Dynamic Cellular Network Spectrum Sharing

Abstract

Various configurations are presented for allocating spectrum between a cellular network provider and a secondary carrier. A cellular network component of the secondary carrier can determine that spectrum is not currently needed by a secondary carrier radio unit (RU). The cellular network component of the secondary carrier can release the spectrum for use by the cellular network carrier and prevent the secondary carrier RU from using the released spectrum. The cellular network carrier RU can then communicate with a first set of user equipment (UE) using the released spectrum. The secondary carrier RU and the cellular network carrier RU can be co-located.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 104,981, filed on October 23, 2020, entitled "DYNAMIC SPECTRUM SHARING", and claims the priority of U.S. Non - Provisional Patent Application No. 17 / 192,182, filed on March 4, 2021, entitled "DYNAMIC CELLULAR NETWORK SPECTRUM SHARING", the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0002] This application is related to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 192,176, filed on the same day as this application, entitled "SECONDARY OPERATOR INTEGRATION WITH A CELLULAR CORE NETWORK", the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Background Art

[0003] In 4G Long - Term Evolution (LTE) cellular networks and earlier - generation cellular networks, it was difficult to allocate a defined amount of network resources to a specific entity or group of user devices. However, in later - generation cellular networks such as 5G New Radio (NR) cellular networks, network slices can be defined. A network slice can effectively function as a virtual network with its own logical topology, security rules, and performance characteristics that operate within the limitations of the underlying physical network.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] Various embodiments will be described in relation to a method for allocating spectrum between a cellular network provider and a secondary communications carrier. In some embodiments, a method for allocating spectrum between a cellular network provider and a secondary communications carrier is described. The method can include determining by a component of the secondary communications carrier that the spectrum in a secondary communications carrier radio unit (RU) may not currently be needed. The secondary communications carrier RU may be connected to the cellular network of the cellular network provider. The method is for the component of the secondary communications carrier to release the spectrum for use by the cellular network carrier, including releasing it such that the secondary communications carrier RU cannot use the released spectrum. The method can include communicating by the cellular network carrier RU with a first set of user equipment (UE) using the released spectrum. The secondary communications carrier RU and the cellular network carrier RU may be co-located. The cellular network carrier RU may be connected to the cellular network of the cellular network provider. The cellular network can route communications from the secondary communications carrier RU to a secondary communications carrier network different from the cellular network. The method is for the component of the secondary communications carrier to reclaim the spectrum, including reclaiming it such that the cellular network carrier cannot use the reclaimed spectrum. The method can include communicating by the secondary communications carrier RU with a second set of UE using the reclaimed spectrum.

[0005] Embodiments of such a method can include one or more of the following features: Releasing the spectrum for use by a cellular network operator may include the secondary communication operator RU activating a first bandwidth part (BWP) definition that excludes the use of the spectrum in a second set of UEs. Recovering the spectrum for use by a cellular network operator may include the secondary communication operator RU activating a second BWP definition that includes the use of at least a portion of the spectrum in a second set of UEs. The method may further include processing the communication of the secondary communication operator RU using a data center operated by the secondary communication operator. The data center may be different from the cellular network of the cellular network provider. Communicating with a second set of UEs using the recovered spectrum may include the secondary communication operator RU routing the communication to the data center via a distributed unit (DU) that can communicate with the cellular network operator RU and the secondary communication operator RU. The DU may be operated by the cellular network operator. The cellular network RU may communicate with the DU as part of a first cellular network slice, and the secondary communication operator RU may communicate with the DU as a second cellular network slice. The cellular network may be a 5G New Radio (NR) cellular network. Determining that the spectrum may not be currently needed at the secondary communication operator RU may be based on comparing a first amount of spectrum usage to a first threshold for a first defined period. The method may further include determining that the spectrum may be needed at the secondary communication operator RU based on comparing a second amount of spectrum usage to a second threshold for a second defined period. After the spectrum has been released, but before it can be recovered, the spectrum may continue to be used by another secondary communication operator RU in a different geographic area. The secondary communication operator RU and the cellular network operator RU may be attached to the same communication tower.

[0006] In some embodiments, a cellular network system is described. The system can include a cellular network operated by a cellular network provider. The system can include a secondary communication carrier radio unit (RU) operated by a secondary communication carrier. The system can include a secondary communication carrier network that communicates with the cellular network operated by the cellular network provider. The network can be configured to determine that the spectrum assigned to the secondary communication carrier RU may not be currently needed. The network can be configured to release the spectrum for use by the cellular network carrier, and prevent the secondary communication carrier RU from using the released spectrum. After the spectrum is released, the network can be configured to reclaim the spectrum at a certain time, and prevent the cellular network carrier from using the reclaimed spectrum. The network may be configured to communicate with a second set of UEs using the reclaimed spectrum. The system can include a cellular network carrier RU configured to communicate with a first set of user equipment (UEs) using the released spectrum. The secondary communication carrier RU and the cellular network carrier RU may be co-located. The secondary communication carrier RU and the cellular network carrier RU can each communicate with the cellular network of the cellular network provider. The cellular network can route communications from the secondary communication carrier RU to the secondary communication carrier network.

[0007] Embodiments of such a method can include one or more of the following features: The secondary carrier network can be configured to release spectrum for use by the cellular network carrier. This can include the secondary carrier RU being configured to activate a first bandwidth part (BWP) definition that excludes the use of the spectrum in a second set of UEs. The secondary carrier network can be configured to reclaim the spectrum for use by the cellular network carrier. This can include the secondary carrier RU being configured to activate a second BWP definition that includes the use of at least a portion of the spectrum in a second set of UEs. The secondary carrier network can be further configured to process the communication of the secondary carrier RUs using a data center operated by the secondary carrier. The data center can be different from the cellular network of the cellular network provider. Communicating with the second set of UEs using the reclaimed spectrum can include the secondary carrier RU routing the communication to the data center via a distributed unit (DU) that can communicate with both the cellular network carrier RU and the secondary carrier RU. The DU can be operated by the cellular network carrier. The cellular network RU can communicate with the DU as part of a first cellular network slice, and the secondary carrier RU can communicate with the DU as part of a second cellular network slice. The cellular network can include a 5G New Radio (NR) cellular core network. After the spectrum has been released but before it can be reclaimed, the spectrum can continue to be used by another secondary carrier RU in a different geographical area. The secondary carrier RU and the cellular network carrier RU can be attached to the same cellular communication tower.

[0008] By referring to the following drawings, the nature and advantages of various embodiments can be further understood. In the accompanying drawings, similar components or features may have the same reference labels. Furthermore, various components of the same type can be distinguished by following the reference label with a dash and a second label that distinguishes between similar components. When only the first reference label is used in this specification, the description applies to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label, regardless of the second reference label.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Using cellular network slicing, a secondary communications provider different from the cellular network's network communications provider can have the autonomy to control a defined cellular network slice. As detailed herein, the secondary communications provider can use a dedicated radio unit (RU) to communicate through components of the cellular network of the network communications provider to communicate with the secondary communications provider's network. Such a configuration gives the secondary communications provider autonomy and can effectively operate a (virtual) cellular network without having to completely build its own cellular network.

[0011] By using a dedicated RU, the secondary communications provider is given considerable autonomy over how it operates its network slice. As one possible example, the dedicated RU can perform upstream (from the UE towards the cellular network) payload encryption and / or downstream (from the cellular network towards the UE) decryption. When communication is routed through the cellular network to the secondary communications provider's network and the secondary communications provider's RU, this communication can remain encrypted except to the extent necessary for data routing. Thus, none of the secondary communications provider's data is exposed on the cellular network or to the cellular network's communications provider. Further, since the encryption and decryption are handled either by the secondary communications provider's network or the secondary communications provider's RU or UE, the cellular network does not even need to care about the type of encryption method or scrambling used for the secondary communications provider's payload.

[0012] Such a configuration may be particularly useful for secondary communication operators that require a high level of security or privacy. As an example, the military may want to have its own virtual cellular network without having to build out a complete cellular network. The military can install RUs that use various components of the civilian communication operator's cellular network in the desired area, as detailed herein. The military can have a defined cellular network slice, and communications made using the cellular network are routed between the military's network and the military's RUs by the cellular network. The military's network can adequately manage UE prioritization, UE bandwidth allocation, provided cellular services, encryption, and UE configuration within the military-only cellular network slice.

[0013] In some embodiments, the RUs operated by the secondary communication operator may be used in conjunction with two (or more) cellular network slices. Depending on the particular cellular network slice used for communication with the UE, the cellular network of the cellular network communication operator can route data differently to the secondary communication operator's network. The secondary communication operator may further be permitted to manage the UE as to which cellular network slice to allocate the UE to. For example, one cellular network slice can be used for ultra-secure communications while a second cellular network slice is used for relatively less secure communications. Additionally, or alternatively, the UE can connect to a cellular network slice operated by the cellular network communication operator. The command to use this cellular network slice may be made by the UE's communication operator or the command may be sent to the UE by the secondary communication operator's network.

[0014] In some situations, a secondary communications provider may not need to use all of the spectrum and / or bandwidth of a cellular network slice assigned to the secondary communications provider in a given geographical area at a given time. The secondary communications provider may temporarily release resources such as spectrum, bandwidth, and / or processing resources for allowable use by another cellular network slice. For example, a secondary communications provider may have rights to a particular spectrum in a given area. If the secondary communications provider does not need that spectrum, the secondary communications provider's network can send a command to the cellular network operator's cellular network indicating that the spectrum is at least temporarily available for use. While available, the cellular network operator may change the bandwidth part (BWP) definition (or active BWP definition) used for the cellular network slice it operates to utilize the available spectrum from the secondary communications provider. When the secondary communications provider reclaims the spectrum, the cellular network operator can change the BWP definition or active BWP profile for the UE again so that the spectrum is reserved for the secondary communications provider again. Such a configuration requirement allows the secondary communications provider to maintain its ability to use its reserved spectrum and / or bandwidth, but allows this spectrum and / or bandwidth to be used by another communications provider when it is not needed by the secondary communications provider.

[0015] Further details regarding these and other embodiments are presented in connection with the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a cellular network system 100. The cellular network system 100 can be operated by a cellular network communications carrier (also referred to as a cellular network provider). The cellular network communications carrier may be a commercial entity that permits subscribers to access the cellular network using a UE in exchange for a subscription or on a flat-fee basis. The cellular network 110 can include both a cellular access network and a cellular core network. The cellular network 110 can include the following: a National Data Center (NDC) 115; a Central Unit (CU) 120; a Distributed Unit (DU) 125; and a Radio Unit (RU) 130. The cellular access network can be defined as including the RU 130, the DU 125, and the CU 120. The cellular core network can be defined as including the NDC 115. The cellular network 110 can represent a 5G New Radio (NR) cellular network, or more specifically, a "standalone" 5G cellular network. Thus, the cellular core network can be a 5G Core (5GC) network. The cellular network 110 can operate according to an Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) cloud-native architecture that enables mobile fronthaul, midhaul, and backhaul to be implemented using the principles of cloud computing. Thus, rather than using specialized hardware to perform access network and core network functionality, the functions of the cellular network 110 are performed using more general-purpose server systems that run specialized software or firmware. Additionally, or alternatively, the cellular network 110 may be native 5G compliant with the 3GPP (registered trademark) 5G standard.

[0016] RUs such as RU130-1 function as an interface between a cellular network 110 and wireless radio-based communication with a UE 140. RU130-1 handles the transmission and reception of wireless communication with the UE 140 via one or more antennas arranged on a communication tower 135-1. RU130-1 can be arranged on or near the communication tower 135-1. RU130-1 handles the transmission and reception of data according to a specific wireless communication protocol, such as 3G, 4G LTE, 5G NR, or some future technology such as 6G or later. As shown in FIG. 1, RU130-1 is connected using one or more antennas arranged on the communication tower 135-1 and is currently communicating with the UE 140. Cellular network traffic for the UE 140 can occur on a specific cellular network slice between the RU130-1 and the DU125-1. RU130-2 is communicating with other UEs via one or more antennas on the communication tower 135-2. In some embodiments, structures other than communication towers, such as buildings and bridges, may be used to mount the antennas. Group 141 indicates that the UE 140 communicates on the cellular network 110 using a single cellular network slice.

[0017] Multiple RUs can communicate with a single DU, such as DU125-1. A DU such as DU125-1 functions as a logical node of the cellular network between the RU and a CU such as CU120-1. DU125-1 can implement various functions that can be customized based on a specific cellular network. For example, DU125-1 can operate aspects of the Physical (PHY) layer in conjunction with the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, and the connected DU and CU. DU125-2 can also communicate with CU120-1. It should be noted that multiple RUs communicating with a single DU may be made by different manufacturers. Since the cellular network operates according to O-RAN, the cellular network can accommodate RUs of different products / models. Therefore, a secondary telecommunications operator is not restricted to using RUs of a specific product / model.

[0018] CU120-1 may function to operate different layers from DU125. Again, the specific functions and layers handed over by CU120 can be customized based on a specific cellular network. For example, CU120 can operate the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer and the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer. Viewed another way, a gNodeB can include one CU and at least one DU. The CU can also be referred to as the local data center of the cellular network 110. In the hierarchical structure of the cellular network, the CU may be between DU125 and a national or centralized data center. RU130, DU125, and CU120 may be connected using high-speed optical fiber communication.

[0019] CU120 may communicate with the NDC115 of the cellular network 110. Depending on the architecture of the cellular network 110, various other networks such as the Internet 117 and / or network 119, which may be any other public or private network, may be accessed via the NDC115. In other embodiments, such networks may be accessible via the CU120 and / or DU125.

[0020] UE140 can represent various forms of devices that can communicate using a cellular network. For example, smartphones, cellular modems, wireless sensor devices, access points (APs), and gaming devices can function as UE140. Collectively, UE140 may be allocated to a specific cellular network slice. Therefore, the fronthaul (data transmission between RU130 and DU125), midhaul (data transmission between DU125 and CU120), and backhaul (data transmission between CU120 and NDC115) may be performed by the cellular network 110 using the cellular network slice to which UE140 is allocated. If there are other cellular network slices, these physical resources may be reserved for UEs associated with the other cellular network slices.

[0021] Figure 1 shows a simplified embodiment of a cellular network. It should be understood that in reality, a much more extensive network may exist with a large number of communication towers, RU130, DU125, and CU120. The cellular network can be a native 5G NR cellular network that uses 5G NR for both communication with UEs and for the cellular network 110. However, other cellular technologies are also possible.

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a cellular network operated by a single cellular network operator, while FIG. 2 shows a secondary communications operator that relies on the access and / or core network of the cellular network operator for at least some functionality and communication. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a cellular network 200 with advanced secondary communications operator control. The cellular network 200 is an embodiment of a cellular network system 100 in which a cellular network slice on the cellular network is allocated to the secondary communications operator.

[0023] In the cellular network 200, the secondary communications operator maintains its own RU 230 and other network components such as the local data center (LDC) 210 and the national data center (NDC) 205 as part of the secondary communications operator network 211. Notably, the secondary communications operator does not operate all the components necessary to operate an independent cellular network. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the secondary communications operator does not operate its own DU or CU.

[0024] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the secondary communications operator does not operate its own DU or CU, but the secondary communications operator maintains full operational control of the LDC 210, NDC 205, and RU 230, which are part of the secondary communications operator network 211. By having control of its own RU 230, the secondary communications operator has control over UE prioritization, radio access technology (RAT), bandwidth allocation, BWP definition for its spectrum, data encryption, and others as discussed below.

[0025] The secondary communication operator's LDC210 can communicate with the components of the cellular network operator's cellular network (e.g., via an optical fiber link). For clarity, the secondary communication operator and the cellular network operator are separate entities. For example, the cellular network operator may be a commercial entity, and the secondary communication operator may be a separate commercial entity (e.g., a casino) or a government entity (e.g., the military). In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the LDC210 communicates with the CU120-1. The secondary communication operator has a designated cellular network slice on the cellular network 110. Thus, a specific amount of the physical communication and processing resources of the cellular network 110 can be reserved for the secondary communication operator. The secondary communication operator can audit, manage, and interpret operation-related and security logs on its designated network slice. By having a designated network slice, the secondary communication operator can perform advanced analysis, including behavior pattern analysis, including AI-based analysis of its communication traffic. In the secondary communication operator's cellular network slice, the secondary communication operator can implement various security controls, including but not limited to: UE protection; denial of service (DoS) protection; identification and access management; anomaly detection; endpoint protection; authentication lifecycle management; firewall / gateway; container security; zero-trust architecture; mutual authentication; management of network function communication; and an integrated security incident and event management platform.

[0026] The RU230 may be installed, maintained, and / or configured by a secondary communication operator. The RU230 may be installed on the same communication tower or structure as the RU130-1, or on a different communication tower or structure. The RU230 is capable of communicating at a frequency different from that of the RU130-1. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the frequencies used by the RU230 for communication with the UE are the same as the frequencies at which the RU130-1 can communicate with the UE140. The RU230 communicates with a UE240 associated with the secondary communication operator. The secondary communication operator has full operational control over the authentication of the UE240 for accessing the secondary communication operator's network via the RU230 and the LDC210.

[0027] The characteristics of how communication with the UE240 is handled can be set using the secondary communication operator's NDC205 and / or LDC210 via the RU230. Specifically, the secondary communication operator can control the respective priorities of the UE240, the amount of bandwidth allocated to each of the UE240, and / or the cellular services provided to each of the UE240. The secondary communication operator can control and optimize the use of the radio resources allocated to the UE240 based on the services supported and optimized for each application made possible by the secondary communication operator. The optimization can take into account any number of variables including, but not limited to, application performance, date and time, and the geographical location of the UE240.

[0028] It should be noted that the RU230 of the secondary communication operator cannot communicate directly with the LDC210. Rather, the secondary communication operator relies at least in part on the access network and / or core network of the cellular network communication operator. The RU230 communicates with the DU125-1, and then the DU125-1 communicates with the CU120-1. The DU125-1 and the CU120-1 can perform appropriate processing and management of the data required for the RU230, similar to that achieved for the RU130-1. However, because the UE240 operates as part of a second cellular network slice (as indicated by the group 241), separate from the cellular network slice used by the cellular network to serve the group 141, the CU120-1 routes all cellular network traffic belonging to these UEs to the LDC210.

[0029] For a UE operating as part of group 241 allocated to the second cellular network slice, packet-based communication between RU230, DU125-1, and CU120-1 may be partially encrypted. Data and / or voice information may be encrypted / decrypted by UE240 and / or by RU230. No other component of the DU, CU, or cellular network 110 can decrypt this information. RU230 may leave the addressing and / or other information outside the data payload unencrypted so that the encrypted data can be routed by the cellular network to LDC210. LDC210 and / or NDC205 may be configured to perform encryption / decryption. Thus, the data of the secondary service provider can remain encrypted while being transmitted and to some extent while being processed by the cellular network 110. Arrow 245 represents that the data payload can be transmitted in an encrypted form between RU230 and LDC210 without being decrypted. In other embodiments, the data payload can be transmitted between LDC210 and UE240 in an encrypted form as part of the cellular network slice without decryption therebetween.

[0030] Not only is end-to-end encryption possible between RU230 (or UE240) and LDC210, but the specific radio access technology (RAT) used by RU230 remains independent of RU130 and the rest of the cellular network 110. Thus, the secondary service provider can independently use a GSM, 3G, 4G LTE, 5G NR, 6G, or some other or future RAT that is different from the RAT used by RU130-1 and the rest of the cellular network 110.

[0031] As shown, CU120-1 communicates with LDC210. This architecture is shown by way of example. One or more connections may be presented additionally or alternatively between NDC115 and NDC205, or between DU125-1 and LDC210.

[0032] The secondary communications provider may have a dedicated cellular network slice on the cellular network 110 such that a defined amount of the hardware resources of DU125 and CU120, and / or the communication resources between DU125 and CU120, are reserved for the secondary communications provider. If such processing / network resources are not needed, the resources may be released to the original cellular network 110 for use for one or more other cellular network slices. For example, if the secondary communications provider is the military, full use of its cellular network slice is only needed occasionally. When not needed, the processing / network resources may be used by the cellular network operator to improve performance for its commercial customers. In some embodiments, a specific order or "lease" for the reserved hardware resources of the secondary communications provider's cellular network slice needs to be received from the secondary communications provider by the cellular network 110 to permit use of the resources in conjunction with another cellular network slice.

[0033] Additionally, or alternatively, the spectrum reserved for use by RU230 may be released by the secondary operator if not needed. This spectrum may be used by the cellular network operator's RU130-1 for commercial purposes. NDC205 or LDC210 may provide a spectrum lease to components of the cellular network 110 for spectrum not required by RU230. (It should be noted that in another geographical area away from RU230, the secondary operator may still be using this spectrum.) The cellular network may then be permitted to use this spectrum until the time indicated in the lease. RU130-1 transmits the bandwidth part (BWP) definition to the UE140 indicating the spectrum made available through the lease. In some embodiments, LDC210 and / or NDC205 are permitted to reclaim (or cancel the lease) at any time.

[0034] In some embodiments, additional cellular network components may be operated by the secondary operator. For example, in addition to RU230, the secondary operator may maintain its own DU. Communication traffic for the secondary operator's cellular network slice may be processed using the secondary operator's DU instead of DU125-1. The secondary operator's DU may remain in communication with CU120-1 and may still rely on CU120-1 for interface with components of the secondary operator's network. Thus, for example, if the secondary operator uses its own DU, it can rely on the cellular network operator's cellular network for midhole and backhole functions.

[0035] Although further components of the secondary communication operator's network are not shown, it should be understood that the routing and transmission of communications from UE240 can extend beyond LDC210 and / or NDC205. For example, communications of the UE of UE240 may be routed to another UE of the secondary communication operator that is communicating with LDC210 or NDC205 via another CU, DU, or RU. Additionally, LDC210 and / or NDC205 may be connected to a public (e.g., Internet) or private network capable of exchanging data with UE240.

[0036] Figure 3 is a block diagram of another embodiment of a cellular network 300 with advanced secondary communication operator control. Cellular network 300 can represent a more detailed embodiment of cellular network 200. In cellular network 300, RU230 operated by the secondary communication operator serves two cellular network slices. Each of these cellular network slices belongs to the secondary communication operator, but cellular network 110 treats each cellular network independently as different. Group 241 represents that UE240-1, 240-3, and 342 operate in the first cellular network slice of the secondary communication operator, while group 341 represents that UE340 operates in the second cellular network slice of the secondary communication operator. Each of these cellular network slices may be associated with different amounts of bandwidth and processing resources of cellular network 110 (or the slices may be allocated equal shares of the available physical resources).

[0037] Thanks to group 241 being on the first cellular network slice of the secondary communications carrier, cellular network 110 routes communications differently. Arrow 245 represents that upstream and downstream communications for the first cellular network slice are routed between RU230 of the secondary communications carrier and LDC210 via DU125-1. In contrast, the second cellular network slice is routed differently. Arrow 345 represents that upstream and downstream communications for the second cellular network slice are routed between RU230 of the secondary communications carrier and NDC205 via DU125-1, CU120-1, and NDC115. These two possible routes are merely examples of how different cellular network slices of a secondary communications carrier can be routed to different parts of the secondary communications carrier's network via various nodes of the cellular network operated by the cellular network provider.

[0038] In addition to being routed differently, other characteristics of the first and second cellular network slices can be managed differently by the secondary communications carrier. Different types of cryptography can be used for the first and second cellular network slices. For one of the cellular network slices, encryption / decryption may be handled by the UE, while for the other cellular network slice, encryption / decryption may be handled by RU230.

[0039] NDC205 is illustrated in FIG. 3 as functioning as a gateway to network 319 and the Internet 117. The UE may be allocated to the second cellular network slice based on UE340 which is used to access the Internet 117 and / or network 319.

[0040] If the UE has the ability to communicate in the spectrum used by RU130-1 and RU230, the UE may be permitted to switch the use between the cellular network slice of the secondary communication operator and any one of the cellular network slices of the cellular network communication operator. As an example, a UE used by the military may be switched to the cellular network slice of the cellular network communication operator when used for non-military purposes or when the cellular network slice of the secondary communication operator is experiencing high traffic. Furthermore, a UE that can communicate using the spectrum used by RU230, RU130-1, and other RUs of the cellular network communication operator can roam in a geographical area without an RU installed by the secondary communication operator. Therefore, if available, the UE can use the RU of the secondary communication operator and may be able to roam across the network of the cellular network communication operator.

[0041] Furthermore, in a specific geographical area, the secondary communication operator can have the spectrum reserved for its use and may have one or more installed RUs that can utilize such spectrum for communication with the UE, but other factors may require that such spectrum not be used for communication between the UE and RU230. For example, the secondary communication operator may operate a radar that uses at least a portion of the spectrum. Simultaneous use of the spectrum for communication with the UE may not be possible due to interference caused by the radar. Therefore, for communication, the UE may switch to communication with RU130-1 that uses a different spectrum.

[0042] The multi-mode UE 342 represents a UE that can operate in the spectrum used by both RU130-1 and RU230. In response to a command from a user (e.g., flipping a switch or some other physical actuation, providing a software command), the multi-mode UE 342 can transition from functioning as part of group 241 using the first cellular network slice of a secondary communications carrier to functioning as part of group 141 using the cellular network slice of a cellular network communications carrier. In some embodiments, instead of the user of the multi-mode UE 342 making the change, a command may be received from the LDC 210, the NDC 205, or some other component of the secondary communications carrier's network. In some embodiments, the LDC 210, the NDC 205, or some other component of the secondary communications carrier's network may monitor the respective performance of the secondary communications carrier's cellular network slices. If a threshold amount of RF spectrum, bandwidth, or processing capacity of one (or more) of the secondary communications carrier's cellular network slices is being used, one or more UEs may transition to the cellular network slice of the cellular network provider. This may involve commands sent to the UE (e.g., the multi-mode UE 342) that change characteristics such as the active BWP definition in the UE. Through the network of the cellular network provider, the secondary communications carrier can continue to send commands to the UE, such as a command to transition the UE back to the original secondary communications carrier's cellular network slice. Using such a configuration, the secondary communications carrier can utilize the capacity of the cellular network slice of the cellular network communications carrier when necessary.

[0043] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a total of three cellular network slices are presented. In other embodiments, multiple secondary communication carriers may have cellular network slices, there may be a greater number of cellular network slices, and it should be understood that the cellular network carrier and / or secondary communication carriers can operate different numbers of cellular network slices. Furthermore, the specific architecture of the secondary communication carrier's network and / or the cellular network 110 may vary. Additionally, the components of the cellular network 110 having communication links with the components of the secondary communication carrier network 211 can be diverse.

[0044] Entities in various forms can function as secondary communication operators, but in two specific types of entities, such useful configurations are found. First, government entities such as the military may desire significant autonomy in operating their own virtual cellular networks. Security may be of utmost importance. Having the ability to implement encryption that cannot be decrypted by the operation of its own RUs and the cellular network of commercial communication operators can be particularly useful for government entities. Another type of entity that may desire significant autonomy is a casino. Casinos require advanced monitoring capabilities to detect cheaters and illegal activities. Implementing cellular-based devices (as opposed to Wi-Fi-based devices) can enhance security. Furthermore, by operating its own RUs, a casino may reduce the possibility of hackers accessing information through the cellular network of the cellular service provider and may be able to further customize and improve security. In such embodiments, the LDC or NDC of the secondary communication operator may be directly placed on-site in the casino or may be connected to a DU that serves one or more RUs of a nearby casino. Such a configuration may benefit various other forms of commercial entities that require significant security and / or flexibility in the operation of cellular network slices.

[0045] Furthermore, as detailed above, such government and non-government entities can lease or release resources (e.g., spectrum, bandwidth, processing power) to the original cellular network carrier if not needed. Alternatively, if the cellular network carrier detects resources not being used on a cellular network slice, the cellular network provider may be permitted to use such resources until needed by a secondary carrier. Such a configuration allows a secondary carrier to reserve capacity that may be needed occasionally during peak loads, while allowing such resources to be used efficiently otherwise when there is no peak load.

[0046] Using the embodiments of the system detailed in FIGS. 1-3, various methods can be implemented. FIG. 4 is a diagram of an embodiment of method 400 for operating a cellular network with advanced secondary carrier control. Method 400 can be implemented using various embodiments of cellular network 200 or cellular network 300 of FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively. Method 400 may involve both a cellular network carrier and a separate and different secondary carrier that partially relies on the cellular network carrier's cellular network.

[0047] In block 405, a first set of one or more UEs communicates with a first RU connected to the cellular network. The first RU can be used as a radio interface for the cellular network carrier, such as to communicate with UEs operated by end-user customers of the cellular network carrier. The RU can communicate with the UEs via one or more antennas, which are typically attached to a fixed mounting location such as a building, communication tower, or bridge. Mobile locations are also possible for the RU and / or antennas, such as a vehicle trailer, UAV, or some other location intended to provide temporary service to a geographic area.

[0048] In block 410, a second set of one or more UEs communicates with a second RU connected to the cellular network. The second RU can be used as a radio interface for UEs of a secondary communications operator. This second RU may be owned, maintained, and / or operated by the secondary communications operator. The RU can communicate with UEs of the secondary communications operator via one or more antennas that may be the same as or different from the antennas of block 405. The second RU can be co-located with the first RU, such as being housed together in one base station or attached to the same communication tower. The second RU in block 410 can operate using the same or a different RAT than the first RU. The second RU may operate using a frequency spectrum different from the first RU, a frequency spectrum overlapping with the first RU, or the same frequency spectrum as the first RU. In the case of overlapping or being the same, only one of the RUs can use a particular portion of the frequency spectrum at a given time to avoid interference.

[0049] In block 415, communication with the second set of UEs may be controlled by a secondary communication provider based on a set of parameters and / or characteristics via the secondary communication provider's network. The secondary communication provider's network may update these parameters and characteristics by communicating with the second RU and the UEs through one or more components of the cellular network provider's cellular network. Thus, the secondary communication provider operates its own secondary network and the second RU, but the secondary communication provider relies on one or more components of the cellular network provider's cellular network for cellular network services and / or communication between the secondary network and the second RU. Examples of parameters and characteristics that can be controlled include: how to authenticate the UEs; which UEs to authenticate; the priority of each UE; the amount of bandwidth given to each UE; the encryption method used by each UE; the cellular services given to each UE (e.g., SMS, MMS, data services, voice services, voicemail, etc.); (if the secondary communication provider operates multiple cellular network slices) which cellular network slice to allocate the UEs to; and the active BWP in each UE. The resource allocation to support the UEs can be dynamically optimized to support the service levels required by each application supported by the network and the UEs. Policy management, enforcement, traffic shaping, packet loss, jitter, handover performance, latency, and spatio-temporal service objectives can each be considered in the provision and control of communication to and from the UEs. As part of block 415, the second RU may perform encryption and decryption, respectively, of communication to and from the UEs.

[0050] In block 420, in the first cellular network slice, communication with the first set of UEs is performed between the cellular network and the first set of UEs using the first RU. None of these communications can be performed using any components specific to the secondary communication operator, such as the second RU or the network of the secondary communication operator. The network communication operator of the cellular network controls the parameters and characteristic sets in the UEs and the first RU. Similar to the secondary communication operator, the network communication operator can control the following: the priority of each UE in the first set; the amount of bandwidth given to each UE; the encryption method (if any) used by each UE in the first set; the cellular service given to each UE in the first set; (if the secondary communication operator operates multiple cellular network slices) to which cellular network slice to allocate the UE; and the active BWP in each UE in the first set.

[0051] In block 425, communication between a second set of UEs on a second cellular network slice of a secondary communication provider is routed through the cellular network between a second RU and the secondary communication provider's network. Thus, at least one component of the access and / or core network of the cellular network provider, such as a DU, CU, and / or NDC, is used to process and / or route communication traffic between the second RU and the secondary communication provider's network. This communication traffic may remain encrypted while on the cellular network provider's cellular network, except for the portion of data necessary for addressing (e.g., the packet header). As an example, the second RU may communicate with a DU of the cellular network that communicates with an LDC of the secondary communication provider. As another example, the second RU may communicate with a DU also operated by the secondary communication provider. The DU of the secondary communication provider may communicate with a CU of the cellular network that communicates with an LDC or NDC of the secondary communication provider. The cellular network communication provider and the cellular network may not be able to decrypt such data. Rather, encryption / decryption is handled by a component of the secondary communication provider's network and either the second RU or the second set of UEs.

[0052] In block 430, the secondary communication provider's network can appropriately handle communication between a second set of UEs handled by the second RU. Such handling can include functioning as a gateway to a network (e.g., the Internet, a private network) that is the target of providing communication services (e.g., a phone call, text) to some other UE or device that the UE is attempting to communicate with. From the perspective of the cellular network, the exact services provided to the second set of UEs by the secondary communication provider's network may not be determinable, especially if the communication traffic is encrypted. From the perspective of the cellular network, the bandwidth and processing resources may be physically limited according to the second cellular network slice. Otherwise, the characteristics of the communication traffic may be unknown.

[0053] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an embodiment of method 500 for operating a cellular network that uses dynamic spectrum sharing between a secondary communications carrier and a cellular network communications carrier. Method 500 can be implemented using various embodiments of cellular network 200 or cellular network 300 of FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively. Method 500 focuses on the release and reclamation of spectrum resources, but additionally or alternatively, method 500 can be applied to access network and / or core network resources reserved based on a cellular network slice such as fronthaul, midhaul, and / or backhaul bandwidth, and / or processing resources in various components of the cellular network. Further, method 500 focuses on a secondary communications carrier releasing resources for temporary use by a cellular network communications carrier, but in other embodiments, a secondary communications carrier may release resources that can be used by another secondary communications carrier (e.g., one government entity may release resources that will be used by another government entity). Method 500 may involve both a cellular network communications carrier and a separate and different secondary communications carrier that partially relies on the cellular network communications carrier's cellular network.

[0054] In block 501, a determination can be made to indicate spectrum that is not currently needed, such as by a component of the secondary communications carrier's network (or by an authorized user of the secondary communications carrier's network). This determination may be made based on the amount of radio resources (e.g., resource blocks) used over time, compared to a threshold, by a RU of the secondary provider or some higher-order component. For example, if less than 50% of the available radio resources over a defined period are not being used, a certain percentage of such available radio resources may be released.

[0055] In block 505, the spectrum may be released by the network of the secondary communications carrier. Block 505 can include the network of the secondary communications carrier activating or defining a new BWP definition so that the UEs of the secondary communications carrier do not use the spectrum scheduled for release. A command that the spectrum is available in a specific geographical area, such as for at least a defined period, may be sent to the cellular network carrier. Note that the secondary communications carrier can continue to use that spectrum via other RUs in other geographical areas. For example, the spectrum may be released only along the east coast of Florida, while it may be reserved for use by the RU by the secondary communications carrier on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Only the spectrum that can be utilized by the UEs and / or RUs of the cellular service provider may be released.

[0056] In block 510, the first RU of the cellular network carrier can communicate with the UEs managed by the cellular network carrier using the released spectrum. Block 510 can be accompanied by an updated BWP definition that is transmitted to and / or activated thereby for the UEs of the cellular network carrier so that the spectrum released by the secondary communications carrier in block 505 can be used. Further details on how the communication with the first RU can be routed are provided in connection with block 525. In block 515, the second RU of the secondary communications carrier can communicate with the UEs managed by the secondary communications carrier using the spectrum it holds. An updated BWP definition is transmitted to and / or activated thereby for the UEs of the secondary communications carrier so that the spectrum released by the secondary communications carrier is not attempted to be used, either in advance or as part of block 515. Further details on how the communication with the second RU can be routed are provided in connection with block 530.

[0057] In block 520, the spectrum released or leased at block 505 may be recovered, or the lease may not be renewed. Block 520 can be implemented based on steps similar to those in block 501 and is performed when the determination reaches the opposite result that a certain amount of the reserved spectrum is currently needed. Again, here too, the determination can be based on a comparison with a threshold value over time. For example, if, averaging over a certain defined period, more than 75% of the available spectrum of the second RU is being used, the previously released spectrum can be recovered (or the lease may not need to be renewed). As part of block 520, the cellular network operator may send a new BWP definition to that UE or activate another BWP definition so that its bandwidth is no longer used. The secondary operator may send a new BWP definition to that UE or activate another BWP definition via its RU so that the recovered spectrum begins to be used.

[0058] In block 525, in the first cellular network slice, communication with the first set of UEs is carried out between the cellular network and the first set of UEs using the first RU. None of these communications can be carried out using any components specific to the secondary operator, such as the second RU or the network of the secondary operator. The network operator of the cellular network controls the parameters and set of characteristics in the UE and the first RU. Similar to the secondary operator, the network operator can control: the priority of each UE in the first set; the amount of bandwidth given to each UE; the encryption method (if any) used by each UE in the first set; the cellular service given to each UE in the first set; (if the secondary operator operates multiple cellular network slices) to which cellular network slice the UE is allocated; and the active BWP in each UE in the first set.

[0059] In block 530, communication between a second set of UEs on a second cellular network slice of a secondary communication provider is routed between the second RU and the secondary communication provider's network via an access network and / or a core network. Accordingly, at least one component of the cellular access network and / or the cellular core network of the cellular network provider, such as a DU, a CU, and / or an NDC, is used to process and / or route communication traffic between the second RU and the secondary communication provider's network. This communication traffic may remain encrypted while on the cellular network of the cellular network provider, except for the portion of the data necessary for addressing (e.g., the packet header). As an example, the second RU may communicate with a DU of the cellular network that communicates with an LDC of the secondary communication provider. As another example, the second RU may also communicate with a DU operated by the secondary communication provider. The DU of the secondary communication provider may communicate with a CU of the cellular network that communicates with an LDC or an NDC of the secondary communication provider. The cellular network operator and the cellular network may not be able to decrypt such data. Rather, encryption / decryption is handled by a component of the secondary communication provider's network and either the second RU or the second set of UEs.

[0060] In block 535, the secondary carrier network can appropriately handle communication between a second set of UEs handled by a second RU. Such handling can include functioning as a gateway to a network (e.g., the Internet, a private network) that is the target of providing communication services (e.g., a phone call, text) to some other UE or device that the UE attempts to communicate with. From the perspective of the cellular network, the exact services provided to the second set of UEs by the secondary carrier network may not be determinable, especially if the communication traffic is encrypted. From the perspective of the cellular network, bandwidth and processing resources may be physically limited according to a second cellular network slice. Otherwise, the characteristics of the communication traffic may be unknown.

[0061] FIG. 6 is a diagram of an embodiment of method 600 for operating a cellular network with advanced secondary carrier control for a plurality of cellular network slices. Method 600 can be implemented using various embodiments of the cellular network 300 of FIG. 3.

[0062] In block 605, a first set of one or more UEs communicates with a first RU connected to the cellular network of the cellular network. The first RU can be used as a radio interface for the cellular network carrier for communicating with UEs operated by end-user customers of the cellular network carrier, etc. The RU can communicate with the UE via one or more antennas, and such antennas are typically attached to a fixed mounting location such as a building, a communication tower, or a bridge. Mobile locations are also possible for the RU and / or the antenna, such as a vehicle trailer, a UAV, or some other location intended to provide temporary service to a geographic area.

[0063] In block 610, a second set of one or more UEs communicates with a second RU connected to the cellular network. The second RU can be used as a radio interface for UEs of a secondary communication operator. The RU can communicate with the UEs of the secondary communication operator via one or more antennas that may or may not be the same as the antennas of block 605. The second RU can be co-located with the first RU, such as being housed together in one base station or attached to the same communication tower. The second RU of block 610 can operate using the same RAT as the first RU or a different RAT than the first RU. The second RU may operate using a frequency spectrum different from that of the first RU, a frequency spectrum overlapping with that of the first RU, or the same frequency spectrum as the first RU. In the case of overlapping or being the same, only one of the RUs can use a particular portion of the frequency spectrum at a given time to avoid interference.

[0064] In block 615, a third set of one or more of the UEs communicates with a second RU or a third RU connected to the cellular network. If it exists, the third RU, in addition to the second RU, can be used as a radio interface for some of the UEs of the secondary communication operator. The second RU and / or the third RU can communicate with additional UEs (the third set) of the secondary communication operator via one or more antennas that may or may not be the same as the antennas of block 605 and block 610. The third RU, if it exists, can be co-located with the first and second RUs, such as being housed together in one base station or attached to the same communication tower. The third RU of block 615 can operate using the same RAT as the first RU and / or the second RU, or a different RAT than the first RU and / or the second RU. The third RU may operate using a frequency spectrum different from that of the second and / or third RUs, a frequency spectrum overlapping with that of the second and / or third RUs, or the same frequency spectrum as the second and / or third RUs.

[0065] In block 620, the communication with the second set and the third set of UEs may be controlled by a secondary communication operator based on a parameter and characteristic set via the secondary communication operator's network. The parameter and characteristic sets for the second and third sets of UEs can vary for each cellular network slice. The secondary communication operator's network can update these parameters and characteristics by communicating with the second RU (and, if present, the third RU) and the UE through one or more components of the cellular network provider's cellular network. Thus, the secondary communication operator operates its own secondary network and one or more RUs, but the secondary communication operator relies on one or more components of the cellular network provider's cellular network for cellular network services and / or communication between the secondary network and the second RU, and possibly the third RU. Examples of controllable parameters and characteristics include: the priority of each UE; the amount of bandwidth allocated to each UE; the encryption method used by each UE; the cellular service provided to each UE; (if the secondary communication operator operates multiple cellular network slices) which cellular network slice to allocate the UE to; and the active BWP in each UE.

[0066] In block 625, in the first cellular network slice, communication with the first set of UEs is carried out between the cellular network and the first RU for the first set of UEs. None of these communications can be carried out using any components specific to the secondary communication operator, such as the second RU, the third RU, or the network of the secondary communication operator. The network communication operator of the cellular network controls the parameters and characteristic sets in the UE and the first RU. Similar to the secondary communication operator, the network communication operator can control the following: the priority of each UE in the first set; the amount of bandwidth given to each UE; the encryption method (if any) used by each UE in the first set; the cellular service given to each UE in the first set; (if the secondary communication operator operates multiple cellular network slices) which cellular network slice the UE is allocated to; and the active BWP in each UE in the first set.

[0067] In block 630, communication between the second set of UEs of the secondary communication operator is routed through the cellular network as part of the second cellular network slice between the second RU and the network of the secondary communication operator. Therefore, at least one component of the access network and / or core network of the cellular network provider, such as the DU, CU, and / or NDC, is used to process and / or route the communication traffic between the second RU and the network of the secondary communication operator. This communication traffic may remain encrypted while on the cellular network of the cellular network provider, except for the portion of the data necessary for addressing (e.g., the packet header). The cellular network communication operator and the cellular network may not be able to decrypt such data. Rather, encryption / decryption is handled by a component of the network of the secondary communication operator and either the second RU or the second set of UEs.

[0068] In block 635, communication between a third set of UEs of the secondary communication provider is routed between the second (or third) RU and the secondary communication provider's network via the access network and / or the cellular core network as part of a third cellular network slice. At least one aspect of the communication traffic of the third cellular network slice may be treated differently from that of the second cellular network slice. In some embodiments, the routing between the cellular network and the secondary communication provider's network is different, such as the differences indicated by arrows 245 and 345. Additionally, or alternatively, other parameters or characteristics may differ, such as the total bandwidth or processing resources of the slice, the available cellular services, and (if any) the type of encryption method used. Additionally, or alternatively, the third slice may serve purposes other than different routing. For example, the third slice can be used as a test environment for different security functionalities.

[0069] In block 640, the secondary communication provider's network can receive and process as appropriate the communication between a second and a third set of UEs handled by the second (and, if present, third) RU. Such processing can include functioning as a gateway to a network (e.g., the Internet, a private network) for the purposes of, for example, providing communication services (e.g., a phone call, a text) to some other UE or device that the UE is attempting to communicate with. From the perspective of the cellular network, the exact services provided by the secondary communication provider's network to the second set of UEs may sometimes not be determinable, especially if the communication traffic is encrypted. From the perspective of the cellular network, the bandwidth and processing resources may be physically limited according to the allocation of the second and third cellular network slices. Otherwise, the characteristics of the communication traffic may be unknown.

[0070] The methods, systems, and devices discussed above are examples. Various configurations can appropriately omit, replace, or add various procedures or components. For example, in an alternative configuration, the method may be performed in an order different from the described order, and / or various steps may be added, omitted, and / or combined. Also, the features described with respect to a particular configuration may be combined in various other configurations. Different aspects and elements of the configurations may be combined in a similar manner. Also, since technology evolves, many of the elements are examples and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure or claims.

[0071] In the description, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary configurations (including embodiments). However, the configurations can be practiced without such specific details. For example, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques are shown without unnecessary detail to avoid obscuring the configurations. This description merely provides exemplary configurations and does not limit the scope of the claims, applicability, or configurations. Rather, the above description of the configurations gives those skilled in the art an effective description for implementing the described technology. Various changes may be made to the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

[0072] Also, the configuration may be described as a process depicted as a flowchart or block diagram. Each may describe operations as a series of processes, but many of the operations can be performed in parallel or simultaneously. Additionally, the order of the operations may be rearranged. The process may have additional steps not included in the drawing. Furthermore, examples of the method can be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, a hardware description language, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware, or microcode, the program code or code segments for performing the required tasks may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as a storage medium. The processor may execute the described tasks.

[0073] Although some exemplary configurations have been described, various modifications, alternative constructs, and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the elements described above may be components of a large-scale system, and other rules may take precedence over or modify the application of the present invention. Also, some steps may be performed before, during, or after considering the elements described above.

Claims

1. A method for allocating spectrum between a cellular network provider and a secondary communication operator, the method comprising: determining, by a component of the secondary communication operator, that spectrum is not currently required in a secondary communication operator radio unit (RU); connecting the secondary communication operator RU to the cellular network of the cellular network provider; determining; releasing, by the component of the secondary communication operator, the spectrum for use by the cellular network operator, releasing the spectrum such that the secondary communication operator RU cannot use the released spectrum; communicating, by a cellular network operator RU, with a first set of user equipment (UE) using the released spectrum; the secondary communication operator RU and the cellular network operator RU being co-located; the cellular network operator RU being connected to the cellular network of the cellular network provider; the cellular network routing communication from the secondary communication operator RU to a secondary communication operator network different from the cellular network; communicating; reclaiming, by the component of the secondary communication operator, the spectrum, reclaiming the spectrum such that the cellular network operator cannot use the reclaimed spectrum; communicating, by the secondary communication operator RU, with a second set of UE using the reclaimed spectrum A method for allocating spectrum between a cellular network provider and a secondary communication operator, comprising the above steps.

2. The method for allocating spectrum between a cellular network provider and a secondary communication operator according to claim 1, wherein releasing the spectrum for use by the cellular network operator includes activating, by the secondary communication operator RU, a first bandwidth part (BWP) definition that excludes use of the spectrum in the second set of UE.

3. Recovering the spectrum for use by the cellular network operator includes the secondary communication operator RU activating a second BWP definition that includes use of at least a portion of the spectrum in the second set of UEs, the method for allocating spectrum between a cellular network provider and a secondary communication operator according to claim 2.

4. Processing the communication of the secondary communication operator RU using a data center operated by the secondary communication operator, further including processing, where the data center is different from the cellular network of the cellular network provider, the method for allocating spectrum between a cellular network provider and a secondary communication operator according to claim 1.

5. Communicating with the second set of UEs using the recovered spectrum includes the secondary communication operator RU routing communication to the data center via a distributed unit (DU) that communicates with the cellular network operator RU and the secondary communication operator RU, where the DU is operated by the cellular network operator, the method for allocating spectrum between a cellular network provider and a secondary communication operator according to claim 4.

6. The cellular network RU communicates with the DU as part of a first cellular network slice, and the secondary communication operator RU communicates with the DU as part of a second cellular network slice, the method for allocating spectrum between a cellular network provider and a secondary communication operator according to claim 5.

7. The cellular network is a 5G new radio (NR) cellular network, the method for allocating spectrum between a cellular network provider and a secondary communication operator according to claim 1.

8. Determining that the spectrum is not currently needed at the secondary communication operator RU is based on comparing a first amount of spectrum usage to a first threshold for a first defined period, the method for allocating spectrum between a cellular network provider and a secondary communication operator according to claim 1.

9. The method for allocating spectrum between a cellular network provider and a secondary communications operator according to claim 8, further comprising determining that the spectrum is required in the secondary communications operator RU based on comparing a second amount of spectrum usage with a second threshold for a second defined period.

10. The method for allocating spectrum between a cellular network provider and a secondary communications operator according to claim 1, wherein after the spectrum is released but before it is reclaimed, the spectrum continues to be used by another secondary communications operator RU in another geographical area.

11. The method for allocating spectrum between a cellular network provider and a secondary communications operator according to claim 1, wherein the secondary communications operator RU and the cellular network communications operator RU are attached to the same communication tower.

12. A cellular network system, a cellular network operated by a cellular network provider, a secondary communications operator radio unit (RU) operated by a secondary communications operator, a secondary communications operator network that communicates with the cellular network operated by the cellular network provider, determining that the spectrum allocated to the secondary communications operator RU is not currently needed, releasing the spectrum for use by the cellular network communications operator, such that the secondary communications operator RU cannot use the released spectrum, after the spectrum is released, at a certain time, reclaiming the spectrum, such that the cellular network communications operator cannot use the reclaimed spectrum, using the reclaimed spectrum to communicate with a second set of UEs and a secondary communications operator network configured to perform the above, a cellular network communications operator RU, using the released spectrum to communicate with a first set of user equipment (UEs), wherein the secondary communications operator RU and the cellular network communications operator RU are in the same location, and the secondary communications operator RU and the cellular network communications operator RU each communicate with the cellular network of the cellular network provider. The cellular network routes communications from the secondary communication carrier RU to the secondary communication carrier network. communicating A cellular network communication carrier RU configured to perform A cellular network system comprising

13. The secondary communication carrier network is configured to release the spectrum for use by the cellular network carrier, which includes the secondary communication carrier RU being configured to activate a first bandwidth part (BWP) definition that excludes use of the spectrum in the second set of UEs. The cellular network system according to claim 12.

14. The secondary communication carrier network is configured to reclaim the spectrum for use by the cellular network carrier, which includes the secondary communication carrier RU being configured to activate a second BWP definition that includes use of at least a portion of the spectrum in the second set of UEs. The cellular network system according to claim 13.

15. The secondary communication carrier network is further configured to process communications of the secondary communication carrier RU using a data center operated by the secondary communication carrier, where the data center is different from the cellular network of the cellular network provider. The cellular network system according to claim 12.

16. Communicating with the second set of UEs using the reclaimed spectrum, where the secondary communication carrier RU routes communications to the data center via a distributed unit (DU) that communicates with the cellular network carrier RU and the secondary communication carrier RU, and the DU is operated by the cellular network carrier. The cellular network system according to claim 15.

17. The cellular network RU communicates with the DU as part of a first cellular network slice, and the secondary communication carrier RU communicates with the DU as part of a second cellular network slice. The cellular network system according to claim 16.

18. The cellular network system according to claim 12, wherein the cellular network includes a 5G New Radio (NR) cellular core network.

19. The cellular network system according to claim 12, wherein after the spectrum is released but before the spectrum is reclaimed, the spectrum continues to be used by another secondary communication carrier RU in another geographical area.

20. The cellular network system according to claim 12, wherein the secondary communication carrier RU and the cellular network communication carrier RU are attached to the same communication tower.

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