPECCO #1, including a depth equal to zero (0) (i.e., SPECCO #1 cannot subdelegate).

[0066] Figure 3 schematically represents the main steps of a preferred mode of implementation of the reallocation method 10.

[0067] In addition to the steps described with reference to Figure 1, the reallocation method 10 of Figure 3 comprises, after the reallocation, a step S13 of reception, by the delegated entity (SPECCO), of information and / or measurements relating to a use made by the CLIENT of the communication resources reassigned to said CLIENT. This information and / or measurements comprise, for example, power measurements in different frequency bands around the geographical location in which the use of the communication resources has been authorized, etc.

[0068] Then, the reallocation method 10 of Figure 3 comprises a step S14 of evaluating the conformity of use of the communication resources by the CLIENT, by comparing the information and / or measurements with the set of parameters describing the use of communication resources authorized by the SPECCO. Thus, the SPECCO can verify that the use made by the CLIENT of the reassigned communication resources is indeed in conformity with what was planned during the reallocation. Preferably, the SPECCO can, during the reallocation, generate a smart contract to carry out this verification automatically.Such smart contract receives as input the information and / or measurements relating to the authorized use of the reassigned communication resources, and automatically compares them with the set of parameters describing the use of communication resources, to determine whether the use of said reassigned communication resources is in accordance with the authorization given to the CLIENT.

[0069] Figure 4 schematically represents different exchanges allowing to result in the reallocation to a CLIENT of communication resources, initially allocated to a TELCO, via a SPECCO. In the non-limiting example illustrated by Figure 4, the TELCO is both a delegated entity of the RA and a delegating entity for the SPECCO, and the SPECCO directly reassigns communication resources to a CLIENT without going through other SPECCOs. Furthermore, it is considered in the non-limiting example of Figure 4 that the digital certificates included in reassignment authorization delegations are generated by means of an ACME-STAR type digital certificate delegation protocol. Furthermore, it is considered in the non-limiting example of Figure 4 that the parameter sets of the reassignment authorization delegations are in the form of smart contracts.

[0070] As illustrated in Figure 4, the TELCO issues a delegation request authorization to reassign to the RA (step M400 in Figure 4). The RA then issues a request for generation of a digital certificate to a certification authority designated in Figure 4 by "CA" (step M401 in Figure 4). The CA then acknowledges receipt of this request and sends the RA information allowing the generated digital certificate to be retrieved (step M402 in Figure 4). The RA then sends this retrieval information to the TELCO, as well as the smart contract describing the delegated authorization to reassign (step M403 in Figure 4). Then the TELCO sends a request to the CA, including the information allowing the retrieval of the digital certificate (step M404 in Figure 4). The CA then sends the digital certificate to the TELCO (step M405 in Figure 4), and it is only upon receipt of this digital certificate that the delegation of authorization to reassign from the TELCO is activated.Under the ACME-STAR protocol, the TELCO must regularly renew its digital certificate with the CA, and the exchanges relating to this renewal are not shown in Figure 4.

[0071] As illustrated in Figure 4, the SPECCO issues a request for delegation of reassignment authorization to the TELCO (step M406 in Figure 4). The TELCO then issues a request for generation of a digital certificate to the CA (step M407 in Figure 4). The CA then acknowledges receipt of this request and sends the TELCO information enabling the generated digital certificate to be retrieved (step M408 in Figure 4). The TELCO then sends this retrieval information to the SPECCO, as well as the smart contract describing the delegated reassignment authorization (step M409 in Figure 4). The SPECCO then sends a request to the CA, including the information enabling the reassignment of the digital certificate (step M410 in Figure 4). The CA then sends the digital certificate to the SPECCO (step M411 in Figure 4), and it is only upon receipt of this digital certificate that the delegation of reassignment authorization from the SPECCO is activated.Under the ACME-STAR protocol, SPECCO must regularly renew its digital certificate with the CA, and the exchanges relating to this renewal are not represented.

[0072] As illustrated in Figure 4, the CLIENT sends a request to reassign communication resources to the SPECCO (step M412 in Figure 4). The SPECCO reassigns communication resources to the CLIENT, and sends to the CLIENT a set of parameters describing the authorized use of communication resources (step M413 in Figure 4). In this example, the SPECCO directly generates a digital certificate for the CLIENT, for example by means of the SubCert digital certificate delegation protocol, which it sends to the CLIENT during step M413.

[0073] For example, the parameter set (e.g. provided in the form of a smart contract) describing the reassignment authorization delegated by the TELCO to the SPECCO has the following parameters: Delegating entity identifier: TELCO ID Delegated entity identifier: SPECCO ID - Validity: from 04 / 23 / 2022 to 06 / 25 / 2024, GMT+1 time Communication resources concerned: 100 MHz around the F0 frequency Authorized power: 5 W Authorized location: 10 hectares around the C0 coordinate position Authorized communication protocols: 4G, 5G Authorized sub-delegation depth: 0 - Possible suspension of reallocation: YES

[0074] For example, the parameter set (e.g. provided in the form of a smart contract) describing the authorized use of the communication resources reallocated by the SPECCO to the CLIENT includes the following parameters: Delegated entity identifier: SPECCO ID Reallocation beneficiary identifier: CLIENT ID - Validity: from 04 / 30 / 2022 to 05 / 10 / 2024, GMT+1 time Communication resources concerned: 10 MHz around the F0 frequency Authorized power: 1 W Authorized location: 1 hectare around the C0 coordinate position Authorized communication protocols: 4G - Possible suspension of reallocation: YES

[0075] Thus, the authorization to use reassigned communication resources, given to the CLIENT by the SPECCO, falls within the scope authorized by the delegation of authorization to reassign provided by the TELCO to the SPECCO.

[0076] As indicated above, the reallocation of certain communication resources may in some cases be suspended, for example at the request of law enforcement. In such a case, a preemption request may be sent to the TELCO, which in turn sends it to the SPECCO, which in turn sends it to any possible intermediary SPECCO to ultimately reach the CUSTOMER using the communication resources for which the reallocation must be suspended in whole or in part.

[0077] More generally, it should be noted that the methods of implementation and embodiment considered above have been described as non-limiting examples, and that other variants are consequently conceivable.

[0078] In particular, the reallocation method 10 has been described by considering mainly the reallocation of communication resources corresponding to frequency resources. However, nothing excludes, according to other examples ofconsider other types of communication resources, alternatively or in addition to frequency resources. For example, communication resources could correspond to virtualized functions that could be reassigned to a CLIENT by the delegated entity, or even security functions, for example implemented in virtualized form, making it possible to provide security levels certified by a security management authority (for example the National Agency for the Security of Information Systems, ANSSI, in France). Such functions, used in a wireless communication system, could therefore also be reassigned as communication resources by a delegated entity having received a delegation of authorization to reassign issued by a delegating entity.Thus, the delegating entity could allow a telecommunications network operator to be able to dynamically update its network, for example to respond to a security threat or attack, while having the authorization of the delegating entity and possibly of a regulatory authority for the newly deployed functions. This will have the advantage of uniformly deploying in separate network operator architectures functions required to overcome a security and / or performance problem under the control of a delegating entity and a regulatory entity.

Claims

Claims

1. Method (10) for reassigning communication resources allocated to an operator (TELCO) of a first access network of a wireless communication system, said method (10) being implemented by a delegated entity (SPECCO) comprising at least one memory and at least one processor, said method (10) comprising: a transmission (S10), by the delegated entity (SPECCO) and to a delegating entity, of a request for delegation of authorization to reassign communication resources that the delegating entity is authorized to reassign, a reception (S11), by the delegated entity, of a delegation of authorization to reassign communication resources, said delegation of authorization to reassign communication resources comprising a set of parameters describing the authorization to reassign delegated to the delegated entity by the delegating entity, a reassignment (S12) of communication resources,by the delegated entity, to an operator (CLIENT) of a second access network based on the delegation of authorization to reassign communication resources of said delegated entity (SPECCO).,

2. A method (10) of reassignment according to claim 1, wherein the delegation of authorization to reassign comprises a smart contract to be executed to obtain the set of parameters describing the authorization to reassign delegated to the delegating entity by the delegating entity and / or to determine, before a reassignment of communication resources, whether the envisaged reassignment is in accordance with the authorization to reassign delegated by the delegating entity.

3. Method (10) of reallocation according to claim 1 or 2, comprising, after reallocation, by the delegated entity, of communication resources to the operator of the second access network: a reception (S13), by the delegated entity, of information and / or measurements relating to a use by the second access network of the reassigned communication resources, an evaluation (S14) of a conformity of use of the communication resources by the second access network, by comparison of the information and / or measurements with a set of parameters describing the use of communication resources authorized by the delegated entity.

4. The reassignment method (10) of claim 3, wherein the delegated entity generates a smart contract to be executed to compare the information and / or measurements with the set of parameters describing the use of communication resources authorized by the delegated entity.

5. A reassignment method (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the set of parameters comprises information relating to an authorization to grant sub-delegations of authorization to reassign, and wherein, if the delegating entity is authorized to grant a sub-delegation of authorization to reassign, the delegating entity (SPECCO #1) issues a delegation of authorization to reassign to another delegating entity (SPECCO #2), at the request of said other delegating entity and depending on the delegation of authorization to reassign communication resources granted by the delegating entity.

6. A method (10) of reassignment according to any preceding claim, wherein the delegating entity is a delegated entity having obtained a delegation of authorization to reassign communication resources provided by another delegating entity.

7. Method (10) of reallocation according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the delegating entity is the operator (TELCO) of the first access network and / or in which the delegating entity is authorized to use communication resources that said delegating entity is authorized to reassign.

8. A method (10) of reassignment according to any preceding claim, wherein the delegation of authorization to reassign communication resources comprises a digital certificate certifying that the delegating entity is authorized by the delegating entity to reassign communication resources, said digital certificate being generated by means of a digital certificate delegation protocol.

9. A reassignment method (10) according to claim 8, wherein the delegating entity indirectly generates the digital certificate for the delegating entity (SPECCO), using an ACME-STAR type digital certificate delegation protocol.

10. A reassignment method (10) according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein the delegated entity (SPECCO) generates a digital certificate for the operator of the second access network to which said delegated entity reassigns communication resources, certifying that said operator of the second access network is authorized to use the reassigned communication resources.

11. A reassignment method (10) according to claim 10, wherein the delegated entity directly generates the digital certificate for the operator of the second access network to which said delegated entity reassigns communication resources, based on the digital certificate of said delegated entity and by means of a digital certificate delegation protocol of the SubCert type.

12. A reassignment method (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the set of parameters describing the reassignment authorization delegated to the delegated entity comprises at least one of the following parameters: a start date of validity of the delegation of reassignment authorization, an end date of validity of the delegation of reassignment authorization, a description of the communication resources that the delegated entity is authorized to reassign, a power authorized for the use of the communication resources that the delegated entity is authorized to reassign, a geographical location authorized for the use of the communication resources that the delegated entity is authorized to reassign, a communication protocol authorized for the use of the communication resources that the delegated entity is authorized to reassign,information relating to an authorization for the delegating entity to grant sub-delegations of authorization to reassign, information relating to an authorization for the delegating entity to suspend in whole or in part a reassignment carried out by the delegating entity.,

13. A computer program product comprising a set of program code instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, configure said at least one processor to implement a reallocation method (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a set of program code instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, configure said at least one processor to implement a reassignment method (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. Delegated entity (SPECCO) comprising at least one memory and at least one processor configured to implement a reallocation method (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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