COMMUNICATION CONTROL DEVICE, COMMUNICATION CONTROL METHOD, COMMUNICATION DEVICE, AND COMMUNICATION METHOD

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a communication control device, a communication control method, a communication device, and a communication method, which enable the priority of radio wave utilization to be changed. [Solution] A communication control device of the present disclosure comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires application data for changing the priority of radio wave utilization of a communication device to a first priority from a second priority, which is lower than the first priority, on the basis of the right to utilize radio waves at the first priority; a receiving unit that receives a frequency utilization notification for notifying that the communication device utilizes the radio waves at the second priority; and a processing unit that updates the priority of the radio wave utilization of the communication device from the second priority to the first priority if the frequency utilization notification is received after the application data is acquired.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure provides a communication control device, a communication control method, a communication device, and a communication method. [Background technology]

[0002] The problem of exhaustion of radio wave resources (e.g., frequencies) that can be allocated to wireless systems has surfaced due to the increase in wireless environments where various wireless systems coexist and the enrichment of content provided via wireless. As a result, "Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA)", which utilizes white space in time and space among frequency bands already allocated to specific wireless systems, is rapidly gaining attention as a means of generating the necessary radio wave resources. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] WINNF-SSC-0004-V14.0.0 Spectrum Sharing Committee CBRS Release Plan [available at https: / / cbrs.wirelessinnovation.org / policies-and-procedures] [Non-Patent Document 2] Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, Title 47, Chapter I, Subchapter D, Part 96 Citizens Broadband Radio Service [available at https: / / www.ecfr.gov / cgi-bin / text-idx?node=pt47.5.96] [Non-Patent Document 3] Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, Title 47, Chapter I, Subchapter A, Part 1, Subpart X Spectrum Leasing [available at https: / / www.ecfr.gov / cgi-bin / text-idx?node=sp47.1.1.x] [Non-Patent Document 4] WINNF-TS-0061-V1.5.1 Test and Certification for Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS); Conformance and Performance Test Technical Specification; SAS as Unit Under Test (UUT) [available at https: / / cbrs.wirelessinnovation.org / release-1-of-the-baseline-standard-specifications] Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the United States, there is a group of standards called CBRS Baseline Standards established by the Wireless Innovation Forum (WInnForum) Spectrum Sharing Committee (SSC) for frequency sharing in the 3550-3700 MHz band.

[0005] Among these standards, WINNF-TS-0016 specifies the signaling protocol between the spectrum management server (SAS), the base station proxy system (CBSD), and the domain proxy (DP). By following this protocol, the CBSD can use radio waves with the priority of Priority Access (PA) or General Authorized Access (GAA).

[0006] SAS is responsible for approval of radio wave usage. When granting approval, SAS reviews the maximum allowable EIRP (Equivalent Isotropic Radiated Power) and set of frequency channels (frequency band between upper and lower frequency limits) requested by CBSD, and approves the requested maximum allowable EIRP and frequency channels as a grant. When SAS approves the grant, CBSD is notified by SAS of the priority of either PA or GAA. CBSD's use of radio waves based on the grant is managed by a procedure called heartbeat between SAS and CBSD.

[0007] Here, there is a restriction that "grant parameters cannot be changed, and if parameters are changed, a grant must be applied for again." This restriction may become a problem in the future. Assumed situations include when an operator wants to upgrade a CBSD grant operated in GAA from GAA to PA, or when an operator wants to fallback a CBSD grant operated in PA to GAA. For example, when a PAL (Priority Access License) is newly acquired in an auction, when a PAL is borrowed from another operator, or when the validity period of the PAL expires, a request for upgrade or fallback may arise. According to the current mechanism, even in such a situation, the CBSD operator needs to reapply for a grant to the SAS. Therefore, there is a concern that radio transmission may be stopped and the end user experience may be deteriorated accordingly until permission for reapplication is obtained. A mechanism that can upgrade PAL to GAA and fallback PAL to GAA quickly is desired.

[0008] The present disclosure provides a communication control device, a communication control method, a communication device, and a communication method that enable changing the priority of radio wave usage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A communication control device according to the present disclosure includes: an acquisition unit that acquires application data for changing a priority of radio wave usage of a communication device from a second priority, which is lower than the first priority, to the first priority based on a right to use radio waves with the first priority; a receiver for receiving a frequency usage notification notifying that the communication device is using radio waves with the second priority; a processing unit that updates a priority of the radio wave usage by the communication device from the second priority to the first priority when the frequency usage notification is received after the application data is acquired; Equipped with.

[0010] The communication device further comprises a transmitting unit configured to transmit, in response to the frequency usage notification, response information notifying that the priority of radio wave usage of the communication device has been changed from the second priority to the first priority.

[0011] The processing unit may set an expiration date for radio wave usage by the communication device with the first priority based on the right.

[0012] The processing unit may set the frequency band permitted for use at the first priority based on a frequency range common to the frequency band available at the first priority and the frequency band used by the communication device at the second priority.

[0013] The processing unit may determine, from among the frequency channels available for use with the first priority, a frequency channel included in the common frequency range as a frequency band available for use with the first priority.

[0014] The application data may include a request for creating, by one or more of the communication devices, a coverage area that protects radio wave usage at the first priority from interference caused by radio wave usage at the second priority.

[0015] The communication control device may include a control unit that creates the coverage area based on the application data and protects the radio wave usage at the first priority in the coverage area from interference caused by radio wave usage at the second priority.

[0016] The application data may include an identifier that identifies the right.

[0017] The application data may include information on a frequency band for which the priority of radio wave usage is to be changed from a second priority level lower than the first priority level to the first priority level.

[0018] The receiving unit receives a frequency usage notification notifying that the communication device is using radio waves with the first priority; when detecting that the requirements for holding the right are no longer satisfied, the processing unit updates a priority of the radio wave usage by the communication device from the first priority to the second priority; The transmission unit may transmit response information notifying that the priority of radio wave usage of the communication device has been changed from the first priority to the second priority.

[0019] The communication device of the present disclosure comprises: A communication device of a business operator that has the right to use radio waves with the first priority, a transmission unit that transmits a frequency usage notification that notifies that the radio wave usage is being performed with a second priority that is lower than the first priority; A receiving unit that receives response information transmitted in response to the frequency usage notification; a processing unit that updates the priority of radio wave usage from the second priority to the first priority when the response information includes information for changing the priority of radio wave usage from the second priority to the first priority; Equipped with.

[0020] The transmission unit transmits a frequency usage notification notifying that the radio wave usage is being performed with the first priority; The receiving unit receives response information transmitted in response to the frequency usage notification, The processing unit may update the priority of radio wave usage from the first priority to the second priority when the response information includes information to change the priority of radio wave usage from the first priority to the second priority.

[0021] The communication control method of the present disclosure includes: acquiring application data for changing a priority of radio wave usage of the communication device from a second priority level lower than the first priority level to the first priority level based on a right to use radio waves with a first priority level; receiving a frequency usage notification notifying that the communication device is using the radio wave with the second priority; When the frequency usage notification is received after the application data is acquired, the priority of the radio wave usage by the communication device is updated from the second priority to the first priority.

[0022] The communication method of the present disclosure includes: A communication method performed by a communication device of a business operator having a right to use radio waves with a first priority, the method comprising: transmitting a frequency use notification notifying that the radio waves are being used with a second priority lower than the first priority; Receive response information transmitted in response to the frequency usage notification; When the response information includes information for changing the priority of radio wave usage from the second priority to the first priority, the priority of radio wave usage is updated from the second priority to the first priority. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system model according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates a network configuration in which autonomous decision-making can be applied. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a network configuration in which centralized decision-making can be applied. [Figure 4] A diagram showing a network configuration when both centralized and decentralized decision-making are applied. [Diagram 5] A diagram explaining the three-tier structure of CBRS. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the flow of signaling between terminals. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of an operation performed between a communication device and a communication control device. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence when a grant falls back. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of a communication control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11]10 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the communication control device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In one or more embodiments shown in the present disclosure, the elements included in each embodiment can be combined with each other, and the combined result also forms part of the embodiment shown in the present disclosure.

[0025] <<1. Typical anticipated scenarios>> <1.1 System model>

[0026] 1 shows a system model according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the system model is represented by a communication network 100 including wireless communication, and typically includes the following entities: ·Communication device 110 Terminal 120 ·Communication control device 130 This system model also includes at least a primary system and a secondary system that use the communication network 100. The primary system and the secondary system are configured by the communication device 110, or by the communication device 110 and the terminal 120. Various communication systems can be treated as the primary system or the secondary system, but in this embodiment, the primary system is a wireless system that uses a specific frequency band, and the secondary system is a wireless system that shares a part or all of the frequency band. That is, this system model will be described as a model of a wireless communication system related to dynamic spectrum sharing (DSA: Dynamic Spectrum Access). It should be noted that this system model is not limited to a system related to dynamic spectrum sharing.

[0027] The communication device 110 is typically a wireless device that provides a wireless communication service to the terminal 120, such as a wireless base station (Base Station, Node B, eNB, gNB, etc.) or a wireless access point. That is, the communication device 110 provides a wireless communication service to enable wireless communication of the terminal 120. The communication device 110 may be a wireless relay device or a radio extension device called a Remote Radio Head (RRH). In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the communication device 110 will be described as an entity that constitutes a secondary system.

[0028] The coverage (communication area) provided by the communication device 110 may be of various sizes, ranging from a large one such as a macrocell to a small one such as a picocell. A plurality of communication devices 110 may form one cell, such as a distributed antenna system (DAS). In addition, if the communication device 110 has a beamforming capability, a cell or a service area may be formed for each beam.

[0029] In this disclosure, it is assumed that there are two different types of communication devices 110.

[0030] In the present disclosure, a communication device 110 that can access the communication control device 130 without using a wireless path that requires permission from the communication control device 130 is called a "communication device 110A." Specifically, for example, a communication device 110 that can connect to the Internet via a wired line can be considered as a "communication device 110A." In addition, for example, even if a wireless relay device does not have a wired Internet connection function, if a wireless backhaul link using a frequency that does not require permission from the communication control device 130 is established with another communication device 110A, such a wireless relay device may also be considered as a "communication device 110A."

[0031] In the present disclosure, a communication device 110 that cannot access the communication control device 130 without a wireless path that requires permission from the communication control device 130 is referred to as a "communication device 110B." For example, a wireless relay device that needs to establish a backhaul link using a frequency that requires permission from the communication control device 130 can be considered as a "communication device 110B." In addition, for example, a device such as a smartphone that has a wireless network providing function represented by tethering and uses a frequency that requires permission from the communication control device 130 in both the backhaul link and the access link may be treated as a "communication device 110B."

[0032] The communication device 110 does not necessarily have to be fixed. For example, the communication device 110 may be installed on a moving object such as an automobile. Also, the communication device 110 does not necessarily have to be on the ground. For example, the communication device 110 may be provided on an object in the air or space, such as an aircraft, a drone, a helicopter, a High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS), a balloon, a satellite, etc. Also, the communication device 110 may be provided on an object on the sea or in the sea, such as a ship or a submarine. Typically, such a mobile communication device 110 corresponds to the communication device 110B, and secures an access path to the communication control device 130 by performing wireless communication with the communication device 110A. Naturally, if the frequency used in wireless communication with the communication device 110A is not managed by the communication control device 130, even a mobile communication device 110 can be treated as the communication device 110A.

[0033] In this disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the term "communication device 110" encompasses the meaning of both communication device 110A and communication device 110B, and may be interpreted as either one.

[0034] The communication device 110 may be used, operated, or managed by various operators. For example, a mobile network operator (MNO), a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), a mobile network enabler (MNE), a mobile virtual network enabler (MVNE), a shared facility operator, a neutral host network operator (NHN), a broadcasting operator, an enterprise, an educational institution (a school corporation, a board of education of each local government, etc.), a real estate (a building, an apartment, etc.) manager, an individual, etc. may be assumed as operators related to the communication device 110. Note that operators related to the communication device 110 are not particularly limited. Also, the communication device 110A may be a shared facility used by a plurality of operators. Also, the operators who install, use, operate, and manage the facilities may be different from each other.

[0035] A communication device 110 operated by a business operator is typically connected to the Internet via a core network. In addition, operation, management, and maintenance are performed by a function called OA&M (Operation, Administration & Maintenance). For example, as shown in FIG. 1, there may be an intermediate device (network manager) 110C that performs integrated control of the communication devices 110 in the network. The intermediate device may be the communication device 110 or the communication control device 130.

[0036] The terminal 120 (User Equipment, User Terminal, User Station, Mobile Terminal, Mobile Station, etc.) is a device that performs wireless communication by a wireless communication service provided by the communication device 110. Typically, a communication device such as a smartphone corresponds to the terminal 120. Any device equipped with a wireless communication function can correspond to the terminal 120. For example, a device such as a commercial camera having a wireless communication function can also correspond to the terminal 120 even if wireless communication is not its main purpose. In addition, a communication device that transmits data to the terminal 120, such as a broadcasting business wireless station (FPU: Field Pickup Unit) that transmits images for television broadcasting from outside (on-site) to a broadcasting station to broadcast sports, etc., also corresponds to the terminal 120. In addition, the terminal 120 does not necessarily have to be used by a person. For example, as in so-called MTC (Machine Type Communication), a device such as a factory machine or a sensor installed in a building may be connected to a network and operate as the terminal 120. Furthermore, a device called Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), which is provided to ensure an Internet connection, may act as the terminal 120.

[0037] In addition, the terminal 120 may be provided with a relay communication function, as typified by D2D (Device-to-Device) and V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything).

[0038] Similarly to the communication device 110, the terminal 120 does not need to be fixed or located on the ground. For example, an object in the air or space, such as an aircraft, a drone, a helicopter, or a satellite, may operate as the terminal 120. For example, an object on the sea or in the sea, such as a ship or a submarine, may operate as the terminal 120.

[0039] In this disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the terminal 120 corresponds to an entity where a wireless link using a frequency that requires permission from the communication control device 130 terminates. However, depending on the functions that the terminal 120 has and the network topology that is applied, the terminal 120 may operate in the same manner as the communication device 110. In other words, depending on the network topology, a device that can correspond to the communication device 110, such as a wireless access point, may correspond to the terminal 120, and a device that can correspond to the terminal 120, such as a smartphone, may correspond to the communication device 110.

[0040] The communication control device 130 is typically a device that determines, permits, instructs, and / or manages communication parameters of the communication device 110. For example, database servers called TVWSDB (TV White Space Database), GLDB (Geolocation database), SAS (Spectrum Access System), and AFC (Automated Frequency Coordination) correspond to the communication control device 130. In addition, a control device that controls radio interference between devices, as defined in standards such as EN 303 387 of ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute), 802.19.1-2018, and CBRSA-TS-2001 of IEEE, also corresponds to the communication control device 130. In addition, a Registered Location Secure Server (RLSS) defined in IEEE 802.11-2016 also corresponds to the communication control device 130. That is, without being limited to these examples, an entity that is responsible for determining communication parameters of the communication device 110, giving permission to use, instructing, managing, etc., may be called the communication control device 130. Basically, the control target of the communication control device 130 is the communication device 110, but the communication control device 130 may also control the terminal 120 under the control of the communication device 110.

[0041] There may be a plurality of communication control devices 130. When there are a plurality of communication control devices 130, at least one of at least the following three types of decision-making topologies may be applied to the communication control devices 130. ·Autonomous Decision-Making ·Centralized Decision-Making ·Distributed Decision-Making

[0042] Autonomous decision-making is a decision-making topology in which a decision-making entity (a decision-making entity, in this case, the communication control device 130) makes decisions independently of other decision-making entities. The communication control device 130 independently performs necessary frequency allocation and calculations for interference control. For example, autonomous decision-making can be applied when multiple communication control devices 130 are arranged in a distributed manner as shown in FIG. 2.

[0043] Centralized decision-making is a decision-making topology in which a decision-making entity delegates decision-making to another decision-making entity. When centralized decision-making is implemented, for example, a model as shown in FIG. 3 is assumed. FIG. 3 shows a model (so-called master-slave type) in which one communication control device 130 centrally controls multiple communication control devices 130. In the model of FIG. 3, a communication control device 130A, which is a master, controls multiple communication control devices 130B, which are slaves, and is capable of making decisions in a centralized manner.

[0044] Distributed decision-making is a decision-making topology in which a decision-making entity cooperates with another decision-making entity to make a decision. For example, as in the autonomous decision-making of FIG. 2, multiple communication control devices 130 make decisions independently, but each communication control device 130 may adjust or negotiate the decision-making results after making a decision, which may be considered as "distributed decision-making". In addition, for example, in the centralized decision-making of FIG. 3, the master communication control device 130A dynamically transfers or abandons decision-making authority to each slave communication control device 130B for the purpose of load balancing, which may also be considered as "distributed decision-making".

[0045] There may be cases where both centralized decision-making and distributed decision-making are applied. In FIG. 4, a slave communication control device 130B operates as an intermediate device that bundles multiple communication devices 110. A master communication control device 130A does not need to control the communication devices 110 bundled by the slave communication control device 130B, that is, the secondary system configured by the slave communication control device 130B. In this way, as a modified example, an implementation as shown in FIG. 4 is also possible.

[0046] For its role, the communication control device 130 may obtain necessary information from entities other than the communication device 110 and the terminal 120 of the communication network 100. Specifically, for example, the communication control device 130 may obtain information necessary for protecting the primary system from a database (regulatory database) managed or operated by a national or regional radio regulatory agency (NRA: National Regulatory Authority). An example of a regulatory database is the Universal Licensing System (ULS) operated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC: Federal Communications Commissions). Examples of information necessary for protecting the primary system include, for example, location information of the primary system, communication parameters of the primary system, out-of-band emission limit (OOBE (Out-of-Band Emission) Limit), adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR), adjacent channel selectivity, fading margin, protection ratio (PR), and the like. In regions where fixed numerical values, acquisition methods, derivation methods, etc. are prescribed by law in order to protect the primary system, it is desirable to use the information prescribed by said law as the information necessary to protect the primary system.

[0047] In addition, a database that records communication devices 110 and terminals 120 that have received conformity certification, such as the Equipment Authorization System (EAS) managed by the FCC's OET (Office of Engineering and Technology), also corresponds to a regulatory database. From such a regulatory database, it is possible to obtain information on the operable frequencies of communication devices 110 and terminals 120 and information on the maximum EIRP. Naturally, communication control device 130 may use this information to protect the primary system.

[0048] It may also be assumed that the communication control device 130 acquires radio wave sensing information from a radio wave sensing system that is installed and operated for the purpose of detecting radio waves of the primary system. As a specific example, in the U.S. Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS), the communication control device 130 acquires radio wave detection information of the ship-mounted radar, which is the primary system, from a radio wave sensing system called an environmental sensing capability (ESC). In addition, when the communication device 110 or the terminal 120 has a sensing capability, the communication control device 130 may acquire radio wave detection information of the primary system from them.

[0049] The interfaces between the entities constituting this system model may be either wired or wireless. For example, the interface between the communication control device 130 and the communication device 110 may be not only a wired line, but also a wireless interface that does not depend on frequency sharing. Examples of wireless interfaces that do not depend on frequency sharing include wireless communication lines provided by mobile communication carriers via licensed bands and Wi-Fi communications that use existing license-exempt bands. <1.2 Terminology related to frequencies and sharing>

[0050] As described above, in this embodiment, a dynamic spectrum access environment is assumed. As a representative example of dynamic spectrum access, a mechanism defined by CBRS in the United States (i.e., a mechanism defined by Part 96 Citizens Broadband Radio Service of the FCC regulations in the United States) is described.

[0051] In CBRS, as shown in Figure 5, each user of the shared frequency band is classified into one of three groups. These groups are called tiers. The three groups are called the Incumbent Tier, Priority Access Tier, and General Authorized Access (GAA) Tier, respectively.

[0052] The Incumbent Tier is a group of existing users who have been using the frequency band defined as the shared frequency band. Incumbent users are generally called primary users. In CBRS, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), fixed satellite operators, and Grandfathered Wireless Broadband Licensees (GWBLs) are defined as existing users. The Incumbent Tier is not required to avoid interference with the Priority Access Tier and GAA Tier, which have lower priorities, nor is it required to suppress the use of the shared frequency band. In addition, the Incumbent Tier is protected from interference by the Priority Access Tier and GAA Tier. In other words, users of the Incumbent Tier can use the shared frequency band without considering the existence of other groups.

[0053] The Priority Access Tier is a group of users who use a shared frequency band based on the above-mentioned PAL (Priority Access License). Users of the Priority Access Tier are also generally called secondary users. When using a shared frequency band, the Priority Access Tier is required to avoid interference with the Incumbent Tier, which has a higher priority than the Priority Access Tier, and to suppress the use of the shared frequency band. On the other hand, the Priority Access Tier is not required to avoid interference with the GAA Tier, which has a lower priority than the Priority Access Tier, and is not required to suppress the use of the shared frequency band. In addition, the Priority Access Tier is not protected from interference by the Incumbent Tier, which has a higher priority, but is protected from interference by the GAA Tier, which has a lower priority.

[0054] The GAA Tier is a group of shared frequency band users who do not belong to the Incumbent Tier and Priority Access Tier. As with the Priority Access Tier, GAA Tier users are generally also called secondary users. However, since the priority of shared use is lower than that of the Priority Access Tier, they are also called low-priority secondary users. When using a shared frequency band, the GAA Tier is required to avoid interference with the Incumbent Tier and Priority Access Tier, which have higher priorities, and to suppress the use of the shared frequency band. In addition, the GAA Tier is not protected from interference by the Incumbent Tier and Priority Access Tier, which have higher priorities. In other words, the GAA Tier is a tier that legally requires opportunistic use of the shared frequency band.

[0055] Although the mechanism of CBRS has been described above as a representative example of dynamic frequency sharing, this embodiment is not limited to the definition of CBRS. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, CBRS generally adopts a 3-tier structure, but in this embodiment, a 2-tier structure may be adopted. Representative examples of the 2-tier structure include Authorized Shared Access (ASA), Licensed Shared Access (LSA), evolved LSA (eLSA), and TVWS (TV band White Space). In ASA, LSA, and eLSA, there is no GAA Tier, and a structure equivalent to a combination of an Incumbent Tier and a Priority Access Tier is adopted. In addition, in TVWS, there is no Priority Access Tier, and a structure equivalent to a combination of an Incumbent Tier and a GAA Tier is adopted. In addition, there may be four or more Tiers. Specifically, for example, four or more Tiers may be generated by providing a plurality of intermediate layers equivalent to the Priority Access Tier, and further assigning different priorities to each intermediate layer. In addition, for example, the GAA Tier may be divided in a similar manner and the number of tiers may be increased by assigning priorities to the tiers. In other words, each group may be divided.

[0056] The primary system of this embodiment is not limited to the definition of CBRS. For example, radio systems such as TV broadcasting, fixed microwave links (FS: Fixed Systems), meteorological radar, radio altimeters, communications-based train control, and radio astronomy are considered as examples of the primary system. However, any radio system can be the primary system of this embodiment.

[0057] As described above, this embodiment is not limited to a frequency sharing environment. In general, in frequency sharing or secondary frequency usage, an existing system using the target frequency band is called a primary system, and a secondary user is called a secondary system. However, when this embodiment is applied to a non-frequency sharing environment, they should be read by replacing them with other terms. For example, a macrocell base station in a heterogeneous network (HetNet) may be the primary system, and a small cell base station or a relay station may be the secondary system. Also, a base station may be the primary system, and a Relay UE (User Equipment) or Vehicle UE that realizes D2D or V2X within its coverage may be the secondary system. The base station is not limited to a fixed type, and may be a portable or mobile type. In such a case, for example, the communication control device 130 of this embodiment may be provided in a core network, a base station, a relay station, a Relay UE, or the like.

[0058] In addition, when the present embodiment is applied to a non-frequency sharing environment, the term "frequency" in the present disclosure is replaced by another term shared in the application destination. For example, it is assumed that the term "frequency" is replaced by terms such as "resource," "resource block," "resource element," "resource pool," "channel," "component carrier," "carrier," "subcarrier," "Bandwidth Part (BWP)," or another term having an equivalent or similar meaning. <<2. Description of procedures assumed in this embodiment>>

[0059] Here, a basic procedure that can be used when implementing this embodiment will be described. Note that the description up to <2.5> below will be given assuming that the procedure is implemented mainly in the communication device 110A. <2.1 Registration Procedure>

[0060] The registration procedure is a procedure for registering information about a wireless system that is to use a shared frequency band. More specifically, it is a procedure for registering device parameters related to a communication device 110 of the wireless system in the communication control device 130. Typically, the registration procedure is started when the communication device 110 representing the wireless system that is to use the shared frequency band notifies the communication control device 130 of a registration request including the device parameters. Note that, when a wireless system that is to use the shared frequency band includes multiple communication devices 110, the device parameters of each of the multiple communication devices are included in the registration request. Also, the device that transmits the registration request on behalf of the wireless system may be determined appropriately. <2.1.1 Details of required parameters>

[0061] The device parameters refer to, for example, the following information: Information regarding the user of the communication device 110 (hereinafter referred to as user information) Information unique to the communication device 110 (hereinafter referred to as unique information) Information regarding the location of the communication device 110 (hereinafter referred to as location information) Information regarding the antenna of the communication device 110 (hereinafter referred to as antenna information) Information regarding the wireless interface of the communication device 110 (hereinafter referred to as wireless interface information) Legal information regarding the communication device 110 (hereinafter referred to as "legal information") Information regarding the installer of the communication device 110 (hereinafter referred to as installer information) Information about the group to which the communication device 110 belongs (hereinafter, group information)

[0062] The device parameters are not limited to those mentioned above. Information other than these may be treated as device parameters. The device parameters do not need to be transmitted at once, but may be transmitted in multiple parts. That is, multiple registration requests may be transmitted for one registration procedure. In this way, one procedure or one process within a procedure may be performed in multiple parts. The same applies to the procedures described below.

[0063] The user information is information related to the user of the communication device 110. For example, a user ID, an account name, a user name, a user contact information, a call sign, and the like can be assumed. The user ID and the account name may be generated by the user of the communication device 110, or may be issued in advance by the communication control device 130. It is preferable to use a call sign issued by the NRA.

[0064] The user information can be used, for example, for interference resolution. As a specific example, the communication control device 130 may determine whether to stop using a frequency currently used by the communication device 110 in the frequency use notification procedure described in <2.5> below, and may issue an instruction based on the determination of the stop of use, but may still notify a frequency use notification request for the frequency. In that case, the communication control device 130 may suspect a malfunction of the communication device 110 and may contact the user contact information included in the user information to request confirmation of the behavior of the communication device 110. This example is not limited to the above, and when it is determined that the communication device 110 is operating against the communication control performed by the communication control device 130, the communication control device 130 may contact the user using the user information.

[0065] The unique information is information capable of identifying communication device 110, product information of communication device 110, information relating to the hardware or software of communication device 110, and the like.

[0066] The information capable of identifying communication device 110 may include, for example, a manufacturing number (serial number) of communication device 110, an ID of communication device 110, etc. The ID of communication device 110 may be, for example, an ID uniquely assigned by a user of communication device 110.

[0067] The product information of the communication device 110 may include, for example, an authentication ID, a product model number, information about the manufacturer, etc. An authentication ID is an ID given by a certification body in each country or region, such as an FCC ID in the United States, a CE number in Europe, or a technical regulation conformity certificate (Giteki) in Japan. An ID issued by an industry group or the like based on its own certification program may also be considered as an authentication ID.

[0068] The unique information represented by these may be used, for example, for the purpose of a whitelist or blacklist. For example, when any information related to an operating communication device 110 is included in the blacklist, the communication control device 130 can instruct the communication device 110 to suspend frequency usage in the frequency usage notification procedure described in <2.5> below. Furthermore, the communication control device 130 can behave in such a way that it does not release the suspension of usage until the communication device 110 is removed from the blacklist. Also, for example, the communication control device 130 can refuse to register the communication device 110 included in the blacklist. Also, for example, the communication control device 130 can perform an operation such as not considering the communication device 110 corresponding to the information included in the blacklist in the interference calculation of the present disclosure, or considering only the communication device 110 corresponding to the information included in the whitelist in the interference calculation.

[0069] The information on the hardware of the communication device 110 may include, for example, transmission power class information. For example, in the U.S. FCC CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) Part 96, two types of transmission power class information, Category A and Category B, are defined, and the information on the hardware of the communication device 110 that complies with the regulations may include information on which of the two types of classes the device belongs to. In addition, several classes of eNodeB and gNodeB are defined in TS (Technical Specification) 36.104 and TS 38.104 of the 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), and these regulations may also be used.

[0070] The transmission power class information can be used, for example, for interference calculation. The interference calculation can be performed by setting the maximum transmission power defined for each class as the transmission power of the communication device 110.

[0071] The information about the software of the communication device 110 may include, for example, version information and build number of an execution program that describes the processing required for interaction with the communication control device 130. It may also include version information and build number of software for operating as the communication device 110.

[0072] Typically, the location information is information capable of identifying the location of the communication device 110. For example, the location information is coordinate information acquired by a positioning function represented by GPS (Global Positioning System), Beidou, QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System), Galileo, or A-GPS (Assisted Global Positioning System). Typically, the location information may include information related to latitude, longitude, height above ground / sea level, altitude, and positioning error. Alternatively, the location information may be, for example, location information registered in an information management device managed by the NRA (National Regulatory Authority) or an agency entrusted by the NRA. Alternatively, the location information may be, for example, coordinates of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis with a specific geographical position as the origin. In addition, together with such coordinate information, an identifier indicating whether the communication device 110 is located outdoors or indoors may be given.

[0073] The location information may also be information indicating an area in which the communication device 110 is located. For example, information indicating an area designated by an administrative body, such as a postal code or an address, may be used. For example, an area may be indicated by a set of three or more geographic coordinates. Such information indicating an area may be provided together with the coordinate information.

[0074] Furthermore, when the communication device 110 is located indoors, information indicating the floor of the building on which the communication device 110 is located may also be included in the location information. For example, an identifier indicating a floor number, ground level, or basement may be included in the location information. Furthermore, for example, information indicating a further enclosed space indoors, such as a room number or a room name in a building, may be included in the location information.

[0075] Typically, it is desirable that the positioning function is provided by the communication device 110. However, there may be cases where the performance of the positioning function does not meet the required accuracy. In addition, even if the performance of the positioning function meets the required accuracy, depending on the installation location of the communication device 110, there may be cases where location information that meets the required accuracy cannot be obtained. Therefore, the positioning function may be provided by a device other than the communication device 110, and the communication device 110 may obtain information related to the location from that device. The device having the positioning function may be an existing device that is available, but may also be provided by the installer of the communication device 110. In such a case, it is desirable that the location information measured by the installer of the communication device 110 is written to the communication device 110.

[0076] The antenna information is typically information indicating the performance and configuration of an antenna included in the communication device 110. Typically, the information may include, for example, the antenna installation height, tilt angle (Downtilt), horizontal direction (Azimuth), boresight, antenna peak gain, and antenna model.

[0077] The antenna information may also include information regarding beams that can be formed, such as beam width, beam pattern, and analog or digital beamforming capabilities.

[0078] The antenna information may also include information on the performance and configuration of MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) communication. For example, information such as the number of antenna elements and the maximum number of spatial streams may be included. In addition, information on a codebook to be used and weight matrix information may also be included. The weight matrix information may be a unitary matrix, a ZF (Zero-Forcing) matrix, an MMSE (Minimum Mean Square Error) matrix, etc., which are obtained by SVD (Singular Value Decomposition), EVD (Eigen Value Decomposition), BD (Block Diagonalization), etc. In addition, when the communication device 110 has a function such as MLD (Maximum Likelihood Detection) that requires nonlinear calculation, information indicating the function may be included in the antenna information.

[0079] The antenna information may also include ZoD (Zenith of Direction, Departure). ZoD is a type of radio wave arrival angle. Note that ZoD may not be notified from the communication device 110, but may be estimated and notified by another communication device 110 from radio waves radiated from the antenna of the communication device 110. In this case, the communication device 110 may be a device that operates as a base station or an access point, a device that performs D2D communication, or a moving relay base station. ZoD may be estimated by a radio wave arrival direction estimation technique such as MUSIC (Multiple Signal Classification) or ESPRIT (Estimation of Signal Propagation via Rotation Invariance Techniques). Furthermore, ZoD may be used by the communication control device 130 as measurement information.

[0080] The wireless interface information typically refers to information indicating a wireless interface technology that the communication device 110 has. For example, identifier information indicating a technology used in GSM, CDMA2000, UMTS, E-UTRA, E-UTRA NB-IoT, 5G NR, 5G NR NB-IoT, or a further next-generation cellular system may be included as the wireless interface information. In addition, identifier information indicating a derived technology conforming to LTE (Long Term Evolution) / 5G, such as MultiFire, LTE-U (Long Term Evolution -Unlicensed), and NR-U (NR-Unlicensed), may also be included. In addition, identifier information indicating a standard technology, such as MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) such as WiMAX and WiMAX2+, and IEEE 802.11-based wireless LAN, may also be included. In addition, identifier information indicating XGP (Extended Global Platform) and sXGP (Shared XGP) may also be included. In addition, identifier information of a communication technology for LPWA (Local Power, Wide Area) may also be included. In addition, identifier information indicating a proprietary wireless technology may also be included. Additionally, the version or release numbers of the technical specifications that define these technologies may also be included as air interface information.

[0081] The radio interface information may also include frequency band information supported by the communication device 110. For example, the frequency band information may be represented by an upper limit frequency, a lower limit frequency, a center frequency, a bandwidth, a 3GPP Operating Band number, or a combination of at least two of these. Furthermore, one or more pieces of frequency band information may be included in the radio interface information.

[0082] The frequency band information supported by the communication device 110 may further include information indicating capabilities of band extension technologies such as carrier aggregation (CA) and channel bonding. For example, information on bands that can be combined may be included. For carrier aggregation, information on bands to be used as a primary component carrier (PCC) or a secondary component carrier (SCC) may also be included. The number of component carriers that can be simultaneously aggregated (number of CCs) may also be included.

[0083] The frequency band information supported by the communication device 110 may further include information indicating a combination of frequency bands supported by Dual Connectivity and Multi Connectivity. Additionally, information on other communication devices 110 that cooperate to provide Dual Connectivity and Multi Connectivity may also be provided. In subsequent procedures, the communication control device 130 may make a decision on communication control disclosed in this embodiment, taking into account other communication devices 110 that are in a cooperative relationship.

[0084] The frequency band information supported by the communication device 110 may also include information indicating radio wave usage priority, such as PAL and GAA.

[0085] The radio interface information may also include modulation scheme information supported by the communication device 110. For example, representative examples include information indicating a primary modulation scheme such as FSK (Frequency Shift Keying), n-ary PSK (Phase Shift Keying, where n is a power of 2 such as 2, 4, 8, etc.), and n-ary QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation, where n is a power of 4 such as 4, 16, 64, 256, 1024, etc.). Also, information indicating a secondary modulation scheme such as OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing), Scalable OFDM, DFT-s-OFDM (DFT spread OFDM), GFDM (Generalized Frequency Division Multiplexing), and FBMC (Filter Bank Multi Carrier) may be included.

[0086] The radio interface information may also include information about error correction codes, such as capabilities of Turbo codes, LDPC (Low Density Parity Check) codes, Polar codes, and erasure correction codes, and information about the coding rate to be applied.

[0087] As another aspect, the modulation scheme information and the information on the error correction code can also be expressed as an MCS (Modulation and Coding Scheme) index.

[0088] The radio interface information may also include information indicating functions specific to each wireless technology specification supported by the communication device 110. For example, a representative example is Transmission Mode (TM) information defined in LTE. In addition, for specific functions having two or more modes, the radio interface information may include TM information. Furthermore, in the case where the communication device 110 supports a function that is not essential to the specification even if two or more modes are not present in the technology specification, information indicating the supported function may also be included.

[0089] The radio interface information may also include radio access technology (RAT) information supported by the communication device 110. For example, information indicating time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), power division multiple access (PDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), sparse code multiple access (SCMA), interleave division multiple access (IDMA), spatial division multiple access (SDMA), carrier sense multiple access / collision avoidance (CSMA / CA), carrier sense multiple access / collision detection (CSMA / CD), etc. may be included. Note that TDMA, FDMA, and OFDMA are classified as orthogonal multiple access (OMA). PDMA, CDMA, SCMA, IDMA, and SDMA are classified as non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA). A typical example of PDMA is a method realized by combining Superposition Coding (SPC) and Successive Interference Canceller (SIC). CSMA / CA and CSMA / CD are classified as opportunistic access methods.

[0090] When the radio interface information includes information indicating an opportunistic access method, the radio interface information may further include information indicating details of the access method. As a specific example, the radio interface information may include information indicating whether the access method is Frame Based Equipment (FBE) or Load Based Equipment (LBE) defined in ETSI EN 301 598.

[0091] When the air interface information indicates LBE, it may further include information specific to LBE, such as Priority Class defined in ETSI EN 301 598.

[0092] The radio interface information may also include information related to a duplex mode supported by the communication device 110. As a representative example, information related to a method such as FDD (Frequency Division Duplex), TDD (Time Division Duplex), and FD (Full Duplex) may be included.

[0093] When TDD is included as the radio interface information, it may include TDD Frame Structure information used or supported by the communication device 110. Also, information related to a duplex mode may be included for each frequency band indicated by the frequency band information.

[0094] When the FD is included as the radio interface information, information on the interference power detection level may be included.

[0095] The radio interface information may also include information regarding a transmit diversity technique supported by the communication device 110. For example, Space Time Coding (STC) may be included.

[0096] The radio interface information may also include guard band information. For example, the radio interface information may include information about a guard band size that is predetermined for the radio interface. Alternatively, the radio interface information may include information about a guard band size that is desired by the communication device 110.

[0097] Regardless of the above aspect, the radio interface information may be provided for each frequency band.

[0098] The legal information typically refers to information on regulations that the communication device 110 must comply with, which are determined by the radio wave administrative agency or an equivalent agency of each country or region, and certification information acquired by the communication device 110. The regulatory information typically includes, for example, information on the upper limit of out-of-band emission and information on the blocking characteristics of the receiver. The certification information typically includes, for example, type approval information and legal information that is the standard for obtaining certification. Examples of type approval information include, for example, an FCC ID in the United States and a technical regulation conformity certificate in Japan. Examples of legal information include, for example, an FCC regulation number in the United States and an ETSI Harmonized Standard number in Europe.

[0099] Of the legal information, numerical values ​​may be substituted by those specified in the radio interface technology specifications. Examples of radio interface technology specifications include 3GPP TS 36.104 and TS 38.104. These specifications specify the adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR). Instead of the upper limit value information of the out-of-band radiation, the ACLR specified in the specifications may be used to derive and use the upper limit value of the out-of-band radiation. Furthermore, the ACLR itself may be used as necessary. Furthermore, the adjacent channel selectivity (ACS) may be used instead of the blocking characteristic. Furthermore, these may be used in combination, or the adjacent channel interference ratio (ACIR) may be used. In general, the ACIR has the following relationship with the ACLR and ACS:

number

[0100] The installer information may include information capable of identifying the person (installer) who installed the communication device 110, unique information linked to the installer, and the like. Typically, the installer information may include information on an individual who is responsible for the location information of the communication device 110, called a Certified Professional Installer (CPI) defined in Non-Patent Document 3. The CPI discloses a Certified Professional Installer Registration ID (CPIR-ID) and a CPI name. In addition, as unique information linked to the CPI, for example, a mailing address or contact address, an email address, a telephone number, a public key identifier (PKI), and the like are disclosed. Not limited to these, other information related to the installer may be included in the installer information as necessary.

[0101] The group information may include information about a communication device group to which the communication device 110 belongs. Specifically, for example, information about groups of the same or similar types as those disclosed in WINNF-SSC-0010 may be included. Also, for example, if a communication carrier manages communication devices 110 on a group basis according to its own operation policy, information about the groups may be included in the group information.

[0102] The information listed up to this point may not be provided by the communication device 110 to the communication control device 130, but may be inferred by the communication control device 130 from other information provided by the communication device 110. Specifically, for example, the guard band information can be inferred from the radio interface information. When the radio interface used by the communication device 110 is E-UTRA or 5G NR, the guard band information can be inferred based on the E-UTRA transmission bandwidth specification described in TS36.104 of 3GPP, the 5G NR transmission bandwidth specification described in TS38.104 of 3GPP, and the table described in TS38.104 shown below. [Table 1] [Table 2] [Table 3] [Table 4]

[0103] In other words, it is sufficient that the communication control device 130 can acquire the information listed above, and the communication device 110 does not necessarily need to provide the information to the communication control device 130. Also, the intermediate device 130B (e.g., a network manager) that bundles multiple communication devices 110 does not necessarily need to provide the information to the communication control device 130A. Providing information by the communication device 110 or intermediate device 130B to the communication control device 130 or 130A is merely one means of providing information in this embodiment. The information listed above is information that may be necessary for the communication control device 130 to normally complete this procedure, and the means of providing the information does not matter. <2.1.1.1 Supplementary information on required parameters>

[0104] In the registration procedure, it is expected that in some cases, device parameters related to not only the communication device 110 but also the terminal 120 will be required to be registered in the communication control device 130. In such a case, the term "communication device" in the explanation given in <2.1.1> may be replaced with "terminal" or a term equivalent thereto. In addition, parameters specific to "terminal" that are not mentioned in <2.1.1> may also be treated as required parameters in the registration procedure. For example, UE (User Equipment) Category defined by 3GPP may be mentioned. <2.1.2 Details of registration process>

[0105] As described above, the communication device 110) representing a wireless system that wishes to use the shared frequency band generates a registration request including device parameters and notifies the communication control device 130 of the request.

[0106] Here, when the device parameters include installer information, the communication device 110 may use the installer information to perform processing to prevent tampering on the registration request. In addition, encryption processing may be performed on a part or all of the information included in the registration request. Specifically, for example, a unique public key may be shared in advance between the communication device 110 and the communication control device 130, and the communication device 110 may encrypt information using a private key corresponding to the public key. For example, information that is sensitive in terms of crime prevention, such as location information, may be encrypted.

[0107] It is possible that the ID and location information of the communication device 110 are made public, and the communication control device 130 holds in advance the ID and location information of the main communication device 110 that exists within its coverage. In such a case, the communication control device 130 can acquire the location information from the ID of the communication device 110 that transmitted the registration request, so there is no need for the location information to be included in the registration request. It is also possible that the communication control device 130 replies with the necessary device parameters to the communication device 110 that transmitted the registration request, and in response, the communication device 110 transmits a registration request including the device parameters necessary for registration. In this way, the information included in the registration request may differ depending on the case.

[0108] After receiving the registration request, the communication control device 130 performs registration processing for the communication device 110 and returns a registration response according to the processing result. If there is no lack of information required for registration or if there is an abnormality, the communication control device 130 records the information in an internal or external storage device and notifies the normal completion. Otherwise, it notifies the registration failure. If the registration is completed normally, the communication control device 130 may assign an ID to the communication device 110 individually and notify the ID information in the response. If the registration fails, the communication device 110 may re-notify the modified registration request. Furthermore, the communication device 110 may modify the registration request and try the registration procedure until it is completed normally.

[0109] The registration procedure may be executed even after the registration is normally completed. Specifically, the registration procedure may be executed again when the location information changes beyond a predetermined standard due to, for example, movement, accuracy improvement, etc. The predetermined standard is typically determined by the legal system of each country or region. For example, in the United States, 47 CFR Part 15, a Mode II personal / portable white space device, that is, a device using an open frequency, is required to register again if its location changes by 100 meters or more. <2.2 Available Spectrum Query Procedure>

[0110] The available frequency information inquiry procedure is a procedure in which a wireless system that intends to use a shared frequency band inquires of the communication control device 130 about information on available frequencies. It is not necessary to execute the available frequency information inquiry procedure. The communication device 110 that makes the inquiry on behalf of the wireless system that intends to use the shared frequency band may be the same as or different from the communication device 110 that generated the registration request. Typically, the procedure is started when the communication device 110 making the inquiry notifies the communication control device 130 of an inquiry request including information that can identify the communication device 110.

[0111] Here, the available frequency information typically refers to information indicating frequencies that can be safely used for secondary purposes by the communication device 110 without causing fatal interference to the primary system.

[0112] The available frequency information is determined based on, for example, a secondary use prohibited area called an Exclusion Zone. Specifically, for example, when the communication device 110 is installed in a secondary use prohibited area that is provided for the purpose of protecting a primary system that uses frequency channel F1, the frequency channel F1 is not notified to the communication device 110 as an available channel.

[0113] The available frequency information may be determined, for example, by the degree of interference with the primary system. Specifically, even if a frequency channel is outside the secondary use prohibited area, if it is determined that the frequency channel causes fatal interference with the primary system, the frequency channel may not be notified as an available channel. An example of a specific calculation method is described later in <2.2.2>.

[0114] Also, as described above, there may be frequency channels that are not notified as available due to conditions other than the primary system protection requirements. Specifically, for example, in order to avoid possible interference between communication devices 110 in advance, a frequency channel that is being used by another communication device 110 existing in the vicinity of the communication device 110 may not be notified as an available channel. In this way, available frequency information that is set in consideration of interference with other communication devices 110 may be set as, for example, "recommended use frequency information" and provided together with the available frequency information. In other words, it is desirable that the "recommended use frequency information" be a subset of the available frequency information.

[0115] Even if it would have an effect on the primary system, if the effect can be avoided by reducing the transmission power, the same frequency as that of the primary system or nearby communication device 110 may be notified as an available channel. In such a case, the available frequency information typically includes maximum allowable transmission power information. The maximum allowable transmission power is typically expressed as equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP). It is not necessarily limited to this, and may be provided as a combination of conducted power and antenna gain, for example. Furthermore, the antenna gain may be set to an allowable peak gain for each spatial direction. <2.2.1 Details of required parameters>

[0116] The information capable of identifying a wireless system that is attempting to use a shared frequency band may be, for example, unique information registered during the registration procedure, the above-mentioned ID information, or the like.

[0117] The inquiry request may also include inquiry requirement information. The inquiry requirement information may include, for example, information indicating a frequency band for which availability is desired. The inquiry requirement information may also include, for example, transmission power information. The communication device 110 making the inquiry may include transmission power information when, for example, it only wants to know frequency information for which a desired transmission power can be used. The inquiry requirement information does not necessarily need to be included in the inquiry request.

[0118] The inquiry request may also include a measurement report. The measurement report includes the results of measurements performed by the communication device 110 and / or the terminal 120. A part or all of the measurement results may be represented as raw data or processed data. For example, standardized metrics such as RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power), RSSI (Reference Signal Strength Indicator), and RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality) may be used for the measurements. <2.2.2 Details of available frequency evaluation process>

[0119] After receiving the inquiry request, the available frequencies are evaluated based on the inquiry requirement information. For example, as described above, the available frequencies can be evaluated taking into consideration the primary system, its secondary use prohibited areas, and the presence of nearby communication devices 110.

[0120] The maximum allowable transmission power information may be derived. Typically, the maximum allowable transmission power information is calculated using allowable interference power information in the primary system or its protection zone, position information of a reference point for calculating the interference power level suffered by the primary system, registration information of the communication device 110, and a propagation loss estimation model. Specifically, as an example, the maximum allowable transmission power information is calculated by the following formula.

number

[0121] Furthermore, formula (2) is written based on the assumption that a single communication device 110 is the interference source (single station interference). For example, when aggregated interference from multiple communication devices 110 must be considered at the same time, a correction value may be added. Specifically, for example, the correction value may be determined based on the three types of interference margin methods (Fixed / Predetermined, Flexible, Flexible Minimized) disclosed in Non-Patent Document 4 (ECC Report 186).

[0122] As shown in formula (2), the tolerable interference power information itself is not necessarily directly usable. For example, when the required signal-to-interference power ratio (SIR), SINR (Signal to Interference Plus Noise Ratio), INR (Interference-to-Noise Ratio), etc. of the primary system are usable, they may be converted to the tolerable interference power and used. Such conversion processing is not limited to this processing, and may also be applied to processing of other procedures.

[0123] Although the formula (2) is expressed using logarithms, it may be converted to antilogarithms in practice. Furthermore, all parameters expressed in logarithms in the present disclosure may be converted to antilogarithms as appropriate.

[0124] In addition, when the aforementioned transmission power information is included in the inquiry requirement information, it is possible to evaluate the available frequency by a method other than the aforementioned method. Specifically, for example, assuming that the desired transmission power indicated by the transmission power information is used, when the estimated interference amount is below the allowable interference power in the primary system or its protection zone, the frequency channel is determined to be available and notified to the communication device 110.

[0125] Also, for example, in the case where an area or space in which communication device 110 can use a shared frequency band is predetermined, similar to an area of ​​a REM (Radio Environment Map), available frequency information may be derived based only on coordinates (X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis coordinates or latitude, longitude, and height above ground of communication device 110) included in location information of communication device 110. Also, for example, even in the case where a lookup table that associates the location coordinates of communication device 110 with available frequency information is prepared, the available frequency information may be derived based only on the location information of communication device 110. In this way, there are various methods for determining available frequencies, and they are not limited to the examples of the present disclosure.

[0126] In addition, when the communication control device 130 acquires information on the capabilities of bandwidth extension technologies such as Carrier Aggregation (CA) and Channel Bonding as frequency band information supported by the communication device 110, the communication control device 130 may include available combinations, recommended combinations, etc. of these in the available frequency information.

[0127] In addition, when the communication control device 130 acquires information on the combination of frequency bands supported for Dual Connectivity and Multi Connectivity as frequency band information supported by the communication device 110, the communication control device 130 may include information such as available frequencies and recommended frequencies for Dual Connectivity and Multi Connectivity in the available frequency information.

[0128] Furthermore, when providing available frequency information for the above-mentioned band extension technology, if an imbalance in maximum allowable transmission power occurs among multiple frequency channels, the available frequency information may be provided after adjusting the maximum allowable transmission power of each frequency channel. For example, from the viewpoint of protecting the primary system, the maximum allowable transmission power of each frequency channel may be adjusted to the maximum allowable transmission power of a frequency channel with a low maximum allowable power flux density (PSD: Power Spectral Density).

[0129] The evaluation of available frequencies does not necessarily have to be performed after receiving an inquiry request. For example, the evaluation may be performed by the communication control device 130 independently without an inquiry request after the above-mentioned registration procedure is normally completed. In such a case, the REM or lookup table shown as an example above, or an information table similar thereto, may be created.

[0130] Also, the radio wave usage priority such as PAL and GAA may be evaluated. For example, when the registered device parameters or the inquiry requirements include information on the radio wave usage priority, it may be determined whether the frequency usage is possible based on the priority and notified. Also, for example, as disclosed in Non-Patent Document 3, when information (called Cluster List in Non-Patent Document 3) on the communication device 110 that performs high priority usage (for example, PAL) is registered in advance by the user in the communication control device 130, the evaluation may be performed based on the information.

[0131] After completing the evaluation of the available frequencies, the communication control device 130 notifies the communication device 110 of the evaluation result.

[0132] The communication device 110 may use the evaluation results received from the communication control device 130 to select desired communication parameters. <2.3 Spectrum Grant Procedure>

[0133] The frequency use permission procedure is a procedure for a wireless system that wishes to use a shared frequency band to receive secondary permission to use the frequency from the communication control device 130. The communication device 110 that performs the frequency use permission procedure on behalf of the wireless system may be the same as or different from the communication device 110 that performed the previous procedures. Typically, the procedure is started when the communication device 110 notifies the communication control device 130 of a frequency use permission request that includes information that can identify the communication device 110. As described above, the available frequency information inquiry procedure is not essential. Therefore, the frequency use permission procedure may be performed after the available frequency information inquiry procedure or after the registration procedure.

[0134] In this embodiment, it is assumed that at least the following two types of frequency use permission request methods can be used. ·Designation method Flexible method

[0135] The designation method is a request method in which the communication device 110 designates desired communication parameters and requests the communication control device 130 for permission to operate based on the desired communication parameters. The desired communication parameters include, but are not limited to, a desired frequency channel and maximum transmission power. For example, parameters specific to a wireless interface technology (such as a modulation method or a duplex mode) may be designated. Information indicating radio wave utilization priority, such as PAL or GAA, may also be included.

[0136] The flexible method is a request method in which the communication device 110 specifies only requirements related to communication parameters and requests the communication control device 130 to specify communication parameters that satisfy the requirements and allow secondary use. Requirements related to communication parameters include, but are not limited to, bandwidth, desired maximum transmission power, and desired minimum transmission power. For example, parameters specific to the wireless interface technology (such as modulation method and duplex mode) may be specified. Specifically, for example, one or more of the TDD Frame Structures may be selected in advance and notified.

[0137] Similar to the inquiry request, the frequency use permission request may also include a measurement report, regardless of whether the frequency use permission request is in the designated method or the flexible method. The measurement report includes the result of the measurement performed by the communication device 110 and / or the terminal 120. The measurement may be represented by raw data or processed data. For example, standardized metrics such as RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power), RSSI (Reference Signal Strength Indicator), and RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality) may be used for the measurement.

[0138] The method information used by the communication device 110 may be registered in the communication control device 130 during the registration procedure described in <2.1>. <2.3.1 Details of frequency usage permission processing>

[0139] After receiving the frequency use permission request, the communication control device 130 performs frequency use permission processing based on the frequency use permission request method. For example, by using the method described in <2.2>, it is possible to perform frequency use permission processing taking into consideration the primary system, secondary use prohibited areas, the presence of nearby communication devices 110, etc. This embodiment is applied to, for example, frequency use permission processing. Details will be described later.

[0140] When the flexible method is used, the maximum allowable transmission power information may be derived using the method described in <2.2.2>. Typically, the maximum allowable transmission power information is calculated using tolerable interference power information in the primary system or its protection zone, position information of a reference point for calculating the interference power level suffered by the primary system, registration information of the communication device 110, and a propagation loss estimation model. Specifically, as an example, the maximum allowable transmission power information is calculated by the above formula (2).

[0141] As described above, formula (2) is written based on the assumption that a single communication device 110 is an interference source. For example, when aggregated interference from multiple communication devices 110 must be considered at the same time, a correction value may be added. Specifically, the correction value may be determined based on three types of methods (Fixed / Predetermined, Flexible, Flexible Minimized) disclosed in Non-Patent Document 4 (ECC Report 186).

[0142] The communication control device 130 can use various propagation loss estimation models in the frequency use permission procedure, available frequency evaluation processing for available frequency information inquiry requests, etc. When a model is specified for each application, it is desirable to use the specified model. For example, in Non-Patent Document 3 (WINNF-TS-0112), propagation loss models such as Extended Hata (eHATA) and Irregular Terrain Model (ITM) are adopted for each application. Naturally, the propagation loss models are not limited to these.

[0143] There are also propagation loss estimation models that require information about radio wave propagation paths. The information about radio wave propagation paths may include, for example, information indicating line of sight (LOS: Line of Sight and / or NLOS: Non Line of Sight), topographical information (e.g., undulations, altitude above sea level), and environmental information (urban, suburban, rural, open sky, etc.). When using a propagation loss estimation model, the communication control device 130 may estimate such information from already acquired registration information of the communication device 110 and information about the primary system. Alternatively, if there are parameters designated in advance, it is desirable to use the parameters.

[0144] In a given application, when a propagation loss estimation model is not specified, the propagation loss estimation model may be used as necessary. For example, when estimating the interference power to other communication devices 110, a model that calculates a small loss such as a free space loss model is used, but when estimating the coverage of the communication device 110, a model that calculates a large loss is used.

[0145] In addition, when the designated propagation loss estimation model is used, it is possible to perform frequency usage permission processing by evaluating the risk of interference, for example. Specifically, for example, assuming that the desired transmission power indicated by the transmission power information is used, when the estimated interference amount is below the allowable interference power in the primary system or its protection zone, it is determined that the use of the frequency channel is permitted, and this is notified to the communication device 110.

[0146] In both the designated method and the flexible method, radio wave usage priority such as PAL or GAA may be evaluated as in the case of an inquiry request. For example, when the registered device parameters or the inquiry requirements include information on radio wave usage priority, it may be determined whether or not frequency usage is possible based on the priority and notified. Also, for example, when information on the communication device 110 that performs high priority usage (e.g., PAL) is registered in advance by the user in the communication control device 130, evaluation may be performed based on that information. For example, in Non-Patent Document 3 (WINNF-TS-0112), information on the communication device 110 is called a Cluster List.

[0147] The frequency use permission process does not necessarily have to be performed in response to the reception of a frequency use permission request. For example, the communication control device 130 may perform the frequency use permission process independently without a frequency use permission request after the above-mentioned registration procedure is normally completed. Also, for example, the frequency use permission process may be performed at regular intervals. In such a case, the above-mentioned REM, lookup table, or an information table similar thereto may be created. This allows the communication control device 130 to quickly return a response after receiving a frequency use permission request, since permissible frequencies can be identified using only the location information. <2.4 Spectrum Use Notification / Heartbeat>

[0148] The frequency usage notification is a procedure in which a wireless system using a shared frequency band notifies the communication control device 130 of the use of the frequency based on the communication parameters approved for use in the frequency usage permission procedure. The communication device 110 that performs the frequency usage notification on behalf of the wireless system may be the same as or different from the communication device 110 that performed the previous procedures. Typically, the communication device 110 notifies the communication control device 130 of a notification message including information that can identify the communication device 110.

[0149] It is desirable that the frequency usage notification be performed periodically until the use of the frequency is rejected by the communication control device 130. In this case, the frequency usage notification is also called a heartbeat.

[0150] After receiving the frequency usage notification, the communication control device 130 may determine whether or not to start or continue frequency usage (in other words, radio wave transmission at the permitted frequency). For example, a method of determination may be checking frequency usage information of the primary system. Specifically, it is possible to determine whether to permit or deny the start or continuation of frequency usage (radio wave transmission at the permitted frequency) based on a change in the frequency used by the primary system, a change in the frequency usage status of a primary system that does not use radio waves regularly (for example, a ship-based radar of the CBRS in the United States), and the like. If the start or continuation is permitted, the communication device 110 may start or continue frequency usage (radio wave transmission at the permitted frequency).

[0151] After receiving the frequency usage notification, the communication control device 130 may command the communication device 110 to reconfigure the communication parameters. Typically, the command to reconfigure the communication parameters may be issued in the response of the communication control device 130 to the frequency usage notification. For example, information on recommended communication parameters (hereinafter, recommended communication parameter information) may be provided. It is desirable that the communication device 110 that has been provided with the recommended communication parameter information performs the frequency use permission procedure described in <2.4> again using the recommended communication parameter information. <2.5 Supplementary information on procedures>

[0152] As will be described later, the above procedures do not necessarily need to be implemented individually. For example, the two different procedures may be realized by substituting a third procedure having the roles of the two different procedures. Specifically, for example, a registration request and an available frequency information inquiry request may be notified integrally. Also, for example, a frequency use permission procedure and a frequency use notification may be performed integrally. Naturally, the present invention is not limited to these combinations, and three or more procedures may be performed integrally. Also, as described above, one procedure may be performed in multiple separate steps.

[0153] In addition, the expression "obtain" or an equivalent expression in this disclosure does not necessarily mean to obtain according to the procedure described in this disclosure. For example, although it is described that the location information of the communication device 110 is used in the available frequency evaluation process, it does not necessarily mean that the information obtained in the registration procedure is used, and if the location information is included in the available frequency inquiry procedure request, that location information may be used. In other words, the procedure for obtaining described in this disclosure is one example, and obtaining by other procedures is also allowed within the scope of this disclosure and within the scope of technical feasibility.

[0154] Furthermore, the information described as being included in the response from the communication control device 130 to the communication device 110 may be actively notified by the communication control device 130 in a push manner, if possible. As a specific example, available frequency information, recommended communication parameter information, radio wave transmission continuation refusal notification, and the like may be notified by a push manner. <2.6 Terminal-related procedures>

[0155] Up to this point, the description has been given mainly on the assumption that the communication device 110A performs the processing. However, depending on the embodiment, not only the communication device 110A but also the terminal 120 and the communication device 110B may operate under the management of the communication control device 130. That is, a scenario is assumed in which communication parameters are determined by the communication control device 130. Even in such a case, it is basically possible to use each procedure described in <2.1> to <2.4>. However, unlike the communication device 110A, the terminal 120 and the communication device 110B must use a frequency managed by the communication control device 130 for the backhaul link, and cannot transmit radio waves on their own. For this reason, it is desirable to start backhaul communication for the purpose of accessing the communication control device 130 only after detecting radio waves or an authorization signal transmitted by the communication device 110A (the communication device 110 capable of providing a wireless communication service, or the master communication device 110 in a master-slave type).

[0156] On the other hand, being under the management of the communication control device 130, the terminal and the communication device 110B may also have permissible communication parameters set for the purpose of protecting the primary system. However, the communication control device 130 cannot know the location information of these devices in advance. In addition, it is highly likely that these devices have mobility. In other words, the location information is dynamically updated. Depending on the legal system, if the location information changes by a certain amount or more, re-registration to the communication control device 130 may be required.

[0157] Taking into account such diverse usage patterns and operation patterns of terminals 120 and communication devices 110, the TVWS operation pattern (Non-Patent Document 5) defined by the UK Office of Communication (Ofcom) prescribes the following two types of communication parameters: ·Generic Operational Parameters Specific Operational Parameters

[0158] Generic operational parameters are communication parameters defined as "parameters that can be used by any slave WSD located within the coverage area of ​​a specific master WSD (corresponding to the communication device 110)" in Non-Patent Document 5. A feature of these parameters is that they are calculated by the WSDB without using the location information of the slave WSD.

[0159] The generic operational parameters can be provided by unicast or broadcast from the communication device 110 that has already been permitted to transmit radio waves by the communication control device 130. For example, a broadcast signal such as a Contact Verification Signal (CVS) defined in Part 15 Subpart H of the FCC rules in the United States can be used. Alternatively, the generic operational parameters may be provided by a broadcast signal specific to the wireless interface. This allows the terminal 120 and the communication device 110B to handle the generic operational parameters as communication parameters used for radio wave transmission for the purpose of accessing the communication control device 130.

[0160] Specific operational parameters are communication parameters defined in Non-Patent Document 5 as "parameters that a specific slave WSD (White Space Device) can use." In other words, they are communication parameters calculated using device parameters of the slave WSD corresponding to the terminal 120. A feature of these parameters is that they are calculated by a White Space Database (WSDB) using location information of the slave WSD. <2.7 Procedures occurring between communication control devices> <2.7.1 Information Exchange>

[0161] The communication control device 130 can exchange management information with other communication control devices 130. It is desirable to exchange at least the following information: Information related to the communication device 110 Protected system information

[0162] The information related to the communication device 110 includes at least registration information and communication parameter information of the communication device 110 operating under permission of the communication control device 130. Registration information of the communication device 110 that does not have permitted communication parameters may also be included.

[0163] The registration information of the communication device 110 typically refers to the device parameters of the communication device 110 that are registered in the communication control device 130 in the above-mentioned registration procedure. It is not necessary to exchange all registered information. For example, information that may be personal information does not need to be exchanged. In addition, when exchanging the registration information of the communication device 110, the registration information may be encrypted and exchanged, or the registration information may be exchanged after obfuscating the contents of the registration information. For example, information converted into a binary value or information signed using a digital signature mechanism may be exchanged.

[0164] The communication parameter information of the communication device 110 is typically information related to communication parameters currently being used by the communication device 110. It is desirable to include at least information indicating the frequency to be used and the transmission power. Other communication parameters may also be included.

[0165] Area information is typically information that indicates a specific geographical area, and may include area information with various attributes in various forms.

[0166] For example, like the PAL Protection Area (PPA) disclosed in Non-Patent Document 3 (WINNF-TS-0112), the area information may include protection area information of the communication device 110 that is a high-priority secondary system. In this case, the area information may be expressed, for example, as a set of three or more coordinates indicating a geographical position. Also, for example, when multiple communication control devices 130 can refer to a common external database, the area information may be expressed by a unique ID, and the actual geographical area may be referred to from the external database using the ID.

[0167] Also, for example, information indicating the coverage of the communication device 110 may be included. In this case, the area information may also be expressed, for example, as a set of three or more coordinates indicating a geographical position. Also, for example, assuming that the coverage is a circle centered on the geographical position of the communication device 110, it may also be expressed as information indicating the size of the radius. Also, for example, when a plurality of communication control devices 130 can refer to a common external database that records area information, the information indicating the coverage may be expressed by a unique ID, and the actual coverage may be referred to from the external database using the ID.

[0168] As another aspect, information related to an area section predetermined by the government or the like may also be included. Specifically, for example, a certain area can be indicated by indicating an address. For example, license areas and the like can also be expressed in a similar manner.

[0169] As another embodiment, the area information does not necessarily have to represent a planar area, but may represent a three-dimensional space. For example, it may be represented using a spatial coordinate system. Also, information indicating a predetermined closed space, such as a floor number, a floor of a building, or a room number, may be used.

[0170] The protected system information is information on a wireless system that is treated as a protected object, such as the incumbent tier described above. For example, a situation in which this information needs to be exchanged is one in which cross-border coordination is required. It is quite conceivable that different protected objects exist in the same band between neighboring countries or regions. In such a case, the protected system information can be exchanged between communication control devices 130 belonging to different countries or regions as necessary.

[0171] In another embodiment, the protected system information may include information on the secondary licensee and information on the wireless system operated by the secondary licensee. The secondary licensee is specifically a lessee of a license, and it is assumed that, for example, the secondary licensee rents a PAL from the owner and operates the wireless system owned by the secondary licensee. When the communication control device 130 independently manages the rental, it may exchange information on the secondary licensee and information on the wireless system operated by the secondary licensee with other communication control devices for the purpose of protection.

[0172] This information can be exchanged between the communication control devices 130 regardless of the decision-making topology applied to the communication control devices 130 .

[0173] This information can be exchanged in a variety of ways. Some examples are shown below. ID specification method ·Period specification method ·Area specification method Dump method

[0174] The ID designation method is a method of acquiring information corresponding to an ID, which is given in advance to identify information managed by the communication control device 130. For example, assume that the first communication control device 130 manages a communication device 110 with ID:AAA. In this case, the second communication control device 130 issues an information acquisition request to the first communication control device 130, designating ID:AAA. After receiving the request, the first communication control device 130 searches for information on ID:AAA, and notifies information on the communication device 110 with ID:AAA, such as registration information and communication parameter information, in a response.

[0175] The period designation method is a method in which information that satisfies a predetermined condition can be exchanged during a specified period.

[0176] The predetermined condition may be, for example, whether or not information has been updated. For example, when the request specifies acquisition of information related to communication device 110 during a specific period, the response may notify registration information of communication device 110 that has been newly registered during the specific period. In addition, the response may also notify registration information or communication parameter information of communication device 110 whose communication parameters have been changed during the specific period.

[0177] An example of the predetermined condition is whether or not it has been recorded by the communication control device 130. For example, when acquisition of information related to the communication device 110 during a specific period is specified in a request, the registration information or communication parameter information recorded by the communication control device 130 during that period may be notified in a response. When the information has been updated during that period, the latest information during that period may be notified. Alternatively, an update history may be notified for each piece of information.

[0178] In the area designation method, a specific area is designated, and information on communication devices 110 belonging to the area is exchanged. For example, when acquisition of information on communication devices 110 in a specific area is designated in a request, registration information or communication parameter information on communication devices 110 installed in the area may be notified in a response.

[0179] The dump method is a method for providing all information recorded by the communication control device 130. It is desirable to provide at least the information related to the communication device 110 and the area information by the dump method.

[0180] The above explanation of information exchange between communication control devices 130 is based on the pull method. That is, the response is information corresponding to parameters specified in a request, and as an example, this can be realized by the HTTP GET method. However, this is not limited to the pull method, and information may be actively provided to other communication control devices 130 by the push method. As an example, the push method can be realized by the HTTP POST method. <2.7.2 Order and request procedures>

[0181] The communication control devices 130 may execute commands or requests to each other. Specifically, as one example, reconfiguration of communication parameters of the communication devices 110 may be given. For example, when it is determined that the first communication device 110 managed by the first communication control device 130 is receiving a large amount of interference from the second communication device 110 managed by the second communication control device 130, the first communication control device 130 may request the second communication control device 130 to change the communication parameters of the second communication device 110.

[0182] Another example is reconfiguration of area information. For example, when an error is found in the calculation of coverage information or protection area information related to the second communication device 110 managed by the second communication control device 130, the first communication control device 130 may request the second communication control device 130 to reconfigure the area information. In addition, a request to reconfigure the area information may be made for various other reasons. <2.8 Means of information transmission>

[0183] The signaling between the entities described above can be achieved via various mediums, and will be described in the context of E-UTRA or 5G NR, although the implementation is of course not limited thereto. <2.8.2 Signaling between the communication control device 130 and the communication device 110>

[0184] The notification from the communication device 110 to the communication control device 130 may be performed, for example, in the application layer. For example, it may be performed using HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol). Signaling can be performed by describing required parameters in the HTTP message body according to a predetermined format. Furthermore, when HTTP is used, the notification from the communication control device 130 to the communication device 110 is also performed according to the mechanism of the HTTP response. <2.8.3 Signaling between communication device 110 and terminal 120>

[0185] The notification from the communication device 110 to the terminal 120 may be performed using, for example, at least one of Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, System Information (SI), and Downlink Control Information (DCI). In addition, the downlink physical channel may be a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), a Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH), an NR-PDCCH, an NR-PDSCH, or an NR-PBCH, and may be performed using at least one of these.

[0186] The notification from the terminal 120 to the communication device 110 may be performed, for example, by using RRC (Radio Resource Control) signaling or uplink control information (UCI, Uplink Control Information).Also, the notification may be performed by using uplink physical channels (PUCCH: Physical Uplink Control Channel, PUSCH: Physical Uplink Shared Channel, PRACH: Physical Random Access Channel).

[0187] Signaling may be performed not only in the physical layer but also in a higher layer. For example, when performing signaling in the application layer, the signaling may be performed by describing required parameters in the HTTP message body according to a predetermined format. 2.8.4 Signaling between terminals 120

[0188] FIG. 6 shows an example of a signaling flow assuming D2D (Device-to-Device) or V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) as communication between terminals 120 as communication of the secondary system. D2D or V2X as communication between terminals 120 may be implemented using a physical sidelink channel (PSCCH: Physical Sidelink Control Channel, PSSCH: Physical Sidelink Shared Channel, PSBCH: Physical Sidelink Broadcast Channel). The communication control device 130 calculates communication parameters to be used by the secondary system (T101) and notifies the communication device 110 of the secondary system (T102). The communication parameter values ​​may be determined and notified, or conditions indicating the range of the communication parameters and the like may be determined and notified. The communication device 110 acquires communication parameters to be used by the secondary system (T103) and sets communication parameters to be used by the communication device 110 itself (T104). Then, the communication device 110 notifies the terminal 120 of the communication parameters to be used by the terminal 120 under the control of the communication device 110 (T105). Each terminal 120 under the control of the communication device 110 acquires (T106) and sets (T107) the communication parameters to be used by the terminal 120. Then, the terminal 120 communicates with other terminals 120 in the secondary system (T108).

[0189] The communication parameters in the case where a frequency channel to be frequency-shared is used in the sidelink (direct communication between the terminals 120) may be notified, acquired, or set in a form associated with a resource pool for the sidelink in the frequency channel. The resource pool is a radio resource for the sidelink set by a specific frequency resource or time resource. The frequency resource may be, for example, a resource block or a component carrier. The time resource may be, for example, a radio frame, a subframe, a slot, or a mini-slot. When a resource pool is set in a frequency channel to be frequency-shared, the communication device 110 sets the resource pool in the terminal 120 based on at least one of RRC signaling, system information, and downlink control information. The communication parameters to be applied in the resource pool and the sidelink are also set in the terminal 120 by the communication device 110 based on at least one of RRC signaling, system information, and downlink control information from the communication device 110 to the terminal 120. The notification of the resource pool configuration and the notification of the communication parameters to be used in the sidelink may be performed simultaneously or separately.

[0190] <<3. Radio frequency usage priority upgrade and fallback mechanism>> As described above, the communication device 110 such as CBSD can use radio waves with priority of Priority Access (PA) or General Authorized Access (GAA) by complying with the WINNF-TS-0016 frequency sharing standard for the 3550-3700 MHz band in the United States. The communication control device 130 such as SAS examines the set of maximum allowable EIRP and frequency channel (frequency band) requested by the communication device 110 when granting permission for radio wave use. The communication control device 130 approves the requested maximum allowable EIRP and frequency channel as a grant. When approving the grant, the communication control device 130 notifies the communication device 110 of the priority of either PA or GAA. The radio wave use of the communication device 110 based on the grant is managed by a procedure called heartbeat (hereinafter, heartbeat procedure) performed between the communication control device 130 and the communication device 110 described above.

[0191] In this embodiment, a mechanism is provided for easily or quickly changing (upgrading and falling back) parameters of the grant (such as the priority of radio wave usage). This eliminates the need for the operator of the communication device 110 to reapply for a grant to the communication control device 130, thereby preventing radio wave transmission from being stopped and the associated degradation of the end user experience.

[0192] Fig. 7 is a block diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram of an operation performed between a communication device 110 and a communication control device 130. The communication system in Fig. 7 includes a communication device 110 and a communication control device 130. Only blocks related to a part performing processing mainly related to this embodiment are shown, and blocks related to other processing are omitted from the illustration.

[0193] The communication control device 130 includes a receiving unit 31, a determining unit 32, a processing unit 33, a transmitting unit 34, a control unit 35, and a storage unit 36. The receiving unit 31 includes an acquiring unit 31A. Here, the acquiring unit 31A is provided in the receiving unit 31, but it may be provided outside the receiving unit 31. The control unit 35 controls each element in the communication control device 130, thereby controlling the entire communication control device 130.

[0194] The communication device 110 includes a receiving unit 11, a processing unit 13, a transmitting unit 14, a control unit 15, and a storage unit 16. The control unit 15 controls each element in the communication device 110, thereby controlling the entire communication device 110.

[0195] The storage unit 36 ​​of the communication control device 130 stores in advance various information necessary for communication with the communication device 110 and other communication control devices. The storage unit 16 of the communication device 110 stores in advance various information necessary for communication with the communication control device 130 and communication with the terminal 120 to which the service is to be provided.

[0196] Each processing block of the communication control device 130 and the communication device 110 is configured by a hardware circuit, software (programs, etc.), or both. The storage unit 36 ​​and the storage unit 16 are configured by any storage device such as a memory device, a magnetic storage device, or an optical disk. The storage unit 36 ​​and the storage unit 16 may be externally connected to the communication control device 130 and the communication device 110 by wire or wirelessly, rather than being inside the communication control device 130 and the communication device 110. The transmission unit 34 and the reception unit 31 in the communication control device 130, and the transmission unit 14 and the reception unit 11 in the communication device 110 may include one or more network interfaces depending on the number or type of networks that can be connected. When the transmission unit 34 and the reception unit 31 in the communication control device 130, and the transmission unit 14 and the reception unit 11 in the communication device 110 perform wireless communication, the communication control device 130 and the communication device 110 may each include at least one antenna.

[0197] The communication system in Fig. 7 provides a mechanism for grant-related priority upgrade and fallback by improving PPA (Priority Access License (PAL) Protection Area) Creation and heartbeat procedures. As described above, the PAL Protection Area (PPA) is a protection area of ​​the communication device 110 that is a high-priority secondary system. In the following description, the communication device 110 is assumed to be a CBSD and the communication control device 130 is assumed to be a SAS.

[0198] First, the mechanism of the upgrade according to this embodiment will be described. Here, it is assumed that a communication device 110 of a certain operator uses radio wave transmission based on a GAA grant. The GAA grant is a grant permitted by the SAS based on the GAA, and has a lower priority than a grant permitted based on the PAL. If the priority of the PAL is the first priority, the priority of the GAA is the second priority, which is lower than the first priority. The processing unit 13 of the communication device 110 of a certain operator first generates a request (application data) to apply for the generation of a PPA (hereinafter, PPA Creation). For example, the request is generated based on the specifications of WINNF-TS-0112. The transmission unit of the communication device 110 transmits the PPA Creation request to the communication control device 130.

[0199] For example, an operator of a certain business entity accesses a web service provided by the communication control device 130 and inputs necessary information from a browser to generate a PPA Creation request (application data), which is then acquired by the communication control device 130. Alternatively, the communication device 110 may transmit the generated PPA Creation request to the communication control device 130, and the acquisition unit 31A may acquire the request (an example of this case is shown in sequence S101 of FIG. 8). Alternatively, the communication device 110 may generate a PPA Creation request (application data) based on the contents of a PPA Creation application set in advance by the operator. The generated PPA Creation request may be directly transmitted to the communication control device 130, and the acquisition unit 31A may acquire the PPA Creation request (application data).

[0200] There are two possible types of PPA Creation: - Request to generate a new PPA (new creation request) Request to extend an existing PPA (Request to extend an existing PPA)

[0201] If the PPA Creation type is a new creation request, the PPA Creation request includes the following information: (A1) Information on the PAL to exercise rights: ID of the PAL to which the PPA Creation is applied (identifier for identifying rights) (A2) PPA Cluster List: A list of IDs of communication devices that make up the PPA (A3) List of Grant IDs to be upgraded: List of grant IDs to be upgraded from GAA to PAL (A4) PPA desired shape information (optional): Information expressing the desired geographic shape of the PPA. When expressing the shape by coordinates, it may be a circle with a specified center coordinate and radius, a rectangle with the coordinates of four points, or the shape may be specified by other methods. Thus, the PPA Creation request contains a request for grant upgrades, i.e. a list of grant IDs that you want to upgrade from GAA to PAL.

[0202] If the PPA Creation type is a request to extend an existing PPA, the PPA Creation request includes the following information: (B1) Information on the PAL currently being exercised: ID of the PAL currently owned that is the subject of the PPA Creation application (B2) ID of the PPA to be expanded (PPA-ID): ID of the PPA whose area you want to expand (B3) New Participation ID List: A list of IDs of communication devices that will newly join the PPA Cluster List. (B4) List of Grant IDs to be upgraded: List of grant IDs to be upgraded from GAA to PAL (B5) Information on desired geographic shape of the expanded PPA (optional): Information describing the desired geographic shape of the expanded PPA. (B6) PPA desired external dimensions for the communications equipment to be upgraded (optional)

[0203] The acquisition unit 31A of the communication control device 130 acquires a PPA Creation request (application data) (S101 in FIG. 8). Based on the PPA Creation request received by the reception unit 31, the determination unit 32 determines whether to permit the application of the PPA Creation request.

[0204] The determination unit 32 determines whether the PAL ID is valid, and if it is not valid, rejects the upgrade application. The determination unit 32 also determines whether the frequency range permitted by the GAA grant indicated in the upgrade target grant ID list satisfies the frequency band conditions. If the frequency band conditions are not satisfied, the upgrade application may be rejected. As an example of not satisfying the frequency band conditions, the frequency range permitted by the GAA grant may not conform to the PAL channelization specified in the PAL information, or may not match the PAL channel allocation specified in the PAL information.

[0205] The determination unit 32 may accept the upgrade request under certain conditions even if the frequency range permitted by the current GAA grant includes a channel assigned to the specified PAL. For example, if the frequency range permitted by the current GAA grant includes a channel assigned to the specified PAL, the upgrade request is accepted on the condition that the frequency range is narrowed to a channel included in the frequency range. In other words, even if the frequency band condition of the PAL is not satisfied, the upgrade request is accepted on the condition that the frequency band of the current grant is narrowed to a channel available for PAL. In this way, if the frequency band used by the communication device 110 in GAA is different from the frequency band available for PAL, the frequency band permitted for use in PAL is determined based on the frequency range common to both frequency bands.

[0206] When there is no reason to reject the upgrade application, the decision unit 32 decides to approve the upgrade application.

[0207] When the judgment unit 32 decides to permit the PPA Creation application, the processing unit 33 calculates the PPA based on the contents requested in the PPA Creation request. The basic calculation of the PPA is performed based on the specifications of WINNF-TS-0112, for example. When the PPA Creation request includes information on the desired outer shape, the calculated PPA is compared with the desired outer shape. When the calculated PPA includes the desired outer shape, the desired outer shape is adopted.

[0208] The storage unit 36 ​​may store the contents of the PPA Creation application (A1 to A4, B1 to B6), whether the upgrade application is approved, and information on the target grant after the change, etc. The information on the target grant after the change may include, for example, the channel type of the target grant after the change, the conditions of the permitted frequency band, information on the adopted PPA outer shape, etc. Other information may also be included.

[0209] After the PPA Creation request (application data) is approved, the receiving unit 31 of the communication control device 130 receives a heartbeat request, which is a frequency usage notification transmitted from the transmitting unit 14 of the communication device 110 (S102). The processing unit 33 processes the heartbeat request transmitted from the communication device 110 based on the grant ID list of upgrade targets included in the PPA Creation request.

[0210] Specifically, for heartbeat requests related to grants not included in the grant ID list, the server processes them as usual and returns a response (heartbeat response). If the server receives a heartbeat request related to a grant included in the grant ID list, the server returns a response (heartbeat response) by performing the following steps [1] to [3] for the grant to be upgraded.

[0211] [1] Change the channel type of the grant from GAA to PAL. In other words, change the priority of radio wave usage related to the grant from GAA to PAL. [2] Change the grant expiration time to match the PAL expiration time. In other words, update the grant expiration time to the PAL expiration time. [3] Change the operating parameters of the communication device 110. Specifically, change the operation frequency range if the frequency band is changed when the application is approved. If the transmission power (EIRP, etc.) is changed when the application is approved, the transmission power may be changed.

[0212] Even if the heartbeat request is for a grant included in the list of grant IDs to be upgraded, it may be processed normally without performing steps [1]-[3] depending on the conditions. Specifically, for example, if a Boolean parameter (grantRenew) that indicates a grant renewal request is included in the heartbeat request and the parameter value indicates TRUE, steps [1]-[3] may be performed, and if not, these steps may not be performed.

[0213] The processing unit 33 generates response information (heartbeat response) including information notifying that processes [1] to [3] have been performed and a response code. The transmission unit 34 transmits the heartbeat response to the communication device 110 (S103 in FIG. 8). The heartbeat response may include the grant expiration date and changed operating parameters (operating frequency range, changed transmission power, etc.). The operating parameters may be transmitted to the communication device 110 in a response separate from the heartbeat response. The heartbeat response may be transmitted for each grant, or one heartbeat response may be transmitted collectively for all grants.

[0214] The response code indicates the result of the processing for the heartbeat request. If the upgrade request is accepted, for example, the response code 0 (SUCCESS) or 501 (SUSPENDED_GRANT) is used. 0 (SUCCESS) means normal. 501 means that radio transmission is to be temporarily suspended.

[0215] The control unit 35 performs a process of detecting a signal of a primary system (ship-based radar, etc.) in the frequency range related to the upgraded grant. If a signal of the primary system is detected, 501 is used as the response code. If a signal of the primary system is not detected, 0 (SUCCESS) is used. Note that if the upgrade application is not permitted, a response code with a numerical value indicating refusal may be included.

[0216] The control unit 35 may manage a grant state machine that manages the state of the grant. The grant state machine indicates whether radio wave transmission related to the grant is permitted. When the processing unit returns 0 (SUCCESS), the processing unit may set the grant state (operationState) in the grant state machine to "AUTHORIZED". When the processing unit returns 501 (SUSPENDED_GRANT), the grant state may transition to "GRANTED". "AUTHORIZED" means that radio wave transmission is permitted. "GRANTED" means that radio wave transmission is not permitted.

[0217] The receiving unit 11 of the communication device 110 receives the heartbeat response transmitted from the communication control device 130 (S103).

[0218] The processing unit 13 of the communication device 110 checks the contents of the heartbeat response, and if the response code included in the heartbeat response is 0 (SUCCESS), performs the following process. [1] Change the channel type (channelType) of the grant that has been granted an upgrade from GAA to PAL. In other words, change the radio wave usage priority for the grant from GAA to PAL. [2] Reset the grant expiration date to the expiration date specified in the heartbeat response. [3] If a change in the operating frequency range has been instructed as an operating parameter in a heartbeat response or the like, the frequency range related to the grant will be changed to the specified range. [4] If a heartbeat response or the like instructs that the transmission power be changed as an operating parameter, the transmission power (e.g., EIRP) setting is changed based on the specified value. If the transmission power value is not specified in the heartbeat response or the like, the same transmission power as before the channel type was changed may be used. Alternatively, the communication device 110 may calculate the transmission power by itself, or may inquire about the transmission power from another device (the communication control device 130 or another management device).

[0219] The storage unit 16 stores the results of the processing performed by the processing unit 13. For example, it stores the changed priority of the grant and the changed expiration date of the grant. If the operating frequency range is changed, it also stores the changed operating frequency range, and if the transmission power is changed, it also stores the changed transmission power, etc.

[0220] If the response code included in the heartbeat response is 501 (SUSPENDED_GRANT), the processing unit 13 of the communication device 110 performs processing to temporarily suspend radio wave transmission (however, the grant is not discarded). After that, the processing unit 13 performs the same processing as [1] to [4] described above. That is, the processing unit 13 performs the following processing. [1] to [4] are the same as when the response code is 0. Note that even after performing the processing of [1] to [4], the suspension of radio wave transmission is maintained until it is permitted in the next heartbeat procedure.

[0221] [0] Radio transmissions related to the grant in question will be temporarily suspended. [1] Change the channel type (channelType) of the grant that has been granted an upgrade from GAA to PAL, i.e., change the radio wave usage priority for the grant from GAA to PAL. [2] Reset the grant expiration date to the expiration date specified in the heartbeat response or another response. [3] If a change in the operating frequency range has been instructed as an operating parameter in a heartbeat response or the like, the frequency range related to the grant will be changed to the specified range. [4] If a change in transmission power is instructed as an operating parameter in a heartbeat response, etc., the transmission power setting (e.g., EIRP) is changed based on the specified value.

[0222] After performing the processes [1] to [4] or [0] to [4], the transmitter 14 of the communication device 110 transmits a heartbeat request including the changed grant parameters in the next heartbeat procedure (S104 in FIG. 8).

[0223] The receiving unit 31 of the communication control device 130 receives the heartbeat request sent from the communication device 110 (S104 in FIG. 8). The determining unit 32 of the communication control device 130 determines whether the parameters of the grant notified in the heartbeat request match the result of the upgrade determination based on the information stored in the storage unit 36. If they match, the transmitting unit 34 transmits a heartbeat response including a response code of 0 (SUCCESS) (S105 in FIG. 8). If they do not match, a heartbeat response notifying a rejection may be transmitted.

[0224] The receiving unit 11 of the communication device 110 receives the heartbeat response transmitted from the communication control device 130 (S105 in FIG. 8). When a heartbeat response including a response code of 0 (success) is received, the frequency band of the upgraded grant can be continuously used. When the response code included in the heartbeat response received in sequence S103 is 501, the suspension of radio wave transmission is lifted by receiving a heartbeat response including a response code of 0 (success) this time. This allows radio wave transmission related to the upgraded grant to be resumed. The communication device 110 becomes able to communicate with the terminal 120 with a priority based on the upgraded grant (PAL priority).

[0225] The control unit 35 of the communication control device 130 executes interference protection of CPAS (Coordinated Periodic Activities among SASs) and PPA. CPAS executes calculations related to higher-tier protection. For example, the communication control device 130 performs interference calculations with a frequency band used by a primary user (such as a radar system), and shares with other communication control devices 130 information such as the result of the interference calculation, the grant it manages, and the location of the communication device 110 under its management. CPAS is performed by multiple communication control devices 130 at regular intervals (for example, once a day, during the late night hours). In addition, interference protection of PPA is to generate a PPA, which is a coverage area that protects against interference for an upgraded grant (a PAL grant), and to protect the PPA from external interference. That is, when the communication device 110 uses radio waves in the PPA, radio wave interference from a communication device or terminal that uses radio waves with the priority of GAA is protected. A PPA is composed of one or more communication devices to which a PAL grant is set.

[0226] After the upgrade of the grant is completed, the control unit 35 of the communication control device 130 does not need to implement interference protection of the PPA for the upgraded grant until the next CPAS is started. In other words, the communication control device 130 only needs to activate the PPA to protect the upgraded grant at the latest when the next CPAS is started. In this CPAS, the communication control device 130 transmits information on the upgraded grant to the other communication control device 130, so that the information on the upgraded grant is shared with the other communication control device 130.

[0227] In the above description, the communication system according to the present embodiment has been described taking an example of upgrading a grant, but below, an example of falling back (downgrading) a grant will be described.

[0228] 9 shows an example of an operation sequence when a grant is to be fallen back. The processing unit 33 of the communication control device 130 judges whether the fallback condition is satisfied for the grant (target grant) upgraded to PAL. Examples of the fallback condition are as follows. §When PAL expires § When the rental period (lease period) of the PAL ends § If you no longer meet the PAL service requirements Operational convenience Service requirements may include, for example, that service coverage must be provided to a certain percentage of the population (eg, 50% or more) in an area in which PAL is licensed.

[0229] When making a determination based on the PAL service requirements, information on the number of terminals receiving the service from the communication device 110 may be provided to the communication control device 130 via a heartbeat procedure from the communication device 110. The information on the number of terminals may be a value (such as a Boolean value) indicating whether or not there are terminals receiving the service. Based on the information on the number of terminals, the communication control device 130 may determine whether an operator that owns PAL satisfies the service requirements within the license area.

[0230] In this case, it may not be possible to determine whether the service requirements are satisfied based on only the information provided from one communication device 110. For this reason, the communication control device 130 may determine whether the fallback conditions are satisfied after obtaining information on the number of terminals from all communication devices 110 that belong to the license area.

[0231] If the fallback conditions are met, the determination unit 32 of the communication control device 130 determines that the PAL of the target grant has expired. The processing unit 33 of the communication control device 130 performs processing for falling back on the grant using a heartbeat procedure. Specifically, the receiving unit 31 first receives a heartbeat request from the communication device 110 of the operator of the target grant (S111 in FIG. 9). When the heartbeat request is received after the fallback conditions are met, the processing unit 33 performs the following processing.

[0232]

[11] Change the channel type of the target grant from PAL to GAA, i.e., change the radio wave usage priority for the target grant from PAL to GAA.

[12] Change the expiration date of the target grant (to the expiration date of the GAA). The expiration date of the GAA is pre-determined. The expiration date of the GAA can be any sufficiently large value.

[0233] As with grant upgrades, even if a heartbeat request is for a grant included in the list of grant IDs to be downgraded, it may be processed normally without performing steps

[11] and

[12] under certain conditions. Specifically, for example, if a heartbeat request contains a Boolean parameter (grantRenew) indicating a grant renewal request and a parameter indicating a fallback request, and the grantRenew value indicates TRUE, steps

[11] and

[12] may be performed, and if not, these steps may not be performed.

[0234] A heartbeat response is generated in the same manner as when upgrading the grant. The response code used in the heartbeat response is, for example, 0 (SUCCESS) or 501 (SUSPENDED_GRANT). When using 0 (SUCCESS), the processing unit 33 of the communication control device 130 sets the grant state (operationState) in the grant state machine to "AUTHORIZED". When using 501 (SUSPENDED_GRANT), it may be set to "GRANTED". The heartbeat response may include instruction information for returning operation parameters such as the frequency range and transmission power to the GAA values.

[0235] The storage unit 36 ​​stores information on the target grant after the change, such as the channel type (GAA) of the target grant after the change, and information on the validity period of the grant after the change.

[0236] The transmitter 34 transmits a heartbeat response to the communication device 110 (S112 in FIG. 9).

[0237] The receiving unit 11 of the communication device 110 receives the heartbeat response transmitted from the communication control device 130 (S112 in FIG. 9).

[0238] If the response code included in the heartbeat response is 0 (SUCCESS), the processing unit 13 of the communication device 110 performs the following process.

[11] Change (fall back) the channel type of the target grant from PAL to GAA, i.e., change the priority of radio wave usage related to the target grant from PAL to GAA.

[12] Change the expiry date of the grant in question (to the expiry date of the GAA).

[0239] If the response code included in the heartbeat response is 501 (SUSPENDED_GRANT), the processing unit 13 of the communication device 110 performs processing to temporarily suspend radio wave transmission (however, the grant is not discarded). After that, the processing unit 13 performs the above-mentioned processing of

[11] to

[12] . That is, the processing unit 13 of the communication device 110 performs the following processing.

[11] to

[12] are the same as when the response code is 0. Operation parameters such as the frequency range and transmission power may be returned to the values ​​of GAA.

[10] Suspend radio transmissions related to the grant in question.

[11] Change (fall back) the channel type of the target grant from PAL to GAA.

[12] Change the expiry date of the grant in question (to the expiry date of the GAA).

[0240] After performing the processes of

[11] to

[12] or

[10] to

[12] , the transmitter 14 of the communication device 110 generates a heartbeat request including the changed grant parameters in the next heartbeat procedure. The transmitter 14 transmits the generated heartbeat request (S113 in FIG. 9).

[0241] The receiver 31 of the communication control device 130 receives a heartbeat request from the communication device 110 (S113 in FIG. 9). The judgement unit 32 of the communication control device 130 judges, based on the information stored in the memory unit 36, whether the grant parameters included in the heartbeat request match the result previously judged by the judgement unit 32. If they match, the transmitter 34 transmits a heartbeat response including a response code of 0 (SUCCESS) (S114 in FIG. 9).

[0242] The receiver 11 of the communication device 110 receives the heartbeat response transmitted from the communication control device 130 (S114 in FIG. 9). When a heartbeat response including a response code of 0 (success) is received, the communication device 110 can continue to use the frequency band of the grant that has been fallen back on. Even if the response code of the heartbeat response that notified the fallback was 501, by receiving a heartbeat response including a response code of 0 (success) this time, radio wave transmission related to the grant that has been fallen back on can be resumed. That is, the communication device 110 becomes able to communicate with the terminal 120 (see FIG. 1).

[0243] After the fallback of the grant is completed, the control unit 35 of the communication control device 130 may maintain interference protection for the fallen back grant until the next CPAS (Coordinated Periodic Activities among SASs) is started. In the next CPAS, the control unit 35 of the communication control device 130 transmits information on the fallen back grant to another communication control device 130, and shares the information with the other communication control device 130. The information on the fallen back grant may include information notifying that the PPA related to the fallen back grant has been disabled.

[0244] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the communication control device 130 according to this embodiment. Here, an example of the operation of upgrading a grant will be described.

[0245] The judgment unit 32 of the communication control device 130 judges whether a PPA Creation request (application data) has been acquired by the acquisition unit 31A (S201). The PPA Creation request includes an upgrade request for the target grant (such as a list of grants to be upgraded). The grant upgrade request corresponds to a request to change the priority of radio wave usage of the communication device 110 to PAL, which is a right to use radio waves with the first priority, to PAL, which is higher than GAA. If a PPA Creation request has not been acquired, this process is terminated.

[0246] When a PPA Creation request is received, the judgment unit 32 judges whether to approve the grant upgrade application based on the PPA Creation request (S202). For example, if the PAL included in the PPA Creation request is valid (legitimate) and satisfies the above-mentioned PAL frequency band conditions, the judgment unit 32 decides to approve the upgrade application. If there is no reason to reject the upgrade application, the judgment unit 32 decides to approve the upgrade application.

[0247] The receiving unit 31 receives a heartbeat request transmitted from the transmitting unit 14 of the communication device 110 (S203). If the received heartbeat request is for a grant not included in the grant ID list to be upgraded, the processing unit 33 processes it as usual and transmits a heartbeat response.

[0248] If the received heartbeat request is for a grant included in the grant ID list, the above-mentioned processes [1] to [3] are performed for the grant to be upgraded (S204). That is, the channel type (channelType) of the grant is changed from GAA to PAL (i.e., the priority of the grant is changed), and the grant expiration time (grant Expire Time) is changed to match the expiration time of the PAL. If necessary, the operating parameters of the communication device 110 (at least one of the operating frequency range and the transmission power, etc.) are changed.

[0249] The transmitting unit 34 transmits a heartbeat response including a response code and information notifying that [1] to [3] have been performed to the communication device 110 (S205). The grant expiration date and changed operating parameters (operating frequency range, transmission power, etc.) may be included in the heartbeat response. For example, 0 (SUCCESS) or 501 (SUSPENDED_GRANT) is used as the response code. Note that for grants for which the upgrade application was not approved, the processes [1] to [3] are not performed. In this case, a rejection heartbeat response can be transmitted.

[0250] In the next heartbeat procedure, the receiver 31 receives a heartbeat request including the changed grant parameters from the transmitter 14 of the communication device 110 (S206).

[0251] The determination unit 32 determines whether the parameters of the notified grant match the result of the upgrade determination based on the information stored in the storage unit 36. If they match, the transmission unit 34 transmits a heartbeat response including a response code of 0 (SUCCESS) (S207). If they do not match, a heartbeat response notifying a rejection may be transmitted.

[0252] The control unit 35 of the communication control device 130 performs periodic SAS (Coordinated Periodic Activities among SASs) and also performs interference protection for the PPA (S208).

[0253] 11 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the communication control device 130 according to the present embodiment. Here, an example of an operation for performing a fallback (downgrade) of a grant will be described.

[0254] The judgment unit 32 of the communication control device 130 judges whether the fallback condition is satisfied for the PAL of the upgraded grant (target PAL) (S211). If the fallback condition is not satisfied, this process is terminated. If the fallback condition is satisfied, it is judged that the PAL of the target grant has expired. The processing unit 33 is notified that the PAL of the target grant has expired. Information indicating that the PAL of the target grant has expired may be stored in the storage unit 36.

[0255] The receiving unit 31 receives a heartbeat request transmitted from the transmitting unit 14 of the communication device 110 (S212). The processing unit 33 performs the above-mentioned processes

[11] to

[12] on the grant to be the fallback target (S213). That is, the channel type (channelType) of the grant is changed from PAL to GAA (i.e., the priority of the grant is changed), and the grant expiration time (grant Expire Time) is changed to match the expiration time of the GAA. In addition, the operating parameters (at least one of the operating frequency range and the transmission power, etc.) of the communication device 110 are changed as necessary.

[0256] The transmitter 34 transmits a heartbeat response including information notifying that

[11] to

[12] have been performed and a response code to the communication device 110 (S214). The heartbeat response may include the grant expiration date and changed operating parameters (at least one of the operating frequency range and the transmission power, etc.). For example, 0 (SUCCESS) or 501 (SUSPENDED_GRANT) is used as the response code.

[0257] In the next heartbeat procedure, the receiver 31 receives a heartbeat request including the changed grant parameters from the transmitter 14 of the communication device 110 (S215).

[0258] The determination unit 32 determines whether the parameters of the notified grant match the result of the fallback determination based on the information stored in the storage unit 36. If they match, the transmission unit 34 transmits a heartbeat response including a response code of 0 (SUCCESS) (S216). If they do not match, a heartbeat response notifying a rejection may be transmitted.

[0259] The control unit 35 of the communication control device 130 performs periodic SAS (Coordinated Periodic Activities among SASs) and stops interference protection of the PPA (S217).

[0260] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the communication device 110 according to the present embodiment. Here, an operation when a grant is upgraded will be described as an example. A PPA Creation request (application data) is provided in advance to the communication control device 130 from the carrier of the communication device 110, and the request is acquired by the communication control device 130. It is assumed that the communication control device 130 performs the process of step S202 in FIG. 10 based on the request. Note that the PPA Creation request may be provided to the communication control device 130 via a web service provided by the communication control device 130, or the communication device 110 may generate the PPA Creation request and provide it to the communication control device 130. Alternatively, the communication device 110 may generate the PPA Creation request according to the contents of the PPA Creation request set by the carrier, and provide it to the communication control device 130.

[0261] The transmission unit 14 of the communication device 110 transmits a heartbeat request for a grant (target grant) included in the grant ID list requested in the PPA Creation request at a predetermined heartbeat procedure timing (S301). Information on the PPA Creation request is stored in the storage unit 16 of the communication device 110.

[0262] The receiver 11 of the communication device 110 receives a heartbeat response transmitted from the communication control device 130 in response to the heartbeat request transmitted from the transmitter 14 (S302). The processing unit 13 checks the value of the response code included in the heartbeat response (S303).

[0263] If the response code is 0 (SUCCESS), the channel type for the target grant is changed from GAA to PAL, and the validity period of the grant is changed to match the validity period of the PAL (S304). If a change in the operating parameters (operating frequency range and / or transmission power, etc.) is specified, the value of the operating parameter is changed (same S304). The processing unit 13 stores the information after these changes in the storage unit 16. Note that if the application for the target grant has been rejected, these changes do not need to be made. In this case, the transmission unit 14 may transmit a message to the operator's terminal notifying that the application for the target grant has been rejected.

[0264] If the response code is 501 (SUSPENDED_GRANT), a process is performed to temporarily suspend radio wave transmission (S305). After that, the same process as in step S304 is performed. Radio wave transmission remains temporarily suspended.

[0265] The transmitting unit 14 of the communication device 110 transmits a heartbeat request including the parameters of the changed (upgraded) grant at the timing of the next heartbeat procedure (S306).

[0266] The receiver 11 of the communication device 110 receives the heartbeat response transmitted from the communication control device 130 in response to the heartbeat request transmitted from the transmitter 14 (S307). If the response code included in the heartbeat response is 0 (success), the frequency band of the upgraded grant can be used continuously (S308). If the response code included in the heartbeat response received in step S302 is 501, the temporary suspension of radio wave transmission related to the grant is lifted, and radio wave transmission is resumed in the frequency band of the upgraded grant.

[0267] 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the communication device 110 according to the present embodiment. Here, the operation when a fallback (downgrade) of a grant is performed will be described as an example.

[0268] The transmitting unit 14 of the communication device 110 transmits a heartbeat request related to the upgraded grant at a predetermined heartbeat procedure timing (S311).

[0269] The receiver 11 of the communication device 110 receives the heartbeat response transmitted from the communication control device 130 in response to the heartbeat request transmitted from the transmitter 14 (S312).

[0270] When the processing unit 13 detects an instruction to change (fallback) the channel type of the grant based on the heartbeat response, the processing unit 13 performs the following process according to the value of the response code (S313).

[0271] If the response code is 0 (SUCCESS), the channel type of the target grant is changed from PAL to GAA, and the validity period of the grant is changed to the validity period of GAA (S314). In addition, the operating parameters (at least one of the operating frequency range and the transmission power, etc.) are also changed to the operating frequency range and the transmission power of GAA. The processing unit 13 stores this changed information in the storage unit 16.

[0272] If the response code is 501 (SUSPENDED_GRANT), a process is performed to temporarily suspend radio wave transmission (S315). After that, the same process as in step S314 is performed. Radio wave transmission remains temporarily suspended.

[0273] The transmitter 14 of the communication device 110 transmits a heartbeat request including the changed (post-falldown) grant parameters at the timing of the next heartbeat procedure (S316).

[0274] The receiver 11 of the communication device 110 receives the heartbeat response transmitted from the communication control device 130 in response to the heartbeat request transmitted from the transmitter 14 (S317). If the response code included in the heartbeat response is 0 (success), the frequency band of the downfolded grant can be used continuously (S318). If the response code included in the heartbeat response received in step S312 is 501, the pause of radio wave transmission is lifted and radio wave transmission is resumed in the frequency band of the downfolded grant.

[0275] As described above, according to this embodiment, the communication control device 130 (SAS, etc.) is notified of the grant to be upgraded by a PPA Creation request. When the communication control device 130 receives a heartbeat request related to the target grant from the communication device 110 (CBSD, etc.), it transmits a heartbeat response including information instructing the upgrade of the grant (changing the priority from GAA to PAL). This allows the upgrade of the grant to be easily and quickly performed using the heartbeat procedure. Furthermore, when the upgraded grant no longer satisfies the requirements of PAL, it transmits a heartbeat response instructing the fallback of the grant (changing the priority from PAL to GAA) in response to the heartbeat request related to the upgraded grant. This allows the fallback of the grant to be easily and quickly performed using the heartbeat procedure.

[0276] The above-described embodiment shows an example for realizing the present disclosure, and the present disclosure can be implemented in various other forms. For example, various modifications, substitutions, omissions, or combinations thereof are possible without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. Such modifications, substitutions, omissions, etc. are also included in the scope of the present disclosure, as well as in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

[0277] Furthermore, the effects of the present disclosure described in this specification are merely examples, and other effects may be available.

[0278] The present disclosure can also be configured as follows. [Item 1] an acquisition unit that acquires application data for changing a priority of radio wave usage of a communication device from a second priority level lower than the first priority level to the first priority level based on a right to use radio waves with a first priority level; and a reception unit that receives a frequency usage notification that notifies the communication device that the communication device is using radio waves with the second priority level. a processing unit that updates a priority of the radio wave usage by the communication device from the second priority to the first priority when the frequency usage notification is received after the application data is acquired; A communication control device comprising: [Item 2] a transmission unit that transmits, in response to the frequency usage notification, response information notifying that the priority of radio wave usage of the communication device has been changed from the second priority to the first priority; 2. The communication control device according to item 1, comprising: [Item 3] The processing unit sets a validity period for radio wave usage by the communication device with the first priority based on the right. 3. A communication control device according to item 1 or 2. [Item 4] The processing unit sets the frequency band permitted to be used at the first priority level based on a frequency range in which the frequency band available at the first priority level and the frequency band used by the communication device at the second priority level are common. 4. A communication control device according to any one of items 1 to 3. [Item 5] The processing unit determines, from among the frequency channels available for use with the first priority, a frequency channel included in the common frequency range as a frequency band available for use with the first priority. 5. A communication control device according to any one of items 1 to 4. [Item 6] The application data includes a request to create, by one or more of the communication devices, a coverage area that protects radio wave usage at the first priority from interference caused by radio wave usage at the second priority. 6. A communication control device according to any one of items 1 to 5. [Item 7] a control unit that creates the coverage area based on the application data and protects the radio wave usage at the first priority level in the coverage area from interference caused by the radio wave usage at the second priority level. 7. The communication control device according to item 6, comprising: [Item 8] The application data includes an identifier that identifies the right. 8. A communication control device according to any one of items 1 to 7. [Item 9] The application data includes information on a frequency band for which the priority of radio wave usage is to be changed from a second priority level lower than the first priority level to the first priority level. 9. A communication control device according to any one of items 1 to 8. [Item 10] The receiving unit receives a frequency usage notification notifying that the communication device is using radio waves with the first priority; when detecting that the requirements for holding the right are no longer satisfied, the processing unit updates a priority of the radio wave usage by the communication device from the first priority to the second priority; The transmission unit transmits response information notifying that the priority of the radio wave usage of the communication device has been changed from the first priority to the second priority. 10. A communication control device according to any one of items 2 to 9. [Item 11] A communication device of a business operator that has the right to use radio waves with the first priority, a transmission unit that transmits a frequency usage notification that notifies that the radio wave usage is being performed with a second priority that is lower than the first priority; A receiving unit that receives response information transmitted in response to the frequency usage notification; a processing unit that updates the priority of radio wave usage from the second priority to the first priority when the response information includes information for changing the priority of radio wave usage from the second priority to the first priority; A communication device comprising: [Item 12] The transmission unit transmits a frequency usage notification notifying that the radio wave usage is being performed with the first priority; The receiving unit receives response information transmitted in response to the frequency usage notification, The processing unit updates the priority of radio wave usage from the first priority to the second priority when the response information includes information for changing the priority of radio wave usage from the first priority to the second priority. Item 12. A communication device according to item 11. [Item 13] acquiring application data for changing a priority of radio wave usage of the communication device from a second priority level lower than the first priority level to the first priority level based on a right to use radio waves with a first priority level; receiving a frequency usage notification notifying that the communication device is using the radio wave with the second priority; When the frequency usage notification is received after the application data is acquired, the priority of the radio wave usage by the communication device is updated from the second priority to the first priority. Communications control method. [Item 14] A communication method performed by a communication device of a business operator having a right to use radio waves with a first priority, the method comprising: transmitting a frequency use notification notifying that the radio waves are being used with a second priority lower than the first priority; Receive response information transmitted in response to the frequency usage notification; When the response information includes information for changing the priority of radio wave usage from the second priority to the first priority, the priority of radio wave usage is updated from the second priority to the first priority. Communication methods. [Explanation of symbols]

[0279] 31: Receiving unit 32: Judgment Department 33: Processing section 34: Transmitter 35: Control unit 36: Storage section 31A: Acquisition Department 11: Receiving section 13: Processing section 14: Transmitter 15: Control unit 16: Storage part 100: Communication Networks 110, 110A, 110B, 110C: Communication equipment 120: Terminal 130, 130A, 130B: communication control device

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding a change in priority of radio wave usage of a communication device from a second priority, which is lower than the first priority, to the first priority based on a right to use radio waves with the first priority; a receiver for receiving a frequency usage notification notifying that the communication device is using radio waves with the second priority; a processing unit that updates a priority of radio wave usage by the communication device from the second priority to the first priority when the frequency usage notification is received after information regarding the change to the first priority is acquired; A communication control device comprising:

2. a transmission unit that transmits, in response to the frequency usage notification, response information notifying that the priority of radio wave usage of the communication device has been changed from the second priority to the first priority; The communication control device according to claim 1 , comprising:

3. The processing unit sets a validity period for radio wave usage by the communication device with the first priority based on the right. The communication control device according to claim 1 .

4. The processing unit sets a frequency band permitted to be used at the first priority level based on a frequency range in which a frequency band available at the first priority level and a frequency band used by the communication device at the second priority level are common. The communication control device according to claim 1 .

5. The processing unit determines, from among the frequency channels available for use with the first priority, a frequency channel included in the common frequency range as a frequency band available for use with the first priority. The communication control device according to claim 4.

6. The information regarding the change to the first priority includes a request to create, by one or more of the communication devices, a coverage area that protects radio wave usage at the first priority from interference caused by radio wave usage at the second priority. The communication control device according to claim 1 .

7. a control unit that creates the coverage area based on information regarding the change to the first priority and protects the radio wave usage at the first priority from interference caused by the radio wave usage at the second priority in the coverage area. The communication control device according to claim 6 , comprising:

8. The information regarding the change to the first priority includes an identifier that identifies the right. The communication control device according to claim 1 .

9. The information regarding the change to the first priority includes information regarding a frequency band for which the priority of radio wave usage is to be changed from a second priority, which is lower than the first priority, to the first priority. The communication control device according to claim 1 .

10. The receiving unit receives a frequency usage notification notifying that the communication device is using radio waves with the first priority; When detecting that the requirements for holding the right are no longer satisfied, the processing unit updates a priority of the radio wave usage by the communication device from the first priority to the second priority; The transmission unit transmits response information notifying that the priority of the radio wave usage of the communication device has been changed from the first priority to the second priority. The communication control device according to claim 2.

11. A communication device of a business operator having the right to use radio waves with the first priority, a transmission unit that transmits a frequency usage notification that notifies that the radio wave usage is being performed with a second priority that is lower than the first priority; A receiving unit that receives response information transmitted in response to the frequency usage notification; a processing unit that updates the priority of radio wave usage from the second priority to the first priority when the response information includes information for changing the priority of radio wave usage from the second priority to the first priority; A communication device comprising:

12. The transmission unit transmits a frequency usage notification notifying that the radio wave usage is being performed with the first priority, The receiving unit receives response information transmitted in response to the frequency usage notification, The processing unit updates the priority of radio wave usage from the first priority to the second priority when the response information includes information for changing the priority of radio wave usage from the first priority to the second priority. The communication device according to claim 11.

13. acquiring information regarding a change in priority of radio wave usage of the communication device from a second priority, which is lower than the first priority, to the first priority based on a right to use radio waves with a first priority; receiving a frequency usage notification notifying that the communication device is using the radio waves with the second priority; When the frequency usage notification is received after information regarding the change to the first priority is acquired, the priority of the radio wave usage by the communication device is updated from the second priority to the first priority. Communications control method.

14. A communication method performed by a communication device of a business operator having a right to use radio waves with a first priority, the method comprising: transmitting a frequency use notification notifying that the radio waves are being used with a second priority lower than the first priority; receiving response information transmitted in response to the frequency usage notification; When the response information includes information for changing the priority of radio wave usage from the second priority to the first priority, the priority of radio wave usage is updated from the second priority to the first priority. Communication methods.

15. When the frequency range used by the communication device with the second priority includes a frequency channel permitted under the right, the processing unit updates the priority of the radio wave usage by the communication device from the second priority to the first priority on the condition that the radio wave usage is set to the same frequency range as the frequency channel. The communication control device according to claim 4.

16. The processing unit updates a priority of radio wave usage by the communication device from the second priority to the first priority when a frequency range used by the communication device with the second priority matches a frequency channel permitted under the right. The communication control device according to claim 1 .

17. The information regarding the change to the first priority includes a request to create a coverage area that protects radio wave usage at the first priority from interference caused by radio wave usage at the second priority, the coverage area including one or more of the communication devices that are targets of the change in priority of radio wave usage. The communication control device according to claim 1 .

18. A communication device of a business operator having the right to use radio waves with the first priority, a transmission unit that transmits a frequency usage notification that notifies that the radio wave usage is being performed with a second priority that is lower than the first priority; A receiving unit that receives response information transmitted in response to the frequency usage notification, When the response information includes information for changing the priority of the radio wave usage from the second priority to the first priority, the radio wave usage is performed with the first priority in the same frequency range as the frequency channel permitted under the right. Communications equipment.

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