Channel allocation device, channel allocation method, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides a device and the like for performing channel allocation when one of channels in a specific frequency band is allocated to the same user in a plurality of regions. A channel allocation device according to an aspect of the present invention is provided with: a classification unit; and an allocation unit. The classification unit classifies a plurality of regions in which a specific frequency band can be used into one or more first sets on the basis of a relationship among the regions, and of the number of channels for the specific frequency band to be used in the regions by a user of the specific frequency band. The allocation unit determines, for each of the first sets, a channel to be allocated to the user in each of regions included in the first set.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a channel allocation device, a channel allocation method, and a program. [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(Wireless Innovation Forum),"WINNF-TS-0245","https: / / winnf.memberclicks.net / assets / CBRS / WINNF-TS-0245.pdf" [Non-Patent Document 2] CBRS Alliance "CBRSA-TS-2001" February 1, 2018 "https: / / www.cbrsalliance.org / wp-content / uploads / 2018 / 06 / CBRSA-TS-2001-V1.0.0.pdf" [Non-Patent Document 3] WINNF,"WINNF-TS-0112","https: / / winnf.memberclicks.net / assets / CBRS / WINNF-TS-0112.pdf" [Non-Patent Document 4] CEPT ECC, "ECC Report 186 Technical and operational requirements for the operation of white space devices under geo-location approach", January 2013," https: / / www.ecodocdb.dk / download / 124023a2-73ee / ECCREP186.PDF" [Non-Patent Document 5] The National Archives, “The Wireless Telegraphy (White Space Devices) (Exemption) Regulations 2015”, http: / / www.legislation.gov.uk / uksi / 2015 / 2066 / contents / made [Non-Patent Document 6] WINNF,"WINNF-SSC-0010", https: / / winnf.memberclicks.net / assets / CBRS / WINNF-SSC-0010.pdf [Non-Patent Document 7] FCC (Federal Communications Commissions), "CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) Part 96", https: / / www.ecfr.gov / cgi-bin / retrieveECFR?gp=&SID=2dd346ae3b51f2866ab6fb907e755526&mc=true&r=PART&n=pt47.5.96 [Non-Patent Document 8] 3GPP(3rd Generation Partnership Project), "TS(Technical Specification)36.104", "https: / / portal.3gpp.org / desktopmodules / Specifications / SpecificationDetails.aspx?specificationId=2412" [Non-Patent Document 9] 3GPP, "TS38.104", https: / / portal.3gpp.org / desktopmodules / Specifications / SpecificationDetails.aspx?specificationId=3202 [Non-Patent Document 10] ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute), "EN 301 598", https: / / www.etsi.org / deliver / etsi_en / 301500_301599 / 301598 / 01.01.01_60 / en_301598v010101p.pdf Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A typical example of dynamic spectrum sharing is the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) in the United States. Standardization of CBRS is carried out by organizations such as the Wireless Innovation Forum (WInnForum) Spectrum Sharing Committee (SSC). However, while these organizations specify the constraints for implementing dynamic spectrum sharing, they often do not prescribe the methods for satisfying these constraints.

[0005] For example, in CBRS, licenses for preferential use of dynamic spectrum sharing such as PAL (Priority Access License) are awarded by auction for each designated area (license area). CBRS administrators must assign channels to be used by PAL holders in a manner that satisfies the CBRS regulations. However, the method for assigning channels is not specified. Therefore, CBRS administrators must consider channel assignments on their own.

[0006] If channels were assigned to each license area, problems would be unlikely to occur. However, CBRS recommends that if there is a PAL holder who uses multiple license areas, the PAL holder be assigned a common channel across multiple license areas. Therefore, if there are many license areas, the calculations for channel assignment become complicated, and the burden on the administrator increases.

[0007] In view of this, the present disclosure provides a device or the like that performs channel allocation when any channel in a specific frequency band is allocated to the same user in multiple areas, thereby reducing the burden on an administrator or the like who allocates channels. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A channel allocation device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a classification unit and an allocation unit. The classification unit classifies a plurality of zones into one or more first sets based on a relationship between each of the zones in which a specific frequency band can be used and a number of channels of the specific frequency band used by users of the specific frequency band in each of the plurality of zones. The allocation unit determines, for each of the first sets, a channel to be allocated to the users in each zone included in the first set.

[0009] The allocation unit may allocate, to the user, at least one channel common to each of the zones included in the first set.

[0010] When the minimum number of channels used by the user in each area included in the first set is 2 or more, The allocation unit allocates at least two channels common to each zone included in the first set to the user; When the channels of the specific frequency band are allocated and arranged in order of frequency band, the first common channel and the second common channel, which are the common channels, are consecutive. The channel allocation device may be configured as above.

[0011] The classification unit further classifies the areas included in the first set into one or more second sets based at least on a minimum number of channels used by the users in each area included in the first set; The allocation unit determines, for each of the second sets, a channel to be allocated to the user in each area included in the second set. The channel allocation device may be configured as above.

[0012] The classification unit further classifies the areas included in the first set into one or more second sets based at least on a minimum number of channels used by the users in each area included in the first set; The allocation unit allocates, to the user, at least one channel common to each area included in the second set, in addition to a channel common to each area included in the first set. The channel allocation device may be configured as above.

[0013] The classification unit further classifies the areas included in the first set into one or more second sets based at least on a minimum number of channels used by the users in each area included in the first set; when a minimum number of channels used by the user in each area included in the second set is two or more, the allocation unit allocates to the user at least two channels common to each area included in the second set in addition to a channel common to each area included in the first set; When the channels of the specific frequency band are allocated and arranged in the order of the frequency band, a third common channel and a fourth common channel, which are channels common to each area included in the second set, are consecutive. The channel allocation device may be configured as above.

[0014] The relationship may be a geographical relationship.

[0015] The channel allocation device may be configured such that, when the number of channels of the specific frequency band used by the user in adjacent first and second areas among the plurality of areas is one or more, the classification unit classifies the first and second areas into the same first set.

[0016] The channel allocation device may be configured such that the classification unit classifies the third and fourth areas into the same first set when a third and fourth area among the multiple areas are located within a predetermined distance and the number of channels of the specific frequency band used by the user in the third and fourth areas is one or more.

[0017] The channel allocation device may be configured such that the allocation unit acquires or generates a channel allocation pattern in the multiple areas based at least on an upper limit of the total number of users of the specific frequency band in the multiple areas and an upper limit of the number of channels available to each user of the specific frequency band in the multiple areas, and determines the channels to be allocated to the users in each area included in the first set by narrowing down the allocation patterns that can be taken in all areas included in the first set.

[0018] The channel allocation device may be configured such that, when it is necessary to determine unavailable channels in the specific frequency band, the allocation unit narrows down the allocation pattern by determining that the unavailable channels are common to the multiple areas and are consecutive channels when the channels of the specific frequency band are assigned and arranged in order of frequency band.

[0019] The classification unit divides the first set into a plurality of sets in which no possible allocation patterns remain in all of the areas included therein; the allocation unit determines channels to be allocated to the users in each area included in the divided first set by narrowing down allocation patterns that can be taken in all areas included in the divided first set. The channel allocation device may be configured as above.

[0020] The channel allocation device may be configured such that the classification unit detects a fifth and sixth area from among the areas included in the first set, which have a direct relationship but no indirect relationship through other areas included in the first set, and determines the areas to be included in the multiple first sets after division, assuming that the fifth and sixth areas have no direct relationship.

[0021] In another aspect of the present disclosure, Classifying the plurality of areas into one or more first sets based on a relationship between each of a plurality of areas in which a specific frequency band can be used and a number of channels of the specific frequency band used by users of the specific frequency band in each of the plurality of areas; determining, for each of the first sets, a channel to be assigned to the users in each of the zones included in the first set; A channel allocation method is provided comprising:

[0022] In another aspect of the present disclosure, Classifying the plurality of areas into one or more first sets based on a relationship between each of a plurality of areas in which a specific frequency band can be used and a number of channels of the specific frequency band used by users of the specific frequency band in each of the plurality of areas; determining, for each of the first sets, a channel to be assigned to the users in each of the zones included in the first set; A computer program is provided comprising: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system model in one embodiment of the present invention. [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] A diagram showing an example of a PAL license area. [Figure 8] A diagram showing the license area as nodes. [Figure 9] Diagram showing nodes connected by edges. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 illustrates further classification within a connected set. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a channel allocation device. [Figure 12] 4 is a schematic flowchart of the overall processing of the channel allocation device. [Figure 13] 13 is a schematic flow chart of allocation using a channel allocation pattern. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a network in which a channel allocation device exists alone. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 shows an example of a network configuration when channel allocation is performed by SAS. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a network having a device that only performs channel allocation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] <<1. Typical anticipated scenarios>> <1.1 System model>

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] In this disclosure, it is assumed that there are two different types of communication devices 110.

[0029] 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."

[0030] 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."

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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, equipment called Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), which is provided to ensure Internet connection, may act as the terminal 120.

[0036] 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).

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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".

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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>

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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>>

[0058] 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>

[0059] 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>

[0060] 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)

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] The frequency band information supported by the communication device 110 may also include information indicating radio wave usage priority, such as PAL and GAA.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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, erasure correction codes, and the like, and information about the coding rate to be applied.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] When the FD is included as the radio interface information, information on the interference power detection level may be included.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] Regardless of the above aspect, the radio interface information may be provided for each frequency band.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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]

[0102] 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>

[0103] In the registration procedure, it is assumed that in some cases, device parameters related to not only the communication device 110 but also the terminal 120 may be required to be registered in the communication control device 130. In such a case, the term "communication device" in the description given in <2.1.1> may be replaced with "terminal" or a term equivalent thereto. In addition, parameters specific to the "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>

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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>

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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>.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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>

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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>

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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

[0120] 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).

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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).

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] After completing the evaluation of the available frequencies, the communication control device 130 notifies the communication device 110 of the evaluation result.

[0131] 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>

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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>

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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).

[0140] 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).

[0141] 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.

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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.

[0146] 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>

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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.

[0149] 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).

[0150] 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>

[0151] 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.

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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>

[0154] 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).

[0155] 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.

[0156] 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

[0157] 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.

[0158] 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.

[0159] 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>

[0160] 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 Area Information Protected system information

[0161] 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.

[0162] 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.

[0163] The communication parameter information of the communication device 110 is typically information related to communication parameters currently 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.

[0164] Area information is typically information that indicates a specific geographical area, and may include area information of various attributes in various forms.

[0165] 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.

[0166] 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.

[0167] 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.

[0168] 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 room number, or the like, may be used.

[0169] 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.

[0170] 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.

[0171] This information can be exchanged between the communication control devices 130 regardless of the decision-making topology applied to the communication control devices 130 .

[0172] This information can be exchanged in a variety of ways, some of which are shown below: ·ID specification method ·Period specification method ·Area specification method Dump method

[0173] 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.

[0174] The period designation method is a method in which information that satisfies a predetermined condition can be exchanged during a specified period.

[0175] 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.

[0176] 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.

[0177] 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.

[0178] 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.

[0179] 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>

[0180] 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.

[0181] 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>

[0182] 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>

[0183] 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>

[0184] 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.

[0185] 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).

[0186] 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

[0187] 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).

[0188] 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. <<3. Channel allocation>>

[0189] Here, a description will be given of channel allocation in the case where any channel in a specific frequency band such as a shared frequency band is allocated to the same user in multiple areas.

[0190] In the following, for ease of understanding, the following description will be given taking the US CBRS as an example. However, the channel allocation of the present disclosure is not limited to the US CBRS. In other words, when allocating channels to a channel other than the US CBRS, terms related to the US CBRS such as "PAL" and "PAL Holder" should be read as being replaced with other terms such as "license" and "user."

[0191] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a PAL license area. Fig. 7 is a map showing the state of California in the United States, with the boundaries of counties included in California indicated by dotted lines. California includes multiple counties, and here each of these counties is a PAL license area, and channel allocation is performed on a county-by-county basis.

[0192] FCC rules recommend that if there are the same PAL holders in adjacent license areas, the PAL holders should be allowed to use the same channel in the license area. For example, assume that a first PAL holder has a PAL in license area α and is assigned channel 1 (CH1) in license area α. If the first PAL holder also has a PAL in license area β adjacent to license area α, it is recommended that CH1 in license area β be assigned to the first PAL holder.

[0193] In addition, FCC rules recommend that when the same PAL holder has multiple PALs in the same license area, consecutive channels should be available in that license area. For example, if the first PAL holder has two PALs in license area α, it is recommended that two consecutive channels, such as CH3 and CH4 in license area α, be assigned to the first PAL holder.

[0194] In this specification, when the channels included in the entire frequency band used, such as a shared frequency band, are arranged in the order of the frequency bands assigned to the channels, adjacent channels are referred to as "consecutive channels." The order of the frequency bands may be in ascending or descending order. Also, the channel numbers are assigned in ascending or descending order of the frequency bands assigned to the channels. In other words, when two channels have a difference of one number (e.g. CH3 and CH4), there is no other channel between the frequency bands assigned to the two channels.

[0195] In this embodiment, the channel allocation is performed by utilizing graph theory so as to satisfy the above recommended regulations as much as possible.

[0196] The information required when allocating channels includes, for example, information indicating the license area in which the channel allocation is performed, information indicating the PAL holders in each license area, information indicating the number of PALs held by the PAL holders in each license area, information indicating the constraints imposed when allocating channels, and information indicating the relationship between each license area.

[0197] Constraints on PAL in each license area include the recommended regulations, such as assigning the same or consecutive channels to the same PAL holder as much as possible, as mentioned above. There are also mandatory regulations, such as the upper limit on the number of PALs held, the upper limit on the number of PAL holders, and the total number of channels in a shared frequency band. For example, the number of PALs held by one PAL holder is set to four or less in each license area. Also, the total number of PALs issued in each license area is set to seven or less. Also, the total number of channels in each license area is set to ten. Therefore, there will be a minimum of three free channels in each license area.

[0198] The information indicating the relationship between each license area is used when considering constraints at the time of channel allocation. For example, when adjacent license areas must be considered, information indicating the geographical relationship between each license area is used to recognize the adjacent license areas. The information indicating the geographical relationship between each license area may be information such as the map shown in FIG. 7. Alternatively, it may be a table related to license areas, and in each record having each license area as a primary key, other license areas sharing a border may be indicated as attributes.

[0199] It should be noted that it is not limited to adjacent license areas that are taken into consideration. There may also be cases where license areas within a certain distance are taken into consideration. Therefore, the presence or absence of a relationship may be determined based on information regarding the distance between license areas, such as other license areas that exist within a certain distance from a certain reference point of a license area. Furthermore, even if the license areas are adjacent, there may be cases where they are not related to each other. For example, license areas adjacent to each other via a mountain range or the like may not need to be assigned the same channel. In this way, the presence or absence of a relationship between license areas may be comprehensively determined based on geographical information such as distance, direction, and topography.

[0200] The information required for channel allocation may be publicly available information from radio regulatory agencies such as the FCC, private organizations, etc., or may be generated based on the publicly available information. For example, when the results of a PAL auction are publicly available, information indicating PAL holders and information indicating the number of PALs held may be generated based on the auction results.

[0201] The information required for channel allocation may be stored in a device that performs channel allocation and may be treated like a database. Although a database is described, it does not have to be constructed using software for databases, and may be, for example, a spreadsheet in a format such as xls, xlsx, or csv. When this information is saved, it may be considered that a database has been constructed.

[0202] In order to uniquely identify each license area, an identification code such as a three-letter code may be appropriately defined, and each license area may be represented in the database by the identification code. Alternatively, an official identification code for the area set as the license area, such as a County FIPS code, may be used.

[0203] In addition, in the above database, PAL holders may be represented by IDs for unique identification. For example, PAL holders may be represented by FRNs (FCC Registration Numbers), IDs issued when registering the PAL, etc. However, PAL holders may be represented by names, such as corporate registered names or unique names set when registering the PAL, as long as they can be uniquely identified.

[0204] Next, the channel allocation method will be described. In this method, first, the conditions for the preferred channel allocation are determined for each PAL holder. Then, channels are allocated to each PAL holder in order so as to satisfy the conditions for the preferred channel allocation as much as possible.

[0205] The method for determining the channel allocation conditions will now be described. First, the map shown in Figure 7 is prepared for each PAL holder. For example, if there are five PAL holders in the entire state of California, five identical maps are prepared.

[0206] Each license area is regarded as a node (vertex) in graph theory. That is, the license area is also referred to as a node here. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the license areas as nodes. In Figure 8, the circles in each group represent the nodes that represent that group.

[0207] In addition, in the map of FIG. 8, numbers are shown in circles representing nodes. The numbers indicate the number of PALs held by the PAL holder corresponding to the map in the license area corresponding to the node. For example, in the map of the first PAL holder, the number of PALs held by the first PAL holder in each license area is recorded in the corresponding node. In this way, the number of PALs held in each license area is recorded for each map (i.e., for each PAL holder). Since the number of PALs held in each license area differs for each PAL holder, the numbers in each node will be different in each map that is generated.

[0208] Next, for license areas with a PAL ownership of 1 or more, adjacent license areas are connected with lines (edges). In other words, license areas with a PAL ownership of 0 are considered to be non-existent.

[0209] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing nodes connected by edges. As shown by the dotted frame in Fig. 9, all nodes with a PAL holding count of 1 or more are not connected and are separated into three sets (first sets).

[0210] Here, a set of nodes connected via one or more edges or nodes is referred to as a connected set. Note that a set consisting of nodes that do not have any edges, that is, a set with only one component, is also considered to be a connected set. A set consisting of nodes that do not have any edges is also referred to as a singleton. Figure 9 shows three connected sets: connected set 201 at the bottom, connected set 202 at the top, and connected set 203 near the center, and connected set 203 is a singleton.

[0211] The conditions for the allocation of preferred channels are determined on a per-connected set basis, since if adjacent license areas have to be considered in the channel allocation, the license areas that need to be considered are in the same connected set.

[0212] For each connected set, determine the minimum number of consecutive channels in the connected set, which is the minimum number of consecutive channels in each area in the connected set. The number of consecutive channels is the number of consecutive channels that are assigned to the same PAL holder in the license area.

[0213] For example, when CH2, CH3, and CH5 are assigned, CH2 and CH3 are consecutive, so the number of consecutive channels is 2. Also, for example, when the minimum number of consecutive channels in the first connected set of the first PAL holder is 2 or more, the first PAL holder is assigned at least two channels in each license area included in the first connected set, and it is preferable that the assigned channels include consecutive channels.

[0214] In principle, the minimum number of consecutive channels in a connected set is set to the same number as the minimum number of PALs held in the license area in the connected set. For example, in the case of the connected set 201 in Fig. 9, the minimum number of PALs held by each node in the connected set 201 is 2. Therefore, the minimum number of consecutive channels in the connected set 201 is set to 2.

[0215] Since the minimum number of consecutive channels in connected set 201 is set to 2, all channels (i.e., two channels) are allocated consecutively in license area 301 in connected set 201. However, in license areas 302, 303, and 304 where the PAL ownership number is three or more, two channels are allocated consecutively, but the remaining channels may or may not be consecutive. In other words, it is not guaranteed that the remaining channels are consecutive.

[0216] For convenience, such channels whose continuity is not guaranteed are referred to as non-guaranteed channels. For example, license areas 302 and 303 in Fig. 9 have two non-guaranteed channels, and license area 304 has one non-guaranteed channel.

[0217] In this way, for each connected set, the minimum number of consecutive channels and the number of non-guaranteed channels are identified.

[0218] Furthermore, the license areas included in the connected set may be further divided into smaller sets, thereby increasing the number of license areas to which identical and consecutive channels can be assigned, even if only slightly.

[0219] The license areas included in each connected set are classified based on the number of non-guaranteed channels in each connected set. Figure 10 shows further classification within the connected set. In Figure 10, the numbers in the nodes in the connected set indicate the number of PALs held, but in this case, they indicate the number of non-guaranteed channels. The numbers in the nodes in Figure 10 can be said to be the numbers in the nodes in Figure 9 minus the minimum number of consecutive channels in the connected set.

[0220] As in the case of generating a connected set, nodes with an internal number of 0 are considered to not exist, and nodes with an internal number of 1 or more are connected with edges. This can be thought of as deleting edges that were held by nodes with an internal number of 0. As a result, the set of nodes connected by edges in FIG. 10 becomes smaller than the connected set in FIG. 9. The set in FIG. 10 is referred to as a subconnected set. FIG. 10 shows a subconnected set 401 and a subconnected set 402.

[0221] In the sub-connected set, the minimum number of consecutive channels and the number of non-guaranteed channels are specified in the same manner as in the connected set. That is, the minimum number of consecutive channels and the number of non-guaranteed channels in the sub-connected set are determined, and the conditions to be commonly assigned to the nodes included in the sub-connected set are determined.

[0222] For example, in the sub-connected set 402, the minimum number of consecutive channels is 2. Therefore, in the sub-connected set 402, the remaining channels that are determined to be discontinuous in the connected set 201 are consecutive. That is, although there is no guarantee that different pairs, such as the pair of CH1 and CH2 and the pair of CH5 and CH6, are consecutive, the channels that make up a pair are consecutive. Note that, by chance, different pairs may be consecutive, such as the pair of CH1 and CH2 and the pair of CH3 and CH4.

[0223] Note that the same process may be repeated to generate even smaller sets, i.e., the classification into finer sets may be repeated until the set contains only singletons.

[0224] This process is then performed on the map of all PAL holders, thus determining the preferred allocation conditions for all PAL holders.

[0225] After the allocation conditions are determined, channels are allocated so as to satisfy the allocation conditions as much as possible. Various methods for allocating channels are possible. For example, a computer may be made to search for an allocation method that satisfies the allocation conditions as much as possible. However, with this method, the load on the computer increases as the number of search conditions increases. For this reason, channel allocation patterns that satisfy the allocation conditions may be narrowed down from channel allocation patterns related to predetermined channels.

[0226] A method for narrowing down channel allocation patterns for predetermined channels will be described below. First, a license pattern indicating a combination of the number of licenses of PAL holders per license area is prepared.

[0227] The following table shows an example of a license pattern. The table shows the license pattern when all seven PALs are sold, but license patterns when all PALs are not sold are also provided. [Table 5]

[0228] In this table, the number of PALs owned by each PAL holder is described as a license pattern. The second column shows the number of PAL holders. In addition, PAL holders are ranked according to the number of PALs they own, and the number of PALs owned by PAL holders of each rank is shown in columns 3 to 9. Note that even if the number of PALs owned is the same, the ranking is different. One row in the table corresponds to one license pattern. For example, license pattern No. 2 indicates that all PALs are shared among three PAL holders, and the number of PALs owned by the three PAL holders is 4, 2, and 1, respectively. As shown in the table above, if all seven PALs are sold at auction, there are 11 license patterns.

[0229] Although the actual PAL holders may of course vary from license area to license area, if all seven PALs are auctioned off, logically there will only be the 11 license patterns listed above.

[0230] For each of the 11 license patterns, a channel allocation pattern is created. A channel allocation pattern indicates the combination of PAL holders that can be assigned to each channel in one license area.

[0231] As mentioned above, the total number of PAL holders per license area is a maximum of 7, the maximum number of PALs each PAL holder can have is 4, and the total number of channels is 10, so it is possible to determine the channel allocation pattern in advance.

[0232] However, the number of channel allocation patterns is very large. Therefore, it is possible to set constraints to reduce the number of channel allocation patterns and reduce the calculation load. For example, as described above, it is stipulated that three free channels are provided in each license area, but it is possible to fix the positions of the free channels uniformly in all license areas. As a fixing method, for example, the following proposal is conceivable. -Randomly select and fix available channels before creating a channel allocation pattern - The lowest three channels in the frequency band are fixed as available channels. -The top three channels of the frequency band are fixed as available channels. -Fixed so that vacant channels are guard channels between PAL holders

[0233] For example, since the vacant channels are not available under normal circumstances but are used as backups, it is preferable to fix the channels to be as continuous as possible. Also, in CBRS, it is preferable to set any three of the five lowest frequency channels as vacant channels. This is because, in CBRS, the only object of incumbent protection in the five lowest frequency channels is radar, but the number of objects to be protected increases in higher frequency channels.

[0234] Here, we will explain an example in which the three lowest frequency channels are fixed as free channels. In this case, the channel allocation pattern for a license area with two PAL holders is as shown in the following table. [Table 6] TIFF0007626124000009.tif179170

[0235] If a license area with two PAL holders is included in a connected set, the channel allocation pattern in the above table is used for that connected set. From among these channel allocation patterns, channel allocation patterns applicable to the entire connected set are narrowed down based on the minimum number of consecutive channels in the connected set. For example, in the case of connected set 201 shown in FIG. 9, since the minimum number of consecutive channels is two, channel allocation patterns other than Pattern 29 in the above table can be applied. In the same manner, applicable channel allocation patterns are extracted for connected sets obtained for all PAL holders.

[0236] In this way, possible channel allocation patterns are prepared in advance for each of the 11 license patterns, and an applicable channel allocation pattern is selected based on the license pattern of the license area.

[0237] Once the applicable channel allocation patterns for all connected sets of PAL holders have been identified, the final channel allocation is performed. Since it is difficult to achieve global optimization, it is preferable to select PAL holders and connected sets in order and perform channel allocation for the selected connected sets sequentially.

[0238] The order in which the PAL holders and connected sets are selected may be determined as appropriate, for example, randomly, or based on a predetermined priority criterion such as the number of PALs held by the PAL holder, the number of nodes in the connected set, etc.

[0239] However, it is preferable to perform channel allocation for connected sets that are not singletons before performing channel allocation for connected sets that are singletons. For license areas that are singletons, the allocation results of other license areas are not constrained. In other words, for license areas that are singletons, the allocation results may be the same as those of other license areas. That is, for license areas that are singletons, channel allocation can be flexibly determined as long as the allocation circumstances of other PAL holders in the license area are taken into consideration.

[0240] An example of FIG. 9 will be used for explanation. Here, channel allocation is determined from the connected set 201 of the first PAL holder. First, the license area in the connected set 201 in which channel allocation is performed first is determined. For example, it is determined that the license area 304 is the first to perform channel allocation. Assume that the number of PAL holders in the license area 304 is 2, and the number of PALs held by the first PAL holder is 3. In this case, the first PAL holder corresponds to "User2" in the above table. Also, the minimum number of consecutive channels in the connected set 201 is 2, and the minimum number of consecutive channels in the sub-connected set including the license area is 1. In this case, in the channel indicated as User2 in the above table, there must be a consecutive (adjacent) channel. From the above, in the channel allocation patterns in the above table, patterns 1 to 8, 10 to 15, 17 to 22, 24 to 28, and 32 are applicable to the license area.

[0241] Then, the connected set of the second PAL holder next to the first PAL holder is examined to further narrow down the channel allocation patterns. For example, if the minimum number of consecutive channels in the connected set of the second PAL holder including the license area 304 (this connected set is different from the connected set 201 of the first PAL holder) is 4, only the pattern in which all four channels shown as "User1" in the above table are consecutive can be applied. In other words, only patterns 1 to 4 are applicable.

[0242] In the above example, four patterns remain as candidates, but these can be used as "initial values" of applicable channel allocation patterns in adjacent license areas, and the four patterns can be further narrowed down by examining the adjacent license areas in the same way. For example, assume that Pattern 3 is finally left. Since the minimum number of consecutive channels in the connected set 201 is 2, CH4 and CH5 are assigned to the first PAL holder in all license areas included in the connected set 201.

[0243] In this way, applicable channel allocation patterns are narrowed down for all license areas included in the same connected set, and the degree of freedom of selection is narrowed down, thereby making it possible to reduce the load of the allocation process.

[0244] However, it may happen that there is no channel allocation pattern that can be applied to all license areas included in the same connected set. However, the requirement that common channels be assigned to each license area for the same PAL holder and the requirement that the assigned channels be consecutive are recommended specifications. Therefore, it is possible to generate license areas that do not satisfy these specifications.

[0245] For example, a channel allocation pattern may be determined only in the license area before there is no applicable channel allocation pattern, and the remaining license areas may not satisfy the recommended regulations. For example, if two channel allocation patterns remain in the study of the first to third license areas, but no channel allocation patterns remain in the study of the fourth license area, one of the channel allocation patterns remaining in the study of the first to third license areas may be selected, and the selected channel allocation pattern may be applied to the fourth license area, even though it does not satisfy the recommended regulations. Alternatively, a channel allocation pattern applicable to the largest number of license areas may be selected.

[0246] Also, a connected set may be divided, and channel allocation patterns may be considered for each divided connected set. For example, if a cut edge (cutting edge) exists in a connected set or a subconnected set when no applicable channel allocation pattern remains, the connected set or the subconnected set may be divided by cutting the cut edge. Note that a cut edge means an edge that, when deleted, divides a connected graph into two. Although the division makes it impossible to maintain channel commonality in all license areas in a connected set or a subconnected set before the division, the commonality can be maintained within a classified set, and therefore the above recommended regulations can be satisfied as much as possible.

[0247] Furthermore, when information on a licensed area in which channel commonality does not need to be maintained is obtained from a PAL holder, the licensed area may be removed from the connected set and sub-connected set.

[0248] As mentioned above, the above channel allocation method can be applied to systems other than CBRS. If the number of licenses per license area, the number of license holders, etc. are different, the channel allocation pattern may change, but the concept of the allocation method is the same.

[0249] The secondary channel for backup of each PAL is selected from the empty channels shown in Table 6, but the pattern of secondary channel allocation may be determined appropriately for each license area without considering other license areas. It is preferable that multiple backup channel patterns are set for each license area.

[0250] In addition, when a change to a secondary channel is required in a part of a connected set, in order to maintain the identity of the channel between the licensed areas, the change to the secondary channel may be performed simultaneously for all grants used in the licensed areas included in the connected set. For example, when protection against a dynamic protection area (DPA) where the implementation of protection changes dynamically is turned ON, the change to the secondary channel may be performed simultaneously.

[0251] The internal configuration of the device that executes the above-mentioned channel allocation will be described. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a channel allocation device 140. The channel allocation device 140 shown in Fig. 11 includes an acquisition unit 141, a determination unit 142, a classification unit 143, an allocation condition determination unit 144, an allocation unit 145, a transmission unit 146, and a storage unit 147.

[0252] In the example of FIG. 1, channel allocation may be performed by the communication control device 130, the intermediate device 110C, etc. Also, a frequency management database server such as SAS may perform channel allocation, or a band or license broker (Spectrum / License Broker) may perform channel allocation. Alternatively, an entity such as a server dedicated to channel allocation may be provided. Therefore, in FIG. 11, the communication control device 130, the intermediate device 110C, etc. that perform channel allocation are described under a different name of "channel allocation device 140," and only the components that perform processing related to channel allocation are described. Note that the arrangement of the device that performs channel allocation in the system will be described in detail later.

[0253] In addition, the channel allocation device 140 may have components or functions that are not shown or described. In addition, the description of the present disclosure does not exclude components or functions that are not shown or described. In addition, when the components of the channel allocation device 140 are realized by software (programs), circuits, etc., they may be realized in a subdivided manner or in a consolidated manner. For example, the storage unit 147 may be composed of multiple memories or storages.

[0254] Each process of the components will be described using a flowchart. Fig. 12 is a schematic flowchart of the overall process of the channel allocation device 140. Note that the flowchart in the present disclosure is an example, and each process does not necessarily have to be performed according to the disclosed flow.

[0255] The acquiring unit 141 acquires information used for channel allocation (S101). As described above, the information includes information indicating the license area in which the channel allocation is performed, information indicating the PAL holders in each license area, information indicating the number of PALs held by the PAL holders in each license area, information indicating restrictions at the time of channel allocation, information indicating the relationship between each license area, and the like.

[0256] The determination unit 142 determines the relationship between the license areas based on a predetermined criterion for determining the relationship (S102). This process corresponds to the above-mentioned task of providing an edge connecting the license areas.

[0257] For example, if a first license area and a second license area are adjacent to each other, the first license area and the second license area may be determined to have a relationship. Alternatively, if a downtown area of ​​a third license area is located within a certain distance from the downtown area of ​​the first license area, the first license area and the third license area may be determined to have a relationship.

[0258] If the relationship between license areas does not change dynamically, the relationship between license areas may be determined in advance. In this case, the process of S102 and the determination unit 142 may be omitted.

[0259] The classification unit 143 classifies the multiple license areas into one or more connected sets (first sets) based on the relationship between each of the multiple license areas and the number of PALs that the PAL holder has in each license area (S103). This process corresponds to the task of generating the connected sets described above. The number of PALs that the PAL holder has in each license area can also be said to be the number of channels that the PAL holder uses in each license area.

[0260] For example, the classification unit 143 selects one node whose license area has one or more PALs and classifies it into connected set A. Next, it selects another node whose license area has one or more PALs and classifies the node into connected set A if it has a relationship with a node classified into connected set A, and if it has no relationship, it generates a new connected set B and classifies the node into connected set B. By performing this operation on all nodes whose license area has one or more PALs, these nodes are classified into multiple connected sets.

[0261] The classification unit 143 further classifies the connected set into smaller sub-connected sets (second sets) based on the minimum number of channels owned by PAL holders in each license area included in the connected set (S104). This process corresponds to the task of generating sub-connected sets from the connected set.

[0262] For example, when the minimum value of the first connected set is 2, the classification unit 143 extracts license areas in which the number of channels owned by PAL holders is 3 or more from the first connected set. Then, based on the relationship between the extracted license areas, the classification unit 143 classifies the extracted license areas in the same manner as when the connected set was generated. As a result, the extracted nodes are classified into a plurality of sub-connected sets.

[0263] The allocation condition determination unit 144 determines the number of channels common to the license areas included in the connected set and sub-connected set thus determined (S105). As described above, if the minimum number of channels in the license areas included in the connected set is 2, the allocation condition determination unit 144 sets the number of channels common to the license areas to 2, and if the minimum number is 3, the allocation condition determination unit 144 sets the number of channels common to the license areas to 3. Note that the number may be less than the minimum value depending on the specifications, etc.

[0264] Then, the allocation condition determination unit 144 determines the number of consecutive channels in the determined common channel (S106). As described above, when the number of channels common to the license area is three, two of the channels may be consecutive, or all three may be consecutive.

[0265] In this way, the number of common channels and the number of consecutive channels are determined, and the allocation unit 145 determines channels to be allocated to each PAL holder in each license included in each connected set or sub-connected set so as to satisfy these (S107). The allocation method may be a search method as described above, or a method of narrowing down channel allocation patterns. In this way, a common channel is allocated to each license area included in the connected set or sub-connected set. Also, consecutive channels are allocated in each license area.

[0266] 13 is a schematic flow chart of allocation using a channel allocation pattern. It is assumed that a channel allocation pattern for each license pattern is prepared in advance.

[0267] The allocation unit 145 determines the license pattern for each license area based on the number of PAL holders and the number of PALs of each PAL holder (S201). A license area in which all seven PALs have been auctioned off (i.e., the total number of PALs used by all PAL holders is seven) is one of the above eleven license patterns, and the license pattern is determined based on the number of PALs used by each PAL holder.

[0268] The allocation unit 145 selects a license area in which allocation has not been performed (S202). Note that it is easier to narrow down the channel allocation pattern by giving priority to selecting license areas included in the connected sets and sub-connected sets of each PAL holder.

[0269] In the selected license area, a PAL holder that has not yet been selected is selected (S203), and the channel allocation pattern of the selected license area is narrowed down based on the minimum number of consecutive channels of the connected set and sub-connected set of the selected PAL holder that includes the selected license area (S204).

[0270] After narrowing down the channel allocation patterns, if all PAL holders in the selected license area have not yet been selected (NO in S205), the process returns to S202. If all PAL holders have been selected (YES in S205), a check is made to see if there are any selectable channel allocation patterns.

[0271] If there is no selectable channel allocation pattern (NO in S206), it is determined whether to divide the connected set (S207). For example, the determination is made based on conditions such as whether there is a cut edge in the connected set, whether the number of license areas to which channels have been allocated so far exceeds a threshold, etc. The conditions may be determined in advance. If it is determined that the connected set is to be divided (YES in S208), the classification unit 143 divides the connected set and reclassifies each license area included in the divided connected set (S209).

[0272] Specifically, the classification unit 143 detects two license areas that have a direct relationship but do not have an indirect relationship through other license areas included in the connected set to be divided. In terms of a graph, this means detecting two nodes that are directly connected by an edge but cannot be reached through other nodes, in other words, two nodes that are connected by a cut edge. Then, the classification unit 143 considers that the two detected license areas do not have a direct relationship and performs reclassification. This means cutting the cut edge connecting the two license areas and allocating the license areas included in the connected set before the division to the divided connected set.

[0273] In this way, a connected set in which no channel allocation pattern remains available in all the included licenses is divided. Then, the process returns to the selection of a license area (S202). Note that the channel allocation patterns narrowed down in the selected license area are returned to the state before narrowing down.

[0274] If there is a selectable channel allocation pattern (YES in S206) or if it is determined that the connected set should not be divided (NO in S207), channel allocation is performed for the selected license area (S210). If there is a selectable channel allocation pattern (YES in S206), a channel allocation pattern to be used is selected from the selectable channel allocation patterns based on the allocation results of other license areas belonging to the same connected set or sub-connected set. If there is no selectable channel allocation pattern (NO in S206) and it is determined that the connected set should not be divided (NO in S208), channels that satisfy the recommended regulations as much as possible are allocated regardless of the channel allocation pattern.

[0275] After the channels are assigned, it is confirmed whether channel assignment has been completed for all license areas, and if there are license areas for which channel assignment has not been completed (NO in S211), the process returns to license area selection (S202).Then, the above process is repeated until there are no license areas for which channel assignment has not been completed, and channel assignment is performed for each license area.When channel assignment has been completed for all license areas (YES in S211), this flow ends.

[0276] In this manner, the assigned channels may be transmitted to an external device via the transmission unit 146. Furthermore, the processing results of each component and the assigned channels may be stored in the storage unit 147. Note that when information related to PAL, such as the assigned channels, is stored in the storage unit 147, the storage unit 147 corresponds to the PAL database defined in WINNF-TS-0245 (Non-Patent Document 1).

[0277] The channel allocation process may be performed when the PAL database is constructed, or may be performed dynamically when a frequency management server such as SAS allocates a grant to each base station.

[0278] As described above, channel allocation may be performed by communication control device 130, intermediate device 110C, etc. Also, a device that performs channel allocation may be separate from a device that stores the channel allocation results as a PAL database. Main arrangement examples of channel allocation device 140 in a communication system are shown in Figs. 14 to 16.

[0279] In addition, in Figures 14 to 16, the roles of each device such as SAS, wireless base stations (CBSDs), and domain proxies (DPs) are shown, and the device corresponding to the communication control device 130 shown in Figure 1 is given the reference number 130, and the device corresponding to the communication terminal 110 is given the reference number 110.

[0280] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a network in which a channel allocation device 140 exists alone. In the example of Fig. 14, a channel allocation device (corresponding to a channel allocation and PAL database server in Fig. 14) 140 is provided separately from each SAS. Each SAS obtains information on PAL channel allocation from the channel allocation device 140. In other words, each SAS can share information on PAL channel allocation. Therefore, in this configuration, it becomes possible for multiple SASs to share the allocation of PAL grants to radio base stations (CBSDs).

[0281] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a network configuration when channel allocation is performed by an SAS. In the example of FIG. 15, at least one of a plurality of SASs performs channel allocation as a representative. In the example of FIG. 15, the SAS performing channel allocation is shown as a channel allocation / SAS 150. The results of channel allocation are stored by a PAL Database server 160 that manages information related to PAL. The results of channel allocation are then transmitted from the PAL Database server 160 to another SAS 130. In the example of FIG. 15, the SAS that performed channel allocation is prevented from being overwhelmed with inquiries from other SASs, which would cause a disruption to the original processing of the SAS.

[0282] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a network having a device that performs only channel allocation. In the example of Fig. 16, an entity (i.e., a server) that separately performs PAL coordination such as license leasing, channel allocation, and license coexistence (PAL-PAL Coexistence) is provided, and is shown as a license coordinator 170. The results of channel allocation performed by the entity are stored by the PAL Database server 160 and transmitted to each SAS, similar to the example of Fig. 15. In the example of Fig. 16, it is possible to make the system more tolerant to the load of allocation processing higher than in the example of Fig. 15.

[0283] The server that executes the allocation process in this manner may be determined appropriately depending on the specifications required for the system.

[0284] As described above, the present disclosure has provided a device for determining channel allocation for each area when allocating any channel in a specific frequency band to the same user in multiple areas. The present disclosure makes it possible to realize the recommended provisions, such as allocating a common channel to each license area for the same license holder and having the allocated channels be consecutive, in as many license areas as possible.

[0285] 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.

[0286] In addition, the processing procedures described in the present disclosure, such as the above-mentioned flowcharts, may be regarded as a method having a series of these procedures. Alternatively, they may be regarded as a program for causing a computer to execute the series of procedures, or a recording medium for storing the program. The type of recording medium is not particularly limited, as it does not affect the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0287] The present disclosure can also be configured as follows. [1] A classification unit that classifies the plurality of zones into one or more first sets based on a relationship between each of a plurality of zones in which a specific frequency band can be used and a number of channels of the specific frequency band used by a user of the specific frequency band in each of the plurality of zones; an allocation unit that determines, for each of the first sets, a channel to be allocated to the users in each of the zones included in the first set; A channel allocation device comprising: [2] The allocation unit allocates at least one channel common to each area included in the first set to the user. A channel allocation device as described in [1]. [3] When the minimum number of channels used by the user in each area included in the first set is 2 or more, The allocation unit allocates at least two channels common to each zone included in the first set to the user; When the channels of the specific frequency band are assigned and arranged in the order of the frequency band, the first common channel and the second common channel, which are the common channels, are consecutive. A channel allocation device according to [2]. [4] The classification unit further classifies the areas included in the first set into one or more second sets based at least on a minimum number of channels used by the users in each area included in the first set; The allocation unit determines, for each of the second sets, a channel to be allocated to the users in each area included in the second set. A channel allocation device according to any one of [1] to [3]. [5] The classification unit further classifies the areas included in the first set into one or more second sets based at least on a minimum number of channels used by the users in each area included in the first set; The allocation unit allocates at least one channel common to each area included in the second set to the user in addition to a channel common to each area included in the first set. A channel allocation device according to any one of [1] to [4]. [6] The classification unit further classifies the areas included in the first set into one or more second sets based at least on a minimum number of channels used by the users in each area included in the first set; when a minimum number of channels used by the user in each area included in the second set is two or more, the allocation unit allocates to the user at least two channels common to each area included in the second set in addition to a channel common to each area included in the first set; When the channels of the specific frequency band are assigned and arranged in the order of the frequency band, a third common channel and a fourth common channel, which are channels common to each area included in the second set, are consecutive. A channel allocation device according to any one of [1] to [5]. [7] The relationship is a geographical relationship. A channel allocation device according to any one of [1] to [6]. [8] The classification unit classifies the first area and the second area into the same first set when the number of channels of the specific frequency band used by the user in adjacent first and second areas among the plurality of areas is one or more. A channel allocation device as described in [7]. [9] The classification unit classifies the third and fourth areas into the same first set when a third and fourth area among the plurality of areas are located within a predetermined distance and the number of channels of the specific frequency band used by the user in the third and fourth areas is one or more. A channel allocation device as described in [7].

[10] The allocation unit, Obtaining or generating a channel allocation pattern in the plurality of zones based at least on an upper limit value of a total number of users of the specific frequency band in the plurality of zones and an upper limit value of a number of channels available to each user of the specific frequency band in the plurality of zones; By narrowing down possible allocation patterns in all the zones included in the first set, a channel to be allocated to the user in each zone included in the first set is determined. A channel allocation device according to any one of [1] to [9].

[11] When it is necessary to determine unavailable channels in the specific frequency band, the allocation unit narrows down the allocation pattern by setting the unavailable channels to channels that are common to the multiple zones and are consecutive when the channels of the specific frequency band are allocated and arranged in order of the frequency band. A channel allocation device as described in

[10] .

[12] The classification unit divides the first set into a plurality of sets in which no channel allocation pattern remains that can be taken in any of the included areas; The allocation unit determines channels to be allocated to the users in each area included in the first divided set by narrowing down allocation patterns that can be taken in all areas included in the first divided set. A channel allocation device as described in

[10] .

[13] The classification unit is Identifying a fifth and a sixth area from among the areas in the first set that are directly related to the fifth and sixth areas but are not indirectly related to the fifth and sixth areas through other areas in the first set; Determining the areas to be included in the first sets after division, while considering that the fifth area and the sixth area have no direct relationship. A channel allocation device as described in

[12] .

[14] Classifying the plurality of areas into one or more first sets based on a relationship between each of a plurality of areas in which a specific frequency band can be used and a number of channels of the specific frequency band used by users of the specific frequency band in each of the plurality of areas; determining, for each of the first sets, a channel to be assigned to the users in each of the zones included in the first set; A channel allocation method comprising:

[15] Classifying the plurality of areas into one or more first sets based on a relationship between each of a plurality of areas in which a specific frequency band can be used and a number of channels of the specific frequency band used by users of the specific frequency band in each of the plurality of areas; determining, for each of the first sets, a channel to be assigned to the users in each of the zones included in the first set; A computer program comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0288] 100 Communication Network 110(110A, 110B, 110C) Communication equipment (e.g. CBSDs / DPs) 120 terminals 130 (130A, 130B) Communication control device (e.g. SAS) 140 Channel Allocation Device 141 Acquisition Department 142 Judgment section 143 Classification Department 144 Allocation Condition Determination Unit 145 Allocation Section 146 Transmitter 147 Memory section 150 Channel Allocation and SAS 160 PAL Database Server 170 License Coordinator 201, 202, 203 connected set (first set) 301, 302, 303, 304 nodes (license area) 401, 402 Sub-connected set (second set)

Claims

1. A channel allocation device that allocates channels from a plurality of channels included in a specific frequency band, which is at least a part of a frequency band allocated to a primary system, to a user who has a license to use the specific frequency band, for secondary use of the specific frequency band, comprising: A classification unit that classifies the multiple zones into one or more first sets based on a relationship between each of multiple zones that are subject to secondary use of the specific frequency band and the number of channels for which the user has the license to use the specific frequency band in each of the multiple zones; an allocation unit that determines, for each of the first sets, a channel to be allocated to the user in each of the zones included in the first set; A channel allocation device comprising:

2. The allocation unit allocates at least one channel common to each area included in the first set to the user.

2. The channel allocation device according to claim 1.

3. If the minimum number of channels for which the user has the license in each area included in the first set is 2 or more, The allocation unit allocates at least two channels common to each zone included in the first set to the user; When the channels of the specific frequency band are arranged in the order of the frequency band to which they can be assigned, the first common channel and the second common channel, which are the common channels, are consecutive.

3. The channel allocation device according to claim 2.

4. The classification unit further classifies the areas included in the first set into one or more second sets based at least on a minimum number of channels for which the user has the license in each area included in the first set; The allocation unit determines, for each of the second sets, a channel to be allocated to the users in each area included in the second set.

2. The channel allocation device according to claim 1.

5. The classification unit further classifies the areas included in the first set into one or more second sets based at least on a minimum number of channels for which the user has the license in each area included in the first set; The allocation unit allocates at least one channel common to each area included in the second set to the user in addition to a channel common to each area included in the first set.

2. The channel allocation device according to claim 1.

6. The classification unit further classifies the areas included in the first set into one or more second sets based at least on a minimum number of channels for which the user has the license in each area included in the first set; the allocation unit allocates, to the user, at least two channels common to each of the zones included in the second set, in addition to a channel common to each of the zones included in the first set, when the minimum number of channels for which the user has the license in each of the zones included in the second set is two or more; When the channels of the specific frequency band are arranged in the order of the frequency band to which they can be assigned, a third common channel and a fourth common channel, which are channels common to each area included in the second set, are consecutive.

2. The channel allocation device according to claim 1.

7. The relationship is a geographical relationship.

2. The channel allocation device according to claim 1.

8. The classification unit classifies the first area and the second area into the same first set when the number of channels for which the user has the license is one or more in adjacent first and second areas among the plurality of areas.

8. A channel allocation device according to claim 7.

9. The classification unit classifies the third area and the fourth area into the same first set when a third area and a fourth area among the plurality of areas are present within a predetermined distance and the number of channels for which the user has the license in the third area and the fourth area is one or more.

8. A channel allocation device according to claim 7.

10. The allocation unit, Obtaining or generating a channel allocation pattern in the plurality of zones based at least on an upper limit of a total number of users of the specific frequency band in the plurality of zones and an upper limit of a number of channels for which each user in the plurality of zones has the license; By narrowing down possible allocation patterns in all the zones included in the first set, a channel to be allocated to the user in each zone included in the first set is determined.

2. The channel allocation device according to claim 1.

11. When it is necessary to determine unavailable channels in the specific frequency band, the allocation unit narrows down the allocation pattern by setting the unavailable channels to channels that are common to the multiple zones and are consecutive when the channels of the specific frequency band are arranged in order of the frequency bands to which they can be assigned.

11. A channel allocation device according to claim 10.

12. The classification unit divides the first set into a plurality of sets in which no possible allocation patterns remain in all of the areas included therein; The allocation unit determines channels to be allocated to the users in each of the areas included in the first divided set by narrowing down allocation patterns that can be taken in all of the areas included in the first divided set.

11. A channel allocation device according to claim 10.

13. The classification unit includes: Identifying a fifth and a sixth area from among the areas in the first set that are directly related to the fifth and sixth areas but are not indirectly related to the fifth and sixth areas through other areas in the first set; Determining the areas to be included in the first sets after division, while considering that the fifth area and the sixth area have no direct relationship.

13. A channel allocation device according to claim 12.

14. A channel allocation method for allocating channels from a plurality of channels included in a specific frequency band, which is at least a part of a frequency band allocated to a primary system, to a user having a license for use of the specific frequency band for secondary use, the method comprising: Classifying the multiple zones into one or more first sets based on a relationship between each of the multiple zones that are subject to secondary use of the specific frequency band and the number of channels for which the user has the license to use the specific frequency band in each of the multiple zones; for each of said first sets, determining a channel to be assigned to said users in each zone included in said first set; A channel allocation method comprising:

15. A computer program for causing a computer to execute the program, which allocates channels from a plurality of channels included in a specific frequency band, which is at least a part of a frequency band allocated to a primary system, to a user who has a license to use the specific frequency band, for secondary use of the specific frequency band, comprising: Classifying the multiple zones into one or more first sets based on a relationship between each of the multiple zones that are subject to secondary use of the specific frequency band and the number of channels for which the user has the license to use the specific frequency band in each of the multiple zones; for each of said first sets, determining a channel to be assigned to said users in each zone included in said first set; A computer program comprising:

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