Methods and devices for dynamic spectrum allocation

Abstract

A first device using a first type of radio access technology (RAT) requests (101) an increase in spectrum allocation, receives a response (104) indicating that communications by a second device using

Description

FIELD The disclosure relates generally to methods and devices for dynamic spectrum allocation. BACKGROUND The radio spectrum is widely used in technology to transmit information across distances. For example, portions of the radio spectrum are used for radio and television broadcasting, satellite communications, wireless networking and telecommunications. In view of the ever growing number of radio spectrum uses, spectrum management is an increasingly relevant issue. To minimise interference between different uses or applications, certain portions of the radio spectrum are assigned to particular uses or applications by artificially dividing the spectrum into different frequency bands. This process is known as allocation, frequency allocation or spectrum allocation. Guard bands (narrow, intentionally unused frequency bands placed between adjacent frequency bands) are typically used to minimise interference between different frequency bands. This allocation is typically regulated by individual governments, although the allocation may be co-ordinated to a certain extent across country boundaries by international bodies, such as the International Telecommunication Union, ITU. However, the radio spectrum, with frequencies from 3Hz to 3000GHz, is a finite resource. Indeed, some portions of the spectrum may not be usable due to practical and physical limitations (for example, lowest frequencies used are limited by the increasing size of transmitting antennas required and at highest frequencies, atmospheric absorption becomes an issue). Thus, as more technologies use portions of the radio spectrum, the spectrum becomes increasingly congested, even with this spectrum management. Therefore, methods and devices that overcome these issues is desirable. SUMMARY Against this background, there are provided methods for dynamic spectrum allocation of a frequency band assigned for use by two or more different types of radio access technology and devices for use in such methods. Additional aspects of the invention appear in the description and claims. A frequency band in the radio spectrum is assigned for use by two or more different types of radio access technology, RAT. The two or more different types of RAT can therefore both operate within a shared or overlapping frequency band. To avoid or minimise interference, the two or more types of RAT communicate with each other to check whether the other RAT(s) is currently using the frequency band assigned to each of the two or more types of RAT. Based on these communications, the RATs can thus coordinate use of the frequency band - for example, starting to transmit communications over a communication channel of the frequency band when the other RAT(s) is not using that communication channel, or ceasing communications over the communication channel to allow the other RAT(s) to use that communication channel. Optionally, the communications may be sent via a server that facilitates the coordination. In accordance with a first aspect, there is a method for dynamic spectrum allocation of a frequency band assigned for use by two or more different types of radio access technology, RAT, the method comprising steps of: sending, from a first device configured to operate over one or more communication channels of the frequency band using a first type of RAT, a request to increase a spectrum allocation of the first type of RAT; and in response to receiving a communication indicating that communications by a second device over a communication channel of the frequency band using a second, different type of RAT will not occur, communicating, by the first device and using the first type of RAT, over the communication channel. This method facilitates multiple, different radio access technologies using the same, or an overlapping, frequency band. In other words, the same portion of the radio spectrum can be allocated for different uses whilst limiting interference or other difficulties that may result from two different RATs attempting to use the frequency band at the same time. This means that more efficient use can be made of the radio spectrum and allows additional uses of the radio spectrum, even as the number of technologies using the spectrum increases. The communication indicating that communications by the second, different type of RAT will not occur may mean that the second device has instructed to stop communicating (for example, by the first device or by another device that receives the request from the first device). In other examples, the communication indicating that communications by the second, different type of RAT will not occur may mean that the second device is not allocated to that communication channel (the channel is already empty). Preferably, one of first and second type of RAT is a cellular network technology and the other of the first and second type of RAT device is a wireless network technology. Cellular and wireless network technologies may not generally be adapted to communicate with each other, which may make the use of these technologies for a shared frequency band more difficult or infeasible to manage. However, the method discussed above allows these technologies to share a frequency band and manage the allocation of that frequency band in a straightforward manner. Optionally, the cellular network technology comprises one or more of 3G, 4G, 5G and 6G technology and the wireless network technology comprises Wi-Fi technology. Wi-Fi is a family of wireless network protocols based on the IEEE 802.11 family of standards. In some examples, one of the first and second device comprises a base station and the other of the first and second device comprises a Wi-Fi router. Thus, the spectrum reallocation may be requested at the level of the device providing the connection to user devices and can be applied to any user devices connecting via the base station and Wi-Fi router. It will be appreciated that other interfaces or devices for providing communications using a particular RAT may be used, particularly where other RATs are used. In further examples, at least one of the first and second device is configured to operate as a Wi-Fi router and a base station. Thus, where a portion of the radio spectrum is allocated to both Wi-Fi and cellular network technologies, a device can conveniently operate using either one of or both of the technologies. It will be appreciated that another dual RAT device may be provided - for example, to facilitate use of a frequency band assigned to two other RATs. Dual operation or functionality devices may allow improved network connectivity for users. For example, where one RAT is congested, the dual operation device may be configured to switch to using the other RAT to keep a user connected or provide improved service. Providing a single dual RAT device (rather than, for example, a separate base station and router) may further facilitate the management of a shared frequency band, since, for example, the dual RAT device may not need to communicate with an external server to obtain the spectrum allocation information. This may improve the speed with which the spectrum can be reallocated. Optionally, prior to sending the request to increase a spectrum allocation of the first type of RAT, the spectrum may be allocated based on or in accordance with a predetermined condition. This may allow the spectrum to initially be allocated in a way that may be typically appropriate for a wide range of implementations. This may mean that the number of reallocations required can be reduced, limited or minimised. This may further improve network performance. For instance, the spectrum may be, prior to sending the request, allocated based on one or more of: a specified frequency band range, a geographical area, a type of location, and an expected network load. For instance, Wi-Fi technology may be initially allocated to a first specified frequency band range and cellular network technology (for instance, 5G and / or 6G) may be initially allocated to a second specified frequency band range. Both the first and second specified frequency band ranges may be within a larger frequency band that is allocated generally to both technologies. Thus, although the frequency band may be at a general level allocated to two or more RATs (for instance, by a network or telecommunications standard), the two or more RATs may be assigned to different ranges within the frequency band, giving each RAT exclusive availability of that portion of the frequency band initially. The frequency band ranges can then be adjusted as appropriate based on network conditions, for example. In another example, for a particular region or area, an allocation for one type of RAT may be prioritised, whilst in another region or area, an allocation for another type of RAT may be prioritised. A prioritised RAT may be allocated a greater portion of the radio spectrum. In a further example, depending on a type of location, one type of RAT may be prioritised over another. The type of location may be indoor versus outdoor, crowded or rural or another type of location. For instance, Wi-Fi technologies may be prioritised for indoor locations (where Wi-Fi may be more typically used), whilst cellular network technologies may be prioritised for outdoor locations (where cellular or mobile networks may more typically be used). In another implementation, an expected network load may be used to allocate more or less of the spectrum to a particular type of RAT. For instance, where a cellular network technology is expected to have a greater network load, more of the spectrum may be allocated to the cellular network technology. Similarly, where a type of RAT is expected to have a lower network load, less of the spectrum may be allocated to it. The expected network load may be based, for example, on the presence of many User Equipment (UEs) in a particular area at a particular time, expected events (for instance, a concert), live occurring events (for instance, a demonstration), historical data or other information. For instance, historical data may indicate that a network load typically increases on a particular date, at a particular time, in a particular area, and so on. A machine learning model may have been trained on the historical data to predict such expected network loads and / or expected changes in network load. Any of these predetermined conditions or circumstances may be combined in any manner. For instance, a frequency range may be made exclusively available for one RAT in a particular geographical area. Optionally, the request to increase a spectrum allocation of the first type of RAT may be sent in response to a change in network load. The change in network load may be for the first or second type of RAT. For instance, the first device may send a request for an increase in spectrum allocation because the network load for the first type of RAT has increased. In another example, the first device may send the request in response to identifying that the network load for the second type of RAT has decrease. This may particularly be the case where the first and second devices are the same (dual operation) device and thus the first device is aware of the network load of the second device. Similarly, the request to increase the spectrum allocation of the first type of RAT may be sent in response to another change such as, for instance, a change in geographical area, a change in type of location, a new event or expected event, and so on. In other words, in addition to (pre-)allocation based on one or more conditions, reallocation may be implemented based on one or more predetermined conditions. In some examples, the request includes a geographic location of the first type of RAT and / or an identifier of the first device. The connections to an access network may be quite specific to a geographic location - for example, which access points are required and on which part of the frequency band the technologies are operating. Including the geographic location in the request may thus allow a device (for example, the second device or a server) to more appropriately adjust the spectrum allocation. Including the geographic location in the request may also allow a server or database to identify the second device to which to send the instruction to cease communicating or to determine whether the request should be permitted. For instance, the second RAT device may also be congested, such that it cannot release any of its spectrum allocation, or the location may not correspond to a RAT device known to the server or database (which may suggest an unauthorised attempt to access the network). Other information may be included in the request to determine whether the request is authorised (for example, information encrypted using a shared secret). In further examples, sending the request comprises sending the request to a server storing spectrum allocation information comprising an identifier of the first device, an identifier of the second device and information identifying portions of the frequency band allocated to the first and second devices. This may allow the spectrum allocation to be managed centrally, rather than on an individual device basis. Optionally, the information identifying portions of the frequency band allocated to the first and second devices comprises a channel number and / or a range of frequencies. This may indicate the spectrum allocation in a simple manner that also allows straightforward reallocation or adjustment. In some implementations, the first and second device may be the same device. In other words, the first and second device may be a dual RAT device that is configured to operate over one or more communication channels of a frequency band using a first type of radio access technology, RAT, and at least one communication channel of the frequency band using a second, different type of RAT. For instance, the first and second device may be a dual Wi-Fi router and base station device and the method may comprise the Wi-Fi router portion requesting allocation adjustment directly from the base station portion - for example, if the device has the necessary information available locally. In other examples, the dual device may communicate via the server storing the spectrum allocation information (for instance, to allow the reallocation to be managed centrally). Preferably, the frequency band is in the range of 6425 MHz to 7125 MHz. Uses for this frequency band, known as the sub-6GHz band, are still being considered. One option being considered is that the frequency band will be allocated to multiple types of RAT for a “hybrid” frequency band, which may include Wi-Fi and cellular network technologies. Additionally, this frequency band may be unlicensed in some countries, such as the US. The spectrum allocation methods and systems discussed herein can be used to allow intercountry use of the frequency band. In accordance with a second aspect, there is a method for dynamic spectrum allocation of a frequency band assigned for use by two or more different types of radio access technology, RAT, the method comprising steps of: in response to receiving, at a second device configured to operate over at least one communication channel of the frequency band using a second type of RAT, a communication indicating that a spectrum allocation of the second type of RAT should be adjusted: ceasing, by the second device, communications using the second type of RAT over a communication channel; and sending, over a separate communication channel, a communication indicating that communications over the communication channel by the second device and using the second type of RAT have ceased. Thus, the method facilitates multiple, different radio access technologies using the same frequency band. In other words, the same portion of the radio spectrum can be allocated for different uses whilst limiting interference or other difficulties that may result from two different RATs attempting to use the frequency band at the same time. This means that more efficient use can be made of the radio spectrum and allows further use of the radio spectrum, even as the number of technologies using the spectrum increases. Network performance may thus be improved. The communication indicating that a spectrum allocation should be adjusted may comprise a request to increase a spectrum allocation of a first, different type of RAT operating over one or more communication channels of the frequency band. In other examples, the communication may be an instruction to cease communications using the second type of RAT over a communication channel of the at least one communication channel. Preferably, one of first and second type of RAT is a cellular network technology and the other of the first and second type of RAT device is a wireless network technology. Cellular and wireless network technologies may not generally be adapted to communicate with each other, which may make the use of these technologies for a shared frequency band more difficult or infeasible to manage. However, the method discussed above allows these technologies to share a frequency band and manage the allocation of that frequency band in a straightforward manner. In another example, for a particular region or area, an allocation for one type of RAT may be prioritised, whilst in another region or area, an allocation for another type of RAT may be prioritised. This may be implemented as discussed above with respect to the first aspect. Optionally, the communication is received from a server storing spectrum allocation information comprising an identifier of the first device, an identifier of the second device and information identifying portions of the frequency band allocated to the first and second devices. Furthermore, any of the methods discussed above with respect to the first aspect may be correspondingly implemented in the method according to the second aspect. In accordance with a third aspect, there is a method for dynamic spectrum allocation of a frequency band assigned for use by two or more different types of radio access technology, RAT, the method comprising steps of: receiving, from a first device configured to operate over one or more communication channels of the frequency band using a first type of RAT, a request to increase a spectrum allocation of the first type of RAT; sending, to the first device, a communication indicating that communications by a second device over a communication channel of the frequency band using a second, different type of RAT will not occur. Thus, the method facilitates multiple, different radio access technologies using the same frequency band. In other words, the same portion of the radio spectrum can be allocated for different uses whilst limiting interference or other difficulties that may result from two different RATs attempting to use the frequency band at the same time. This means that more efficient use can be made of the radio spectrum and allows further use of the radio spectrum, even as the number of technologies using the spectrum increases. Optionally, sending the communication indicating that communications by a second device over a communication channel of the frequency band using a second, different type of RAT will not occur comprises: sending an instruction to the second device to cease communications over a communication channel; and communicating, from the second type of RAT device and to the first type of RAT device, the communication indicating that communications over the communication channel by the second, different type of RAT device have ceased. In other words, the entity that receives the request from the first device may send an instruction to the second device to cease communications. The second type of RAT may then send a confirmation that the communications have ceased, which may then be passed on to the first type of RAT device to send the communication indicating that communications by the second, different type of RAT will not occur may mean that the second device has instructed to stop communicating. In other examples, the entity may receive the confirmation but may send a separate communication indicating that communications by the second, different type of RAT (for example, to avoid sharing information about the second device). In other examples, sending the communication indicating that communications by a second device over a communication channel of the frequency band using a second, different type of RAT will not occur comprises identifying that the communication channel is not allocated for use by the second, different type of RAT. The server can then simply send a communication without the need to send an instruction to the second type of RAT. This may improve the efficiency of the spectrum reallocation. Furthermore, any of the methods discussed above with respect to the first and second aspects may be correspondingly implemented in the method according to the third aspect. In accordance with a fourth aspect, there is provided a device configured to operate over one or more communication channels of a frequency band using a first type of radio access technology, RAT, and at least one communication channel of the frequency band using a second, different type of RAT, the device further configured to increase a spectrum allocation of one of the first and second types of RAT by decreasing a spectrum allocation of the other of the first and second types of RAT. A device configured to operate using at least two different types of RAT for a particular frequency band may allow improved network connectivity for users. For example, where one RAT is congested, the dual operation device may be configured to switch to using the other RAT to keep a user connected or provide improved service. Providing a single dual RAT device (rather than, for example, a separate base station and router) may further facilitate the management of a shared frequency band, since, for example, the dual RAT device may not need to communicate with an external server to obtain the spectrum allocation information. This may improve the speed with which the spectrum can be reallocated. Optionally, the device is further configured to increase the spectrum allocation of the one of the first and second types of RAT in response to receiving a communication indicating to adjust the spectrum allocation of the first or second type of RAT. Optionally, the device is configured to operate as a Wi-Fi router and a base station. Cellular and wireless network technologies may not generally be adapted to communicate with each other, which may make the use of these technologies for a shared frequency band more difficult or infeasible to manage. By providing a dual operation device that operates as a Wi-Fi router and a base station, it may be possible to share a frequency band and manage the allocation of that frequency band in a straightforward manner. It will be appreciated that the device may be configured to operate as other devices within a cellular and Wi-Fi network, or other devices for other types of RAT. In some examples, the device is configured to operate as a 5G base station (gNodeB, gNB) and / or a 6G base station. It will be appreciated that the device may be configured to operate in accordance with other cellular technologies. For example, the device may also or instead be configured to operate as a 3G base station (Node B) or 4G base station (eNodeB, eNB). In further examples, the device is configured to use access traffic steering, switching and splitting (ATSSS) and / or Multipath Quick UDP Internet Connection (QUIC). 5G, for example, enables multiple data paths (for instance, one set of traffic using a radio access technology defined by 3GPP standards and one using a non-3GPP technology). Traffic steering involves selecting a particular data path of the multiple data paths, traffic switching involves selecting a different data path and traffic splitting involves using multiple data paths simultaneously. The ATSSS may be implemented at the lower layer (ATSSS-LL). QUIC is a general-purpose transport later network protocol based on UDP that establishes a number of multiplexed connections between two endpoints. Multipath QUIC (MPQUIC) is an extension to the QUIC protocol that enables hosts to exchange data over multiple access networks over a single connection. Multipath QUIC is useful for ATSSS, as MPQUIC builds on the QUIC protocol stack that is typically already present on UEs and other cellular or mobile devices. The combination of ATSS-LL with MPQUIC may allow seamless and efficient data transmission across different network interfaces. By integrating these technologies in the dual functionality device, the device can improve or optimise traffic management and enhance reliability and performance. Thus, the dynamic spectrum slicing, which may allow efficient allocation of spectrum resources to meet the diverse needs of various applications, can be enhanced. In accordance with a fifth aspect, there is provided a device configured to perform any of the methods discussed above. For example, the device may be a standard Wi-Fi router or a base station that is configured to send and / or receive requests or a database or server that is queried as in the methods described above. The methods described above may be implemented as a computer program comprising instructions to operate a computer or computer system. The computer program may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The computer system may include a processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU). The processor may execute logic in the form of a software program. The computer system may include a memory including volatile and non-volatile storage medium. The different parts of the system may be connected using a network (e.g. wireless networks and wired networks). The computer system may include one or more interfaces. The computer system may contain a suitable operating system such as UNIX (including Linux), Windows (RTM), for example. The above methods may be implemented in a system comprising a first device configured to operate over one or more communication channels of a frequency band using a first type of RAT and a second device configured to operate over at least one communication channel of the frequency band using a second, different type of RAT. The system may further comprise a server to send and receive communications between the first and second devices. The first and second devices may optionally be the same device (for example, the device of the fourth aspect). The system may be configured to perform any of the methods of the first, second and third aspects. It should be noted that any feature described herein may be used with any particular aspect or embodiment of the invention. Moreover, the combination of any specific apparatus, structural or method features is also provided, even if that combination is not explicitly disclosed. The invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings depicting different embodiments thereof, the drawings being provided purely by way of example and not limitation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The invention may be put into practice in a number of ways, and preferred embodiments will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic message flow for dynamic spectrum allocation according to an embodiment of the disclosure; Figure 2 illustrates a system for implementing spectrum reallocation according to an embodiment of the disclosure; Figure 3 shows a schematic system for dynamic spectrum allocation according to an embodiment of the disclosure; Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the schematic system of Figure 3 following spectrum reallocation according to an embodiment of the disclosure; Figure 6 illustrates a flow chart of a method for spectrum reallocation according to an embodiment of the disclosure; Figures 7A to 7C illustrate flow charts of methods for spectrum reallocation according to embodiments of the disclosure; and Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of a device configured to operate using two different radio access technologies according to an embodiment of the disclosure. It should be noted that the Figures are illustrated in schematic form for simplicity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Like features are provided with the same (or similar) reference numerals. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Figure 1 illustrates a message flow for dynamic spectrum allocation in accordance with the present disclosure. A system comprises a first type of radio access technology device 110, a second type of radio access technology device 120 and a server 130. The first type of RAT device 110 and the second type of RAT device 120 are both configured to operate using the same, or an overlapping, frequency band using different radio access technologies. For example, the first and second types of RAT devices 110, 120 may provide communications to user equipment, UEs, via radio access technologies. The first type of RAT device 110 initiates a spectrum reallocation procedure 100 by sending 101 a reallocation request message to the server 130. The server 130 may then identify that a portion of the shared frequency band is available for use (that is, not being used by or is not assigned for use by the second type of RAT device 120). In this case, the server 130 may return 104 a response to the first type of RAT device 110 indicating that communications over the portion of the shared frequency band by the second type of RAT device 120 will not occur. The first type of RAT device 110 can thus begin transmitting using the portion of the shared frequency band without or with a low risk of interference from a device using another, different type of RAT to communicate. Otherwise, the server 130 may identify that a communication channel over which the second type of RAT device 120 is communicating or is configured to communicate may be used by the first type of RAT device 110. This may comprise identifying that one or more communication channels assigned for use by the first type of RAT device 110 are within a threshold frequency range of the communication channel assigned for use by the second type of RAT device 120, for example. Other criteria may be used to identify that the communication channel could be assigned by the first type of RAT device 110 instead of the second type of RAT device 120. The server 130 sends 102 an instruction to the second type of RAT device 120 to cease communications over the communication channel assigned to the second type of RAT device 120. The second type of RAT device 120 then sends 103 a message confirming that it has ceased communications over the communication channel and / or will not communicate over the communication channel (for instance, if it was not previously using that communication channel). Then, as described above, the server 130 sends 104 a communication to the first type of RAT device 110 that indicates that communications over the communication channel by the second type of RAT device 120 will not occur. There may be cases where it is not possible to extend the range of frequencies assigned to the first type of RAT device 110. For example, the radio access technology of the second type of RAT device may also be congested and therefore be unable to offer any channels. The server 130 may store network information so that it can determine when this is the case and return 104 a rejection message in response to the reallocation request (without instructing the second type of RAT device 120 to stop transmitting). In other examples, the server 130 may send a query to the second type of RAT device 120 for (updated) network information. In response to receiving network information from the second type of RAT device indicating that the second type of RAT device 120 has spare resources (for example, indicating that a channel is allocated but not being used or that the network load is lower than expected), the server 130 may then send 103 the instruction to cease communicating over a communication channel. In yet further examples, the server 130 may receive a rejection message from the second type of RAT device 120 and may then send a rejection message on to the first type of RAT device 110. It will be appreciated that the reallocation procedure 100 illustrated in Figure 1 is exemplary and other procedures will be apparent to the skilled person based on the disclosure herein, particularly based on the descriptions with reference to Figures 6 and 7A to 7C. For example, it will be understood that that the server 130 may initiate the reallocation procedure 100 or that the first type of RAT device 110 may send the reallocation request to second type of RAT device 120 (rather than to the server 130). Figure 2 illustrates a system implementing spectrum allocation between two, different types of RAT for a shared frequency band. In the example illustrated in Figure 2, the two different types of RAT are Wi-Fi 6E (defined in the IEEE standard 802.11 ax) and International Mobile Technology, IMT (and specifically, 5G) but it will be appreciated that the methods may be implemented for other types of RAT and other combinations of two or more RATs. IMT is a generic term used to designate broadband mobile (cellular) systems and encompasses, for example, the standards defined by IMT-2000, IMT- Advanced and IMT-2020. The system comprises a server 230 that stores spectrum allocation information. The spectrum allocation information includes identifiers of devices configured to use a type of RAT and information identifying portions of the frequency band that are allocated to those devices, if any. If no portion of the frequency band has been allocated to a device, this may be indicated by the information. The IMT has been allocated a first portion 214 of the shared frequency band and the Wi-Fi has been allocated a second portion 224 of the shared frequency band. In Figure 2, the first portion 214 is a larger portion of the shared frequency band (spectrum slice) than the second portion 224, with the IMT operating on channel 103 with a bandwidth (BW) of 80MHz and the Wi-Fi 6E operating on a 40MHz spectrum slice on channel 115. This information (the channel numbers and / or the range of frequencies over which the RATs may operate) is stored by the server 230. In Figure 2, the IMT has been allocated a larger spectrum, which may be at least in part because the IMT UEs 212 and Wi-Fi UEs 222 are operating in an outside region (that is, outside of a building). IMT may be more often used or provide a higher quality of service in outside regions. Wi-Fi may correspondingly be allocated a larger spectrum for indoor (inside building) use. In other words, IMT may be given priority outdoors, whilst Wireless Access Systems including Radio Local Area Network (WAS / RLAN) may be given priority indoors. Higher priority may correspond to a higher number of spectrum slices being given to a particular RAT. However, in other scenarios, other frequency allocation criteria may be used. For example, a frequency range may be made exclusively available for one RAT as a spectrum slice and the frequency range size can be dynamically changed based on, for example, load requirements. This may be referred to as a band-split approach. In another example, one RAT may be allocated a larger or smaller frequency band range in a particular geographic area. In other words, the spectrum allocation may be separated based on a geographical region. For instance, one RAT may be given priority or assigned lower priority depending on the geographical area. Higher priority may correspond to a higher number of spectrum slices allocated to a particular RAT. The geographical area may be determined based on a region type (for example, city, town, rural, and so on), a base station location (for instance, within a certain geographical area or distance from the base station), historical information (for example, information indicating that IMT network traffic is typically or occasionally higher within a particular geographical region), and so on. The move towards 6G is showing that IMT requires more spectrum though, as applications are requiring greater amounts of data. If a base station (such as the base station 210 illustrated in Figure 2) is not able to handle the network load, then it will not be able to provide the necessary network services. IMT may thus be at least initially allocated a large portion of spectrum regardless of other factors. Both IMT and WAS / RLAN may have the highest spectrum requirements in densely populated areas. The present scenario aims at enabling IMT connectivity outside buildings whilst also enabling WAS / RLAN connectivity inside buildings. The methods and systems discussed herein also more generally allow a network to manage network loads efficiently and effectively to maintain or limit loss of quality of service. This may be achieved by a Wi Fi router 220 or base station 210 (or another suitable RAT device) being configured to implement any of the methods discussed herein. If the number of UEs 212 accessing the IMT increases (for example, beyond a threshold limit), the IMT may require a greater portion of the spectrum to maintain the level of network services or limit the reduction in network services provided to each UE 212 (for example, maintaining a data-rate, loss, jitter, and so on). A request may therefore be sent to the base station 210 (for example, by any devices that is part of the IMT network structure) to increase the spectrum allocation of the IMT. For example, a low power base station serving a microcell may send the request to a base station serving a larger area. The base station 210 then sends a request to the server 230 (labelled 1 in Figure 2). In other examples, the base station 210 may send the request to the server 230 without receiving a request from another entity. Based on the stored information, the server 230 determines that the Wi-Fi portion 224 of the spectrum can be reduced without impacting service (or at least not significantly impacting service) to the devices operating using Wi-Fi. The server 230 thus sends an instruction to a Wi-Fi router 220 to stop transmitting on channel 115 (labelled 2 in Figure 2). In the example illustrated in Figure 2, the server 230 also instructs the Wi-Fi router 220 to shrink its bandwidth and start transmitting on channel 117. It will be appreciated that these additional instructions may be optional. For example, if the Wi-Fi is sharing another portion of the spectrum with a different RAT and can use that portion (for instance, by submitting its own request for spectrum reallocation), the Wi-Fi router 220 may not need to shrink its bandwidth. Similarly, if the remaining channel(s) allocated to the Wi-Fi technology are sufficient to handle the number of UEs 222 in the area, an additional channel may not be required. In response to receiving the instruction to cease transmissions over channel 115, the Wi-Fi router 220 ceases transmissions over the communication channel. The Wi-Fi router 220 also sends an acknowledgement to the server 230 to acknowledge the instructions of the server 230 and / or to confirm that the channel is now empty. This step is labelled 3 in Figure 2. The server 230 then communicates to the base station 210 that the channel is empty (labelled 4 in Figure 2), indicating that the base station 210 may now begin communications over the channel 117. After the spectrum reallocation, the IMT is thus allocated a third portion 215 of the shared frequency band (which in this case, includes the first portion 214) and the Wi-Fi has been allocated a fourth portion 225 of the shared frequency band (which in this case, overlaps with, but is different to, the second portion 214). In summary, Figure 2 illustrates how two different radio access technologies may adaptably manage spectrum allocation, with a defined procedure for a first radio access technology to request additional spectrum and a second radio access technology to release spectrum as and when necessary. 5 An exemplary exchange of messages between the database server 230, Wi-Fi router 230 and base station 210 is provided in Table 1 below. It will be understood that where different RAT technologies are used, the messages exchanged may be between other entities or other message content may be used. Source Destination Bit (Meaning) Action 5G / 6G base station (BS) with base station ID (BS-ID) Server 1 (require new spectrum) Ask Wi-Fi to change spectrum. The server is aware of the spectrum availability of the given geographic area Server Wi-Fi 6E 1 (change channel number) Wi-Fi to change channel number Wi-Fi 6E Server 1 (acknowledgement) Confirm channel is empty Server 5G / 6G BS 1 (acknowledgement) Confirm channel is empty Table 1: An exemplary exchange of messages between three different entities with source, 10 destination, bit and action In the scenario illustrated in Figure 2, the server 230 instructs the Wi-Fi router 220 to reduce its bandwidth because the original frequency band range (6.425 to 6.545GHz) remains the same. For example, there may not be additional spectrum spare for the Wi-Fi 15 RAT to maintain its previous full bandwidth, as it may be allocated to another RAT that still requires use of that spectrum slice. However, in other scenarios, other actions may be taken. Tables 2 to 4 below illustrate exemplary information that may be stored by the server to facilitate the dynamic spectrum allocation shown in Figure 2. Base Station Wi-Fi 6E BS-ID Channel No. Frequency Active? Wi-Fi ID Channel No. Frequency Active? bsXooo 103 6.425- 6.505 Yes wiXooo 115 6.505- 6.545 Yes Table 2: Exemplary spectrum allocation information stored by a server for dynamic spectrum allocation corresponding to steps 1 and 2 in Figure 2. Table 2 shows the stored information that may be stored by server 230 for a given geographic area. The information comprises an identifier of the base station 210 that is configured to transmit communications using IMT (which may specifically be 5G / 6G communications) and an identifier of the Wi-Fi router 220 that is configured to transmit communications using Wi-Fi (which may specifically be Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7). The spectrum allocation information also includes information identifying portions of the frequency bands allocated to the base station 210 and Wi-Fi router. In Table 2, this information is provided by both a channel number and a frequency band range, but in other examples, only one of the channel number and range of frequencies may be provided. The information in Table 2 indicates that the base station having a base station identifier of bsXooo is transmitting over channel 103 (6.425-6.505 GHz), whilst the Wi-Fi router having a base station identifier of wiXooo is transmitting over channel 115 (6.505-6.545 GHz). This corresponds to the situation at process steps 1 and 2 indicated in Figure 2. After the Wi-Fi router 220 has confirmed that channel 115 is empty (step 3 in Figure 2), the server 230 may update the stored spectrum allocation information as shown in Table 3 below. Base Station Wi-Fi 6E BS-ID Channel No. Frequency Active? Wi-Fi ID Channel No. Frequency Active? bsXooo 103 6.425- 6.505 Yes wiXooo 117 6.525- 6.545 Yes Table 3: Exemplary spectrum allocation information stored by a server for dynamic spectrum allocation corresponding to step 3 in Figure 2. Similarly, when (or after) confirming to the base station 210 that the previous Wi-Fi channel is empty, the server 230 may update the stored spectrum allocation information as shown in Table 4 below. Base Station Wi-Fi 6E BS-ID Channel No. Frequency Active? Wi-Fi ID Channel No. Frequency Active? bsXooo 103, 113 6.425- 6.505, 6.505- 6.525 Yes wiXooo 117 6.525- 6.545 Yes Table 3: Exemplary spectrum allocation information stored by a server for dynamic spectrum allocation corresponding to step 4 in Figure 2. The updated frequency ranges may be stored as separate ranges - for example, to correspond to the channel numbers indicated by the information, or to indicate that one or more frequency ranges are temporary or reallocated frequency ranges. This may allow the spectrum allocation information to be updated in a more straightforward manner. Figures 1 and 2 have been described above with reference to a server 130, 230 that may be used to provide communications between a first device configured to communicate using a first RAT and a second device configured to communicate using a second RAT. In other embodiments, the server 130, 230 may specifically be a database server storing transmission parameters (spectrum allocation information). In this case, devices or radio access technologies may access the database server for the transmit parameters and may communicate with a different device or radio access technology based on the stored spectrum allocation information (rather than the server facilitating the communications between the devices or radio access technologies). The transmit parameters may include a list of one or more channels or a range of frequencies that are available for transmission. The device may send a database query to access the database server, the database query including a geographic location or region of the requesting device. The database response can then include spectrum allocation information relevant or most relevant to the requesting device. Figure 3 illustrates a system 300 comprising a UE 310 and a user plane function (UPF) 320. A UPF implements packet routing and forwarding functions in a radio access technology network. The UE 310 is configured to communicate over a first frequency range using a first radio access technology (in this case, a radio access technology defined by 3GPP standards, such as, for example, 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G and so on) and communicate over a second frequency range using a second radio access technology (in this case, a non-3GPP technology, such as Wi-Fi, LTE-U or fixed line, for instance). The 3GPP RAT has been allotted a 40MHz spectrum slice between 4.465 and 6.505GHz, whilst the non-3GPP RAT has been allocated a 40MHz spectrum slice between 4.425 and 4.465GHz. Communications from the UE 310 are sent to the UPF 320 using the second radio access technology over channel 99. In this case, the spectrum slice comprises two communications channels, each having respective Quality of Service, QoS, parameters. Communications using the first radio access technology are sent from the UE 310 to the UPF 320 using channel 107. Referring now to Figure 4, the range of frequencies allocated to the non-3GPP access technologies has been reconfigured compared to Figure 3. In particular, the non-3GPP spectrum slice has been extended to allow the non-3GPP access technologies to communicate over the frequency range 4.425 to 4.485GHz (a 60MHz range) by splitting the 40MHz channel 107 into two 20MHz channels (channels 105 and 109), one of which is allocated to the non-3GPP RAT and the other of which is allocated to the 3GPP RAT. The non-3GPP access technologies thus may communicate over three different communication channels, whilst the 3GPP access technologies may communicate over a single communication channel. Figure 5 illustrates a similar scenario where the range of frequencies allocated to the 3GPP access technologies has been extended. The non-3GPP access technologies may thus communicate over the over the frequency range 4.425 to 4.445GHz (a 20MHz range), whilst the 3GPP access technologies may communicate over the frequency range 4.445 to 6.505GHz by splitting the 40MHz channel 99 into two 20MHz channels (channels 97 and 101), one of which is allocated to the non-3GPP RAT and the other of which is allocated to the 3GPP RAT. Figure 6A illustrates a flow chart of a method for spectrum reallocation of a frequency band assigned for use by two or more different types of radio access technology. At step 601, a request to increase a spectrum allocation of a first type of RAT is communicated. Communicating, as used herein, may refer to sending or receiving. For example, the request may be sent by a first device configured to operate over one or more communication channels of the frequency band using the first type of RAT to a second device configured to operate over a communication channel of the frequency band using a second, different type of RAT. In another example, request may be sent from the first device to the second device via a server. In a further example, the request may be sent by the server to the second device without the server receiving a request from the first device. In yet another example, the request may be received by the second device (for instance, from the server or the first device). At step 602, a communication indicating that communications using the second type of RAT will not occur is transmitted or communicated. Again, this may, in accordance with the methods and systems described herein, refer to receiving or sending the communication. For instance, the first device may receive the communication indicating that the communications using the second type of RAT will not occur. This communication may be received from the server or the second device or another device. In another example, the second device may send the communication indicating that the communications using the second type of RAT will not occur. This may be received by the first device or server or another device. In a further example, the server may send the communication, which may be received by the first device or another device. Figures 7A to 7C illustrate flow charts of some of the various methods discussed above with reference to Figure 6. It will be appreciated that these methods may be, but need not be, interrelated. Figures 7A-C illustrate a possible correspondence between the various method steps illustrated in the flowcharts of Figures 7A to 7C. Other correspondences may be possible. Figure 7A illustrates a flow chart of a method for spectrum reallocation a frequency band assigned for use by two or more different types of radio access technology. At step 701, a first device configured to operate over one or more communication channels of the frequency band using a first type of RAT sends a request to increase the spectrum allocated to the first type of RAT. The request may be sent to, for example, a server (Figure 7C) or a second device configured to operate over at least one communication channel of the frequency band using a second type of RAT (Figure 7B). At step 702, a communication indicating that communications over at least one communication channel using the second type of RAT will not occur is received by the first device. This communication may be received from a server (Figure 7C) or a second device configured to operate over at least one communication channel of the frequency band using a second type of RAT (Figure 7B). The communication may, for example, indicate that the communications using the second type of RAT have ceased or that the channel is not being, was not being and / or will not be used. In step 703, having received the communication indicating that communications using the second type of RAT will not occur, the first device begins to communicate using the first type of RAT over the at least one communication channel. Figure 7B illustrates a flow chart of a method for spectrum reallocation a frequency band assigned for use by two or more different types of radio access technology. At step 711, a second device configured to operate over one or more communication channels of the frequency band using a second type of RAT receives a communication indicating that the spectrum allocation of the second type of RAT should be adjusted is received. The communication may, for example, comprise a request to increase a spectrum allocation of a first, different type of RAT operating over one or more communication channels of the frequency band or an instruction to cease communications over at least one communication channel of the one or more communication channels by the second type of RAT. The communication may be received from, for example, a server (as will be discussed with reference to Figure 7C) or a first device configured to operate over at least one communication channel of the frequency band using a first, different type of RAT (Figure 7A). At step 712, the second device ceases communications over at least one communication channel of the one or more communication channels using the second type of RAT. In step 713, the second device sends a communication indicating that the communications using the second type of RAT have ceased. This communication may be sent to a server (Figure 7C) or the first device (Figure 7A). As discussed above with reference to Figure 1, in some examples, steps 712 and 713 may not occur and the second device may instead send a rejection message indicating that it cannot or will not cease communications over the at least one communication channel (for example, because the second radio access technology is congested and the at least one communication channel is still required). Figure 7C illustrates a flow chart of a method for spectrum reallocation a frequency band assigned for use by two or more different types of radio access technology. At step 721, a server receives a request to increase a spectrum allocation of a first type of RAT. This request may be received from a first device configured to operate over one or more communication channels of the frequency band using the first type of RAT. The request may include an identifier of the first device, a geographic location of the first device and / or any other information that may help identify the first device and help the server determine how the spectrum may be reallocated. The server may store spectrum allocation information comprising an identifier of the first device, an identifier of a second device configured to operate over at least one communication channel of the frequency band using a second, different type of RAT, and information identifying portions of the frequency band allocated to each of the first and second devices. The server may thus be able to identify that the second device is not transmitting over a particular communication channel or set of communication channels. The server may thus proceed to step 722. In other examples, the spectrum allocation information may indicate that there are no suitable communication channels free. The server may thus identify that the second device should therefore stop communicating over at least one communication channel or inform the server that it is not using at least one communication channel allocated to it so that this can instead be used by the first device. The server may thus instruct the second device to stop communicating over a communication channel of the set of communication channels allocated to the second type of RAT. In response to the instruction, the second device may cease communications. In other examples where the second device is already not using a communication channel of the communication channels allocated to the second type of RAT, the second device may return a response indicating that the channel is unused and will not be used. At step 722, the server sends a communication to the first device indicating that communications using the second type of RAT over a communication channel of the frequency band will not occur. The first device may then proceed with method steps 702 and 703 in Figure 7A. It will be appreciated that, in other examples, the steps illustrated in Figure 7C may be performed by the second device. For example, the second device may have memory or a database storing spectrum allocation information locally, such that it can adjust the spectrum allocation of the second type of RAT and update the spectrum allocation locally. The second device may in this case send a message to an external server or database to indicate that the spectrum allocation of other devices using the second type of RAT should be adjusted. The external server or database may then send instructions to the other devices to adjust their spectrum allocation as well. Figure 8 illustrates a device 800 configured to operate over one or more communication channels of a frequency band using a first type of RAT and at least one communication channel of the frequency band using a second type of RAT. For instance, the device may server as both a Wi-Fi router 820 and a 5G / 6G base station 810 and may operate in the sub-6GHz frequency band and converge to a unified core network. It will be appreciated that the device may operate as one or more additional RAT devices though or as a different combination of RAT devices. The device may be configured to use access traffic steering, switching and splitting, (ATSSS) and / or Multipath Quick UDP Internet Connection (MPQUIC). 5G, for example, enables multiple data paths - for instance, one set of traffic using a radio access technology defined by 3GPP standards and one using a non-3GPP technology. The non-3GPP technology connection may be further divided into a trusted and untrusted or nontrusted connection. ATSSS control is normally handled by a policy control function (PCF) that provides ATSSS rules to devices and a session management function (SMF) based on service provider policy. ATSSS rules dictate how a device should utilise 3GPP and non-3GPP access networks it may have available, specifically with respect to sending uplink traffic. For downlink traffic, rules can be provided to a UPF, which dictate which access network should be used for which traffic flow. The device and / or a UPF may be configured to implement ATSSS at a lower layer (ATSSS-LL). ATSS-LL functionality can be applied to all higher layer traffic types and can include the following conditions: - Active / Standby. For a given traffic flow, one of the access networks (3GPP or non-3GPP) is categorised as active and the other as standby. The standby access network is only used for the traffic flow if the active network is unavailable. - Smallest delay. This steers a particular network traffic flow to the access network having the smallest delay. Load balancing. This splits a traffic flow across both access networks, based on a percentage split (for example, 50% to each). Priority. This will steer a traffic flow to the higher or highest priority access network. When the higher priority access network becomes congested, traffic can also be split towards the lower priority network. Other conditions local to the device (for instance, a network interface availability or signal loss conditions) may also be considered. Higher layer steering functionality (ATSSS-HL) may be used as well or instead (for instance, where multipath QUIC is not used). The combination of ATSS-LL with MPQUIC may allow seamless and efficient data transmission across different network interfaces. By integrating these technologies in the device 800, the device 800 can improve or optimise traffic management and enhance reliability and performance. Thus, the dynamic spectrum slicing, which may allow efficient allocation of spectrum resources to meet the diverse needs of various applications, can be enhanced. The device 800 may further comprise a local database 830 that stores information about how the spectrum is allocated between the first RAT device 810 and second RAT device 820, which may be accessible to both RAT devices 810, 820. The local database may not store separate identifiers of the first and second RAT devices 810, 820, but may store an identifier of the dual function device 800 (for example, for sending to an external database, such as database 230 illustrated in Figure 2). In other examples, the local database 820 may not be present and the device 800 may be configured to communicate with an external database, as described herein. The convergence and advanced spectrum management provided by the device can allow unparalleled connectivity by combining the advantages of each respective RAT (in this case, Wi-Fi and cellular technologies) and future-proof, high performance networking solutions. It will be appreciated that, whilst the present disclosure is discussed mainly with reference to sending requests for increasing a spectrum allocation, the methods and systems discussed herein may instead operate to offer a communication channel that is allocated to one type of RAT but that is not being and will not be used (for example, there are fewer UEs in a geographic region than expected) to a different type of RAT. This offer may be transmitted via the server, which may update the spectrum allocation information accordingly. It will be appreciated that the channel numbers discussed herein are exemplary and that other channels and frequency ranges or frequency bands may be used. The methods described herein may be implemented with computer system configurations including hand-held devices, microprocessor systems, microprocessorbased or programmable consumer electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers and the like. The embodiments can also be practiced in distributed computing environments, where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a network. Certain embodiments can also be embodied as computer-readable code on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The computer readable medium is any data storage device than can store data, which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include hard drives, network attached storage (NAS), read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, magnetic tapes, and other optical and non-optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over a network coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. Although embodiments according to the disclosure have been described with reference to particular types of devices and applications (particularly telecommunications and network devices) and the embodiments have particular advantages in such case, as discussed herein, approaches according to the disclosure may be applied to other types of device and / or application. Each feature disclosed in this specification, unless stated otherwise, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose. Thus, unless stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. All of the aspects and / or features disclosed in this specification may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. In particular, the preferred features of the disclosure are applicable to all aspects and embodiments of the disclosure and may be used in any combination. Likewise, features described in non-essential combinations may be used separately (not in combination). It will be appreciated that there is an implied “about” prior to temperatures, concentrations, times, pressures, flow rates, cross-sectional areas, voltages, currents, etc. discussed in the present teachings, such that slight and insubstantial deviations are within the scope of the present teachings. Furthermore, values referred to as being “equal” may in fact differ by less than a threshold amount. The threshold amount may be 5%, for example. The threshold may also be greater than 5% (e.g., 10%, 20% or 50%) or less than 5% (for example, 2% or 1 %). As used herein, including in the claims, unless the context indicates otherwise, singular forms of the terms herein are to be construed as including the plural form and vice versa. For instance, unless the context indicates otherwise, a singular reference herein including in the claims, such as "a" or "an" (such as a communication channel, for instance) means "one or more" (for instance, one or more communication channels). It will also be appreciated that the terms “one or more” and “at least one” are interchangeable. Throughout the description and claims of this disclosure, the words "comprise", "including", "having" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises" or similar, mean "including but not limited to", and are not intended to (and do not) exclude other components. Also, the use of “or” is inclusive, such that the phrase “A or B” is true when “A” is true, “B is true”, or both “A” and “B” are true. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language ("for instance", "such as", "for example" and like language) provided herein, is intended merely to better illustrate the disclosure and does not indicate a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure. The terms “first” and “second” may be reversed without changing the scope of the invention. That is, an element termed a “first” element (e.g. a first device) may instead be termed a “second” element (e.g. a second device) and an element termed a “second” element (e.g. a second device) may instead be considered a “first” element (e.g. a first device). It will also be appreciated that other labelling may be used without changing the scope of the invention (for example, referring to the device by its function or use, such as, for instance, an IMT device or Wi-Fi RAT). Any steps described in this specification may be performed in any order or simultaneously unless stated or the context requires otherwise. Moreover, where a step is described as being performed after a step, this does not preclude intervening steps being performed. It is also to be understood that, for any given component or embodiment described herein, any of the possible candidates or alternatives listed for that component may generally be used individually or in combination with one another, unless implicitly or explicitly understood or stated otherwise. It will be understood that any list of such candidates or alternatives is merely illustrative, not limiting, unless implicitly or explicitly understood or stated otherwise. In this detailed description of the various embodiments, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments disclosed. One skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that these various embodiments may be practiced with or without these specific details. Furthermore, one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the specific sequences in which methods are presented and performed are illustrative and it is contemplated that the sequences can be varied and still remain within the scope of the various embodiments disclosed herein. All literature and similar materials cited in this application, including but not limited to patents, patent applications, articles, books, treaties and internet web pages are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety for any purpose. Unless otherwise described, all technical and scientific terms used herein have a meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the various embodiments described herein belongs.

Claims

1. A method for dynamic spectrum allocation of a frequency band assigned for use by two or more different types of radio access technology, RAT, the method comprising steps of:sending, from a first device configured to operate over one or more communication channels of the frequency band using a first type of RAT, a request to increase a spectrum allocation of the first type of RAT; andin response to receiving a communication indicating that communications by a second device over a communication channel of the frequency band using a second, different type of RAT will not occur, communicating, by the first device and using the first type of RAT, over the communication channel.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein one of first and second type of RAT is a cellular network technology and the other of the first and second type of RAT device is a wireless network technology.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the cellular network technology comprises one or more of 3G, 4G, 5G and 6G technology and the wireless network technology comprises Wi-Fi technology.

4. The method according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein one of the first and second device comprises a base station and the other of the first and second device comprises a Wi-Fi router.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the first and second device is configured to operate as a Wi-Fi router and a base station.

6. The method according to any previous claim, wherein, prior to sending the request to increase a spectrum allocation of the first type of RAT, the spectrum is allocated based on one or more of: a specified frequency band range, a geographical area, a type of location, and an expected network load.

7. The method according to any previous claim, wherein the request to increase a spectrum allocation of the first type of RAT is sent in response to a change in network load.

8. The method according to any previous claim, wherein the request includes a geographic location of the first type of RAT and / or an identifier of the first device.

9. The method according to any previous claim, wherein the first and second device are the same device.

10. The method according to any previous claim, wherein sending the request comprises sending the request to a server storing spectrum allocation information comprising an identifier of the first device, an identifier of the second device and information identifying portions of the frequency band allocated to the first and second devices.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the information identifying portions of the frequency band allocated to the first and second devices comprises a channel number and / or a range of frequencies.

12. The method according to any previous claim, wherein the frequency band is in the range of 6425 MHz to 7125 MHz.

13. A method for dynamic spectrum allocation of a frequency band assigned for use by two or more different types of radio access technology, RAT, the method comprising steps of:in response to receiving, at a second device configured to operate over at least one communication channel of the frequency band using a second type of RAT, a communication indicating that a spectrum allocation of the second type of RAT should be adjusted:ceasing, by the second device, communications using the second type of RAT over a communication channel; andsending, over a separate communication channel, a communication indicating that communications over the communication channel by the second device and using the second type of RAT have ceased.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein one of first and second type of RAT is a cellular network technology and the other of the first and second type of RAT device is a wireless network technology.

15. The method according to claims 13 or claim 14, wherein, prior to receiving the request to increase a spectrum allocation of the first type of RAT, the spectrum is allocated based on one or more of: a specified frequency band range, a geographical area, a type of location, and an expected load.

16. The method according to claims 13 to 15, wherein the request is received from a server storing spectrum allocation information comprising an identifier of the first device, an identifier of the second device and information identifying portions of the frequency band allocated to the first and second devices.

17. A method for dynamic spectrum allocation of a frequency band assigned for use by two or more different types of radio access technology, RAT, the method comprising steps of:receiving, from a first device configured to operate over one or more communication channels of the frequency band using a first type of RAT, a request to increase a spectrum allocation of the first type of RAT;sending, to the first device, a communication indicating that communications by a second device over a communication channel of the frequency band using a second, different type of RAT will not occur.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein sending the communication indicating that communications by a second device over a communication channel of the frequency band using a second, different type of RAT will not occur comprises:sending an instruction to the second device to cease communications over a communication channel; andcommunicating, from the second type of RAT device and to the first type of RAT device, the communication indicating that communications over the communication channel by the second, different type of RAT device have ceased.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein sending the communication indicating that communications by a second device over a communication channel of the frequencyband using a second, different type of RAT will not occur comprises identifying that the communication channel is not allocated for use by the second, different type of RAT.

20. A device configured to operate over one or more communication channels of a frequency band using a first type of radio access technology, RAT, and at least one communication channel of the frequency band using a second, different type of RAT, the device further configured to increase a spectrum allocation of one of the first and second types of RAT by decreasing a spectrum allocation of the other of the first and second types of RAT.

21. The device according to claim 20, wherein the device is further configured to increase the spectrum allocation of the one of the first and second types of RAT in response to receiving a communication indicating to adjust the spectrum allocation of the first or second type of RAT.

22. The device according to claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the device is configured to operate as a Wi-Fi router and a base station.

23. The device according to claim 22, wherein the device is configured to operate as a 5G and / or 6G base station.

24. The device according to claims 20 to 23, wherein the device is configured to use access traffic steering, switching and splitting, ATSSS, and / or Multipath Quick UDP Internet Connection, QUIC.

25. A device configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 19.s

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