Device, method, and storage medium for providing service by using license-exempt spectrum

Abstract

A radio unit (RU) device may comprise: a memory for storing instructions; a transceiver; and at least one processor. The instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the processor, may cause the device to transmit, to a DU, a management plane message including configuration information for requesting a spectrum for citizens broadband radio service (CBRS). The configuration information may include a mode in which the RU moves on a predetermined path and path information about each of regions of the predetermined path. The instructions, when executed individually or collectively by the processor, may cause the device to: communicate, in a first area, with a terminal in a first cell operating in a first spectrum assigned on the basis of the configuration information; and communicate, in a second area changed from the first area according to the movement of the RU, with the terminal in a second cell operating in a second spectrum assigned on the basis of the configuration information.

Description

Device, method, and storage medium for providing services using license-exempt spectrum

[0001] The following descriptions relate to devices, methods, and storage media for providing services using license-exempt spectrum.

[0002] A service provider can provide services to users through a specific frequency band. For example, the specific frequency band may be referred to as a spectrum. For example, the specific frequency band may include a licensed band, a shared spectrum, and an unlicensed band.

[0003] As transmission capacity increases in wireless communication systems, functional splitting, which functionally separates base stations, is being implemented. Through functional splitting, base stations can be divided into distributed units (DUs) and radio units (RUs). A fronthaul interface is defined for communication between the DUs and RUs.

[0004] A device of a radio unit (RU) may include a memory that stores instructions. The RU may include a transceiver. The RU may include at least one processor. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the device to transmit, to a distributed unit (DU) and a start-up procedure, a management plane message including configuration information requesting a spectrum for citizens broadband radio service (CBRS). The configuration information may include a mode in which the RU moves along a predetermined path and path information for each of the areas of the predetermined path. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the device to perform communication with at least one terminal on a first cell according to a first spectrum allocated based on the configuration information in a first region among the regions. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the device to perform communication with at least one terminal on a second cell according to a second spectrum allocated based on the configuration information in a second region among the regions changed according to movement of the RU from the first region.

[0005] A method performed by a radio unit (RU) may include transmitting, to a distributed unit (DU), a management plane message including configuration information requesting a spectrum for citizens broadband radio service (CBRS) based on a start-up procedure. The configuration information may include a mode in which the RU moves on a predetermined path and path information for each of areas of the predetermined path. The method may include performing communication with at least one terminal on a first cell according to a first spectrum allocated based on the configuration information in a first area among the areas. The method may include performing communication with at least one terminal on a second cell according to a second spectrum allocated based on the configuration information in a second area among the areas changed according to movement of the RU from the first area.

[0006] A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may store one or more programs comprising instructions that, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor of a radio unit (RU) including a transceiver, cause the RU to transmit, to a distributed unit (DU) based on a start-up procedure, a management plane message including configuration information requesting spectrum for citizens broadband radio service (CBRS). The configuration information may include a mode in which the RU moves along a predetermined path and path information for each of areas of the predetermined path. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may store one or more programs including instructions that, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the RU to perform communication with at least one terminal on a first cell according to a first spectrum allocated based on the configuration information in a first region among the regions. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may store one or more programs including instructions that, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the RU to perform communication with at least one terminal on a second cell according to a second spectrum allocated based on the configuration information in a second region among the regions changed according to movement of the RU from the first region.

[0007] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communication system.

[0008] Figure 2a illustrates an example of network entities according to distributed deployment.

[0009] Figure 2b illustrates an example of a fronthaul interface of an open-radio access network (O-RAN).

[0010] Figure 3a illustrates an example of the functional configuration of a DU (distributed unit).

[0011] Figure 3b illustrates an example of the functional configuration of a RU (radio unit).

[0012] Figure 4a illustrates an example of a system that allocates spectrum for providing a service.

[0013] Figure 4b illustrates an example of how to allocate license-exempted spectrum.

[0014] Figure 4c illustrates an example of a start-up procedure.

[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a signal flow for a method of allocating license-exempt spectrum to an RU when the mode indicating the RU's flying path is the first mode.

[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a signal flow for a method of allocating license-exempt spectrum to an RU when the mode indicating the flight path of the RU is the second mode.

[0017] Figure 7 illustrates an example of a signal flow for allocating a licensed band to an RU when license-exempt spectrum is not available.

[0018] Figure 8 illustrates an example of a signal flow for how an RU maintains communication with a DU via D2D (device to device) communication.

[0019] Figure 9 illustrates an example of an operational flow for how an RU performs communication over an allocated spectrum while moving along a predetermined path.

[0020] The terms used in this disclosure are used only to describe specific embodiments and may not be intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. The singular expression may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art described in this disclosure. Terms defined in general dictionaries among the terms used in this disclosure may be interpreted as having the same or similar meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this disclosure. In some cases, even if a term is defined in this disclosure, it cannot be interpreted to exclude embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] The various embodiments of the present disclosure described below illustrate a hardware-based approach as an example. However, since the various embodiments of the present disclosure include techniques utilizing both hardware and software, the various embodiments of the present disclosure do not exclude a software-based approach.

[0022] In the following description, terms referring to signals (e.g., packet, message, signal, information, signaling), terms referring to resources (e.g., section, symbol, slot, subframe, radio frame, subcarrier, RE (resource element), RB (resource block), BWP (bandwidth part), band, spectrum), terms for operational states (e.g., step, operation, procedure), terms referring to data (e.g., packet, message, user stream, information, bit, symbol, codeword), terms referring to channels, terms referring to network entities (distributed unit (DU), radio unit (RU), central unit (CU), control plane (CU-CP), user plane (CU-UP), open radio access network (O-RAN) DU (O-DU), O-RAN RU (O-RU), Terms such as O-CU (O-RAN CU), O-CU-UP (O-RAN CU-CP), O-CU-CP (O-RAN CU-CP)), referring to components of the device, are examples for convenience of explanation. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the terms described below, and other terms having equivalent technical meanings may be used. In addition, terms such as '... part', '... device', '... object', '... body', etc. used below may mean at least one shape structure or a unit that processes a function.

[0023] In addition, in the present disclosure, expressions such as "more than" or "less than" may be used to determine whether a specific condition is satisfied or fulfilled, but this is merely a description for expressing an example and does not exclude descriptions such as "more than" or "less than." A condition described as "more than" may be replaced with "more than," a condition described as "less than" may be replaced with "less than," and a condition described as "more than and less than" may be replaced with "more than and less than." In addition, hereinafter, "A" to "B" mean at least one of elements from A (including A) to B (including B). hereinafter, "C" and / or "D" mean at least one of "C" or "D," that is, including {"C", "D", "C" and "D"}.

[0024] Although this disclosure describes embodiments using terminology used in certain communication standards (e.g., 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)), this is merely an example for illustrative purposes. Embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to other communication and broadcasting systems.

[0025] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communication system.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 illustrates a base station (110) and a terminal (120) as some of the nodes utilizing a wireless channel in a wireless communication system. Although FIG. 1 illustrates only one base station, the wireless communication system may further include other base stations identical or similar to the base station (110).

[0027] The base station (110) is a network infrastructure that provides wireless access to the terminal (120). The base station (110) has coverage defined based on the distance at which a signal can be transmitted. In addition to the base station, the base station (110) may be referred to as an 'access point (AP)', 'eNodeB (eNB)', '5th generation node', 'next generation nodeB (gNB)', 'wireless point', 'transmission / reception point (TRP)', or other terms having equivalent technical meanings.

[0028] The terminal (120) is a device used by a user and communicates with the base station (110) via a wireless channel. The link from the base station (110) to the terminal (120) is referred to as a downlink (DL), and the link from the terminal (120) to the base station (110) is referred to as an uplink (UL). In addition, although not shown in FIG. 1, the terminal (120) and another terminal may communicate with each other via a wireless channel. In this case, the link between the terminal (120) and another terminal (device-to-device link, D2D) is referred to as a sidelink, and the sidelink may be used interchangeably with the PC5 interface. In some other embodiments, the terminal (120) may be operated without the involvement of a user. In one embodiment, the terminal (120) is a device that performs machine type communication (MTC) and may not be carried by the user. Additionally, according to one embodiment, the terminal (120) may be an NB (narrowband)-IoT (internet of things) device.

[0029] The terminal (120) may be referred to as a terminal, or other terms such as 'user equipment (UE),' 'customer premises equipment (CPE),' 'mobile station,' 'subscriber station,' 'remote terminal,' 'wireless terminal,' 'electronic device,' or 'user device,' or other terms having equivalent technical meanings.

[0030] The base station (110) and the terminal (120) can perform beamforming. The base station (110) and the terminal (120) can transmit and receive wireless signals in a relatively low frequency band (e.g., FR 1 (frequency range 1) of NR). In addition, the base station (110) and the terminal (120) can transmit and receive wireless signals in a relatively high frequency band (e.g., FR 2 (or, FR 2-1, FR 2-2, FR 2-3), FR 3 of NR), millimeter wave (mmWave) band (e.g., 28 GHz, 30 GHz, 38 GHz, 60 GHz)). To improve channel gain, the base station (110) and the terminal (120) can perform beamforming. Here, the beamforming can include transmission beamforming and reception beamforming. The base station (110) and the terminal (120) can impart directionality to the transmitted or received signal. To this end, the base station (110) and the terminal (120) can select serving beams through a beam search or beam management procedure. After the serving beams are selected, subsequent communication can be performed through resources that have a QCL relationship with the resource that transmitted the serving beams.

[0031] If large-scale characteristics of a channel carrying a symbol on a first antenna port can be inferred from a channel carrying a symbol on a second antenna port, the first antenna port and the second antenna port can be evaluated to have a QCL relationship. For example, the large-scale characteristics may include at least one of delay spread, Doppler spread, Doppler shift, average gain, average delay, and a spatial receiver parameter.

[0032] Although both the base station (110) and the terminal (120) are described as performing beamforming in FIG. 1, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto. In some embodiments, the terminal may or may not perform beamforming. Furthermore, the base station may or may not perform beamforming. That is, either only one of the base station and the terminal may perform beamforming, or neither the base station nor the terminal may perform beamforming.

[0033] In the present disclosure, a beam refers to a spatial flow of a signal in a wireless channel, and is formed by one or more antennas (or antenna elements), and this forming process may be referred to as beamforming. Beamforming may include at least one of analog beamforming and digital beamforming (e.g., precoding). Reference signals transmitted based on beamforming may include, for example, a demodulation-reference signal (DM-RS), a channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS), a synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel (SS / PBCH), and a sounding reference signal (SRS). In addition, as a configuration for each reference signal, an IE such as a CSI-RS resource or an SRS-resource may be used, and this configuration may include information associated with the beam. Information associated with a beam may mean whether the configuration (e.g., a CSI-RS resource) uses the same spatial domain filter as another configuration (e.g., another CSI-RS resource within the same CSI-RS resource set) or a different spatial domain filter, or whether it is quasi-co-located (QCL) with a reference signal, and if so, what type it is (e.g., QCL type A, B, C, D).

[0034] In the past, in communication systems with relatively large cell radius of base stations, each base station was installed to include the functions of a digital processing unit (or distributed unit (DU)) and a radio frequency (RF) processing unit (or radio unit (RU)). However, as higher frequency bands are used in 4G (4th generation) and / or subsequent communication systems (e.g., 5G) and the cell coverage of base stations becomes smaller, the number of base stations to cover a specific area has increased. The installation costs for operators to install base stations have also increased. In order to minimize the installation costs of base stations, a structure has been proposed in which the DU and RU of the base station are separated, one or more RUs are connected to one DU via a wired network, and one or more RUs are geographically distributed to cover a specific area. Hereinafter, the deployment structure and expansion examples of base stations according to various embodiments of the present disclosure are described through FIGS. 2A and 2B.

[0035] Figure 2a illustrates an example of network entities according to distributed deployment.

[0036] For example, the network entities may include a digital unit (DU) (210) and a radio unit (RU) (220) (or a massive multiple input multiple output (MMU) unit). For example, the network entities may be connected via a fronthaul. Unlike the backhaul between a base station and a core network, the fronthaul refers to entities (e.g., DU (210), RU (220)) between a wireless LAN and a base station. Although FIG. 2A illustrates an example of a fronthaul structure between a DU (210) and one RU (220), this is merely for convenience of explanation and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other words, embodiments of the present disclosure may also be applied to a fronthaul structure between one DU and multiple RUs. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to a fronthaul structure between one DU and two RUs. Additionally, the embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to a fronthaul structure between one DU and three RUs.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 2A, a base station (110) may include a DU (210) and an RU (220). A fronthaul (215) between the DU (210) and the RU (220) may be operated via an FX interface. For operation of the fronthaul (215), an interface such as an enhanced common public radio interface (eCPRI) or radio over ethernet (ROE) may be used, for example.

[0038] As communication technology advances, mobile data traffic increases, significantly increasing the bandwidth requirements for the fronthaul between the digital unit and the wireless unit. In a deployment such as a centralized / cloud radio access network (C-RAN), the DU (210) performs functions for the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), radio link control (RLC), media access control (MAC), and physical (PHY) layer, and the RU can be implemented to perform additional functions for the PHY layer in addition to the RF (radio frequency) function.

[0039] The DU (210) may be responsible for upper layer functions of a wireless network. For example, the DU (210) may perform functions of the MAC layer and a part of the PHY layer. Here, a part of the PHY layer refers to functions performed at a higher level among the functions of the PHY layer, and may include, for example, channel encoding (or channel decoding), scrambling (or descrambling), modulation (or demodulation), and layer mapping (or layer demapping). According to an embodiment, if the DU (210) complies with the O-RAN standard, it may be referred to as an O-DU (O-RAN DU). The DU (210) may be replaced with a first network entity for a base station (e.g., gNB) in embodiments of the present disclosure, if necessary.

[0040] The RU (220) may be responsible for lower layer functions of a wireless network. For example, the RU (220) may perform a part of the PHY layer, an RF function. Here, a part of the PHY layer refers to functions of the PHY layer that are performed at a relatively lower level than the DU (210), and may include, for example, iFFT transformation (or FFT transformation), CP insertion (CP removal), and digital beamforming. The RU (220) may be referred to as an 'access unit (AU)', an 'access point (AP)', a 'transmission / reception point (TRP)', a 'remote radio head (RRH)', a 'radio unit (RU)', or other terms having an equivalent technical meaning thereto. According to an embodiment, when the RU (220) complies with the O-RAN standard, it may be referred to as an O-RU (O-RAN RU). RU (220) may be represented as a second network entity for a base station (e.g., gNB) in embodiments of the present disclosure, as needed.

[0041] In FIG. 2A, the base station (110) is described as including a DU (210) and a RU (220), but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The base station according to the embodiments may be implemented in a distributed deployment according to a centralized unit (CU) configured to perform functions of upper layers of an access network (e.g., packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), radio resource control (RRC)) and a distributed unit (DU) configured to perform functions of lower layers. For example, the digital unit (DU) (210) may be implemented by separating into a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). Between a core (e.g., 5G core (5GC) or next generation core (NGC)) network and a radio network (RAN), the base station may be implemented in a structure in which a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), and a radio unit (RU) are arranged in that order. The interface between the CU (centralized unit) and the DU (distributed unit) can be referred to as the F1 interface.

[0042] A centralized unit (CU) may be connected to one or more distributed units (DUs) and may be responsible for functions at a higher layer than the distributed units (DUs). For example, the CU may be responsible for functions at the radio resource control (RRC) and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layers, while the DU and RU may be responsible for functions at lower layers. The DU may perform some functions (high PHY) of the radio link control (RLC), media access control (MAC), and physical (PHY) layers, while the RU may be responsible for the remaining functions (low PHY) of the PHY layer. In addition, for example, a digital unit (DU) may be included in a distributed unit (DU) depending on the implementation of a distributed deployment of the base station. Hereinafter, unless otherwise defined, the operations of DU (digital unit) and RU are described, but various embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to both a base station arrangement including a CU and an arrangement in which a DU is directly connected to a core network (i.e., a base station in which the CU and DU are integrated into a single entity (e.g., an NG-RAN node)).

[0043] Figure 2b illustrates an example of a fronthaul interface of an open-radio access network (O-RAN). In Figure 2b, an eNB or gNB is exemplified as a base station (110) according to a distributed deployment.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 2b, the base station (110) may include an O-DU (251) and O-RUs (253-1, ..., 253-n). Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the operation and function of the O-RU (253-1) may be understood as a description of each of the other O-RUs (e.g., O-RU (253-n)).

[0045] The O-DU (251) is a logical node that includes functions of a base station (e.g., eNB, gNB) excluding functions exclusively assigned to the O-RU (253-1). The O-DU (251) can control the operation of the O-RUs (253-1, ..., 253-n). The O-DU (251) may be referred to as an LLS (lower layer split) CU (central unit). The O-RU (253-1) is a logical node that includes a subset of the functions of the base station (e.g., eNB, gNB). Real-time aspects of control plane (C-plane) communication and user plane (U-plane) communication with the O-RU (253-1) can be controlled by the O-DU (251).

[0046] The O-DU (251) can communicate with the O-RU (253-1) through an LLS interface. The LLS interface corresponds to a fronthaul interface. The LLS interface refers to a logical interface between the O-DU (251) and the O-RU (253-1) that utilizes lower layer functional split (i.e., intra-PHY based functional split). The LLS-C between the O-DU (251) and the O-RU (253-1) provides the C-plane through the LLS interface. The LLS-U between the O-DU (251) and the O-RU (253-1) provides the U-plane through the LLS interface.

[0047] In FIG. 2B, to explain the O-RAN, entities of the base station (110) are described as O-DU and O-RU. However, these names are not to be construed as limiting the embodiments of the present disclosure. In the embodiments described below, it is obvious that the operations of the DU (210) can be performed by the O-DU (251). The description of the DU (210) can be applied to the O-DU (251). Similarly, in the embodiments described below, it is obvious that the operations of the RU (220) can be performed by the O-RU (253-1). The description of the RU (220) can be applied to the O-DU (253-1).

[0048] Figure 3a illustrates an example of the functional configuration of a DU (distributed unit).

[0049] The configuration illustrated in Fig. 3a can be understood as a configuration of the DU (210) of Fig. 2a (or the O-DU (251) of Fig. 2b) as part of a base station. Terms such as "...unit" and "...unit" used hereinafter mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this can be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 3a, DU (210) includes a transceiver (310), memory (320), and processor (330).

[0051] The transceiver (310) can perform functions for transmitting and receiving signals in a wired communication environment. The transceiver (310) can include a wired interface for controlling direct connections between devices via a transmission medium (e.g., copper wire, optical fiber). For example, the transceiver (310) can transmit electrical signals to other devices via copper wire, or perform conversion between electrical signals and optical signals. The DU (210) can communicate with a radio unit (RU) via the transceiver (310). The DU (210) can be connected to a core network or a CU in a distributed arrangement via the transceiver (310).

[0052] The transceiver (310) may perform functions for transmitting and receiving signals in a wireless communication environment. For example, the transceiver (310) may perform a conversion function between a baseband signal and a bit stream according to the physical layer specifications of the system. For example, when transmitting data, the transceiver (310) generates complex symbols by encoding and modulating the transmitted bit stream. In addition, when receiving data, the transceiver (310) restores the received bit stream by demodulating and decoding the baseband signal. In addition, the transceiver (310) may include multiple transmission and reception paths. In addition, according to one embodiment, the transceiver (310) may be connected to the core network or other nodes (e.g., an integrated access backhaul (IAB).

[0053] The transceiver (310) can transmit and receive signals. For example, the transceiver (310) can transmit a management plane (M-plane) message. For example, the transceiver (310) can transmit a management plane (S-plane) message. For example, the transceiver (310) can transmit a control plane (C-plane) message. For example, the transceiver (310) can transmit a user plane (U-plane) message. For example, the transceiver (310) can receive a user plane message. Although only the transceiver (310) is illustrated in FIG. 3A, in other implementations, the DU (210) may include two or more transceivers.

[0054] The transceiver (310) transmits and receives signals as described above. Accordingly, all or part of the transceiver (310) may be referred to as a "communication unit," a "transmitter," a "receiver," or a "transmitter-receiver unit." Furthermore, in the following description, transmission and reception performed via a wireless channel are used to mean that the transceiver (310) performs the processing described above.

[0055] Although not illustrated in FIG. 3A, the transceiver (310) may further include a backhaul transceiver for connection to the core network or other base stations. The backhaul transceiver provides an interface for communicating with other nodes within the network. That is, the backhaul transceiver converts a bit stream transmitted from the base station to other nodes, such as other access nodes, other base stations, upper nodes, the core network, etc., into a physical signal, and converts a physical signal received from other nodes into a bit stream.

[0056] The memory (320) stores data such as basic programs, application programs, and setting information for the operation of the DU (210). The memory (320) may be referred to as a storage unit. The memory (320) may be composed of volatile memory, nonvolatile memory, or a combination of volatile memory and nonvolatile memory. In addition, the memory (320) provides stored data upon request from the processor (330).

[0057] The processor (330) controls the overall operations of the DU (210). The processor (380) may be referred to as a control unit. For example, the processor (330) transmits and receives signals through the transceiver (310) (or through the backhaul communication unit). In addition, the processor (330) records and reads data from the memory (320). In addition, the processor (330) may perform the functions of the protocol stack required by the communication standard. Although only the processor (330) is illustrated in FIG. 3A, the DU (210) may include two or more processors according to other implementation examples.

[0058] For example, the processor (330) may include various processing circuits and / or multiple processors. For example, the term "processor" as used herein, including in the claims, may include various processing circuits including at least one processor, one or more of which may be configured to individually and / or collectively perform the various functions described below in a distributed manner. As used herein, when "processor," "at least one processor," and "one or more processors" are described as being configured to perform various functions, these terms encompass, for example, and without limitation, situations where one processor performs some of the recited functions and other processor(s) perform other parts of the recited functions, and also situations where one processor may perform all of the recited functions. Additionally, the at least one processor may include a combination of processors that perform the various functions enumerated / disclosed, for example, in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform the various functions.

[0059] The configuration of DU (210) illustrated in FIG. 3A is merely an example, and examples of DUs performing embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 3A. In some embodiments, some configurations may be added, deleted, or changed.

[0060] Figure 3b illustrates an example of the functional configuration of a RU (radio unit).

[0061] The configuration illustrated in Fig. 3b can be understood as a configuration of the RU (220) of Fig. 2a or the O-RU (253-1) of Fig. 2b as part of a base station. Terms such as "... unit" and "... unit" used hereinafter mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this can be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 3b, the RU (220) includes an RF transceiver (360), a fronthaul transceiver (365), a memory (370), and a processor (380).

[0063] The RF transceiver (360) performs functions for transmitting and receiving signals via a wireless channel. For example, the RF transceiver (360) upconverts a baseband signal into an RF band signal and transmits it via an antenna, and downconverts an RF band signal received via the antenna into a baseband signal. For example, the RF transceiver (360) may include a transmit filter, a receive filter, an amplifier, a mixer, an oscillator, a DAC, an ADC, and the like.

[0064] The RF transceiver (360) may include multiple transmission and reception paths. Furthermore, the RF transceiver (360) may include an antenna unit. The RF transceiver (360) may include at least one antenna array composed of multiple antenna elements. In terms of hardware, the RF transceiver (360) may be composed of digital circuits and analog circuits (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)). Here, the digital circuits and analog circuits may be implemented in a single package. In addition, the RF transceiver (360) may include multiple RF chains. The RF transceiver (360) may perform beamforming. The RF transceiver (360) may apply beamforming weights to a signal to be transmitted and received in order to impart directionality according to the settings of the processor (380). According to one embodiment, the RF transceiver (360) may include an RF (radio frequency) block (or RF unit).

[0065] According to one embodiment, the RF transceiver (360) can transmit and receive signals on a radio access network. For example, the RF transceiver (360) can transmit a downlink signal. The downlink signal can include a synchronization signal (SS), a reference signal (RS) (e.g., a cell-specific reference signal (CRS), a demodulation (DM)-RS), system information (e.g., a MIB, a SIB, remaining system information (RMSI), other system information (OSI)), a configuration message, control information, or downlink data. In addition, for example, the RF transceiver (360) can receive an uplink signal. The uplink signal may include a random access related signal (e.g., a random access preamble (RAP) (or Msg1 (message 1)), Msg3 (message 3)), a reference signal (e.g., a sounding reference signal (SRS), DM-RS), or a power headroom report (PHR). Although only the RF transceiver (360) is illustrated in FIG. 3b, in other implementation examples, the RU (220) may include two or more RF transceivers.

[0066] The fronthaul transceiver (365) can transmit and receive signals. According to one embodiment, the fronthaul transceiver (365) can transmit and receive signals on the fronthaul interface. For example, the fronthaul transceiver (365) can receive a management plane (M-plane) message. For example, the fronthaul transceiver (365) can receive a management plane (S-plane) message. For example, the fronthaul transceiver (365) can receive a control plane (C-plane) message. For example, the fronthaul transceiver (365) can transmit a user plane (U-plane) message. For example, the fronthaul transceiver (365) can receive a user plane message. Although only the fronthaul transceiver (365) is shown in FIG. 3b, according to other implementation examples, the RU (220) may include two or more fronthaul transceivers.

[0067] The RF transceiver (360) and the fronthaul transceiver (365) transmit and receive signals as described above. Accordingly, all or part of the RF transceiver (360) and the fronthaul transceiver (365) may be referred to as a 'communication unit', a 'transmitter unit', a 'receiver unit', or a 'transmitter-receiver unit'. In addition, in the following description, transmission and reception performed through a wireless channel are used to mean that the processing as described above is performed by the RF transceiver (360). In the following description, transmission and reception performed through a wireless channel are used to mean that the processing as described above is performed by the RF transceiver (360).

[0068] The memory (370) stores data such as basic programs, application programs, and setting information for the operation of the RU (220). The memory (370) may be referred to as a storage unit. The memory (370) may be configured as volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. In addition, the memory (370) provides the stored data according to a request from the processor (380). According to one embodiment, the memory (370) may include a memory for conditions, commands, or setting values ​​related to the SRS transmission method.

[0069] The processor (380) controls the overall operations of the RU (220). The processor (380) may be referred to as a control unit. For example, the processor (380) transmits and receives signals through the RF transceiver (360) or the fronthaul transceiver (365). In addition, the processor (380) records and reads data in the memory (370). In addition, the processor (380) may perform functions of a protocol stack required by a communication standard. Although only the processor (380) is illustrated in FIG. 3B, the RU (220) may include two or more processors according to other implementation examples. The processor (380) may be a set of instructions or codes stored in the memory (370), or may be a storage space that stores instructions / codes or instructions / codes that are at least temporarily residing in the processor (380), or may be a part of the circuitry that constitutes the processor (380). Additionally, the processor (380) may include various modules for performing communication. The processor (380) may control the RU (220) to perform operations according to the embodiments described below.

[0070] For example, the processor (380) may include various processing circuits and / or multiple processors. For example, the term "processor" as used herein, including in the claims, may include various processing circuits including at least one processor, one or more of which may be configured to individually and / or collectively perform the various functions described below in a distributed manner. As used herein, when "processor," "at least one processor," and "one or more processors" are described as being configured to perform various functions, these terms encompass, for example, and without limitation, situations where one processor performs some of the recited functions and other processor(s) perform other parts of the recited functions, and also situations where one processor may perform all of the recited functions. Additionally, the at least one processor may include a combination of processors that perform the various functions enumerated / disclosed, for example, in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform the various functions.

[0071] The configuration of RU (220) illustrated in FIG. 3b is merely an example, and examples of RUs performing embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 3b. In some embodiments, some configurations may be added, deleted, or changed.

[0072] Referring to the above, the RU (220) can provide a service to at least one terminal connected to the RU (220) based on the configuration information received from the DU (210). For example, the RU (220) can be installed in a fixed location. Or, for example, the RU (220) can be implemented as a moving body. For example, the moving body can include a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle). The RU (220) implemented as the moving body can be referred to as a UAV RU, a UAV-O-RU, or a UAV type RU.

[0073] When the RU (220) is implemented as the above-described mobile device, the RU (220) can move along a flight path. For example, the flight path may include a predetermined path or a path having a random pattern. For example, the predetermined path may be set by an entity including the DU (210) or may be set by a business operator designing the RU (220). For example, the path having the random pattern may indicate a path that changes based on the service status of at least one terminal receiving service from the RU (220) or the signal quality of the path. For example, the flight path may include a plurality of areas (or locations).

[0074] For example, the spectrum for the service provided by RU (220) may include a licensed spectrum (or licensed band), an unlicensed spectrum (or unlicensed band), and a shared spectrum. For example, the shared spectrum may include a license-exempt spectrum. In one example, the license-exempt spectrum may include a spectrum for CBRS (citizens broadband radio service) (hereinafter, CBRS spectrum or CBRS band). In the example, the shared spectrum and the unlicensed spectrum are described separately, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the unlicensed spectrum may be defined as a band including the shared spectrum. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, an example of the license-exempt spectrum, which is the CBRS spectrum, is described, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The service provided through the CBRS spectrum may be referred to as CBRS. An RU (220) capable of providing service on a cell according to the above CBRS spectrum may be referred to as a CBRS RU or O-CBRS-RU.

[0075] For example, when the RU (220) implemented as the mobile provides CBRS using the CBRS spectrum (or, UAV type CBRS RU, UAV type O-CBRS-RU)), the RU (220) can move on the flight path. For example, while the RU (220) moves on the flight path, the RU (220) needs to use a CBRS spectrum (or CBRS band) having a different operating frequency each time it enters different areas among the plurality of areas on the flight path. Or, for example, when a service interruption occurs, such as when the service quality is below the reference quality, while the RU (220) provides a service on the flight path, the RU (220) needs to use a CBRS spectrum that is not a licensed spectrum. As described above, a method is required to reduce service interruption while the RU (220) moves along the flight path and to provide seamless service even when the CBRS spectrum changes due to the movement of the RU (220).

[0076] Hereinafter, the device, method, and storage medium according to embodiments of the present disclosure can effectively allocate the CBRS spectrum on the flight path to the RU (220) by providing the DU (210) (or CBSD manager) with the configuration information on the flight path of the RU (220) when the RU (220) implemented as the mobile body requests allocation of the CBRS spectrum. Accordingly, the RU (220) can provide a relatively high quality service by performing communication with at least one terminal that receives service on a cell according to the CBRS spectrum to which the RU (220) is allocated.

[0077] Figure 4a illustrates an example of a system that allocates spectrum for providing a service.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 4A, the system (400) may include an RU (220), a DU (210), a CU-CP (410), a CU-UP (415), a near-real time radio access network (RAN) intelligent controller (Near-RT RIC) (420), a network management system (NMS) (425), and a citizens broadband radio service device manager (CBSD) (405). For example, the RU (220) of FIG. 4A may be an example of the RU (220) of FIG. 2A or the O-RU (253-1) of FIG. 2B. For example, the DU (210) of FIG. 4A may be an example of the DU (210) of FIG. 2A or the O-DU (251) of FIG. 2B.

[0079] For example, the RU (220) may be connected to the DU (210) via an open fronthaul interface. For example, the open fronthaul interface may include the fronthaul (215) of FIG. 2A. The open fronthaul interface may include a wireless interface in the case of the RU (220) implemented as a mobile device. For example, the fronthaul interface may be used to provide configuration information for a management plane. For example, the configuration information may be defined through the YANG model (yet another next generation). In other words, the YANG model may be used as a data model. For example, the configuration information may include CBRS optional parameters implemented by the YANG model. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the RU (220) may also be connected to the DU (210) via an IAB interface (e.g., F1) interface.

[0080] For example, RU (220) may be connected to CBSD manager (405) via XX interface. The XX interface is merely exemplary, and the interface name between RU (220) and CBSD manager (405) is not limited to the XX interface. For example, the XX interface may include an open fronthaul interface or an IAB interface (e.g., F1 interface). For example, RU (220) may be connected to NMS (425) via open fronthaul interface. For example, NMS (425) may include an NMS dedicated to the operations of RU (220).

[0081] For example, the DU (210) can be connected to the CU. For example, the DU (210) can be connected to the CU-CP (410) of the CU through an F1-c interface, and can be connected to the CU-UP (415) of the CU through an F1-u interface. For example, the DU (210) can be connected to the CBSD manager (405) through a YY interface. For example, the YY interface can include an open fronthaul interface or an IAB interface (e.g., an F1 interface). The YY interface is merely exemplary, and the interface name between the DU (210) and the CBSD manager (405) is not limited to the YY interface. For example, the DU (210) can be connected to the Near-RT RIC (420) through an E2 interface.

[0082] For example, the CU may be connected to a Near-RT RIC (420). For example, the CU-CP (410) may be connected to the Near-RT RIC (420) via an E2 interface, and the CU-UP (415) may also be connected to the Near-RT RIC (420) via an E2 interface. For example, the CU-CP (410) may be connected to the CU-UP (415) via an E1 interface.

[0083] For example, the Near-RT RIC (420) can be connected to the NMS (425) via the A1 interface. For example, the Near-RT RIC (420) can provide configuration information for providing a service through a licensed band to the RU (220) via the DU (210). In other words, the Near-RT RIC (420) can provide the configuration information for configuring a cell according to the licensed band to the RU (220). In FIG. 4A, an example of a system (400) including the Near-RT RIC (420) using ORAN is illustrated, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the system (400) may not include the Near-RT RIC (420).

[0084] For example, the CBSD manager (405) may be hosted by the NMS (425), the Near-RT RIC (420), or the CU-CP (410). For example, the CBSD manager (405) may be connected to a spectrum access system (SAS). For example, the SAS may be a CBSD SAS. For example, the CBSD manager (405) may request allocation of a spectrum from the SAS. For example, the SAS may allocate the spectrum and transmit the allocated spectrum to the CBSD manager (405). For example, the allocated spectrum may be provided to the DU (210), provided directly to the RU (220), or transmitted to the RU (220) through the DU (210). For example, the CBSD manager (405) may include a domain proxy (DP). For example, the above example may be referred to as an application for communicating with the SAS.

[0085] For example, RU (220) may be referred to as a NETCONF (network configuration protocol) server. NMS (425) may be referred to as a NETCONF client.

[0086] Figure 4b illustrates an example of how to allocate license-exempted spectrum.

[0087] FIG. 4B illustrates an example (430) of a method for allocating the license-exempt spectrum. For example, the RU (220) of FIG. 4B may be an example of the RU (220) of FIG. 2A or the O-RU (253-1) of FIG. 2B. For example, the DU (210) of FIG. 4B may be an example of the DU (210) of FIG. 2A or the O-DU (251) of FIG. 2B. For example, the CBSD manager (405) of FIG. 4B may be an example of the CBSD manager (405) of FIG. 4A. For example, the SAS (435) of FIG. 4B may be an example of the SAS described in FIG. 4A.

[0088] Referring to example (430), a network for allocating the license-exempt spectrum may include an RU (220), a DU (210), a CBSD manager (405), and an SAS (435). For example, the SAS (435) may be a cloud-based service (or entity) that manages the license-exempt spectrum (e.g., CBRS spectrum, CBRS band).

[0089] For example, RU (220) may be connected to DU (210) via a fronthaul interface (e.g., fronthaul (215) of FIG. 2A). For example, DU (210) may be connected to CBSD manager (405) via a YY interface. For example, DU (210) may be connected to SAS (435) via an HTTPS (hypertext transfer protocol secure) interface. In addition, for example, CBSD manager (405) may also be connected to SAS (435) via an HTTPS interface.

[0090] For example, the CBSD manager (405) needs to obtain a grant from the SAS (435) before starting communication on the CBRS spectrum (or CBRS band). For example, the CBSD manager (405) may notify the DU (210) and / or the RU (220) that the communication will be performed over the approved CBRS spectrum. Alternatively, for example, the SAS (435) may directly notify the DU (210) of the approved CBRS spectrum. Although not shown in FIG. 4B, the CBSD manager (405) may also be directly connected to the RU (220). In the above example, the CBRS spectrum may be granted within a specific area (or location) and a specific time interval (or time duration, time period)). For example, being granted may be understood to be substantially the same as being allocated.

[0091] Fig. 4c illustrates an example of a start-up procedure. Fig. 4c illustrates an example (450) of the start-up procedure for management plane configuration between an RU (220) and a DU (210). For example, the RU (220) of Fig. 4c may be an example of the RU (220) of Fig. 2a or the O-RU (253-1) of Fig. 2b. For example, the DU (210) of Fig. 4c may be an example of the DU (210) of Fig. 2a or the O-DU (251) of Fig. 2b.

[0092] Although not illustrated in FIG. 4c, for example, the start-up procedure may be initiated when the RU (220) (or NETCONF server) is powered on or restarted. Alternatively, for example, the start-up procedure may be initiated when the DU (210) (or RU controller), the NETCONF client, and / or the event controller are powered on.

[0093] Although not illustrated in example (450), the RU (220) may perform optional operations before performing operation 1 below. For example, the RU (220) may perform 802.1X authentication. A supplicant port access entity (PAE) may be activated on the port. Additionally, the RU (220) may initiate authentication and attempt to perform an extensible authentication protocol (EAP) authentication dialogue with a peer authenticator PAE. For example, the RU (220) may perform an action depending on the success or failure of the EAP authentication. If the EAP authentication fails, the RU (220) may provide unauthenticated connectivity. In other words, the RU (220) may provide EAP failure results. If the EAP authentication succeeds, the RU (220) may provide authenticated connectivity. In other words, RU (220) can provide EAP success results.

[0094] Referring to example (450), the RU (220) may perform transport layer initialization in operation 1. For example, the RU (220) may perform transport layer resolution (e.g., dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP), medium access control (MAC), virtual local area network (VLAN), internet protocol (IP)) and recover the IP address of the RU controller (or DU (210)).

[0095] Although not illustrated in Example (450), the RU (220) may perform optional operations after performing the above operation 1. For example, the RU (220) may register with an operator public key infrastructure (PKI). For example, if the RU (220) is not yet registered with the operator PKI, the RU (220) may discover a CA / RA (certificate authority / registration authority) server. Thereafter, the RU (220) may attempt to register with the operator PKI. After installing an operator-issued certificate, the RU (220) may restart the start-up procedure.

[0096] For example, RU (220) may initiate synchronization of RU (220) against a primary reference clock in operation 2. In the example (450) of FIG. 4c, operation 2 is illustrated as being performed after operation 1, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, operation 2 may be performed in parallel with operation 1.

[0097] Although not shown in example (450), RU (220) may perform optional operations after performing operation 2. For example, RU (220) may perform a call to home and / or pnfRegistarion. For example, RU (220) may call home to the RU controller. For example, RU (220) may perform a NETCONF Call Home to the RU controller (or DU (210)). For example, RU (220) may perform pnfRegistration for the discovered event controller.

[0098] For example, in operation 3, the DU (210) (or RU controller) may establish an SSH (secure shell) or TLS (transport layer security) secure connection.

[0099] For example, in operation 4, the RU (220) and DU (210) (or RU controller) may perform NETCONF capability discovery.

[0100] Although not shown in Example (450), the DU (210) (or RU controller) may perform optional operations after performing the above operation 3. For example, the RU (220) may support NETCONF monitoring. For example, the RU controller may retrieve RU schemas.

[0101] For example, in operation 5, the DU (210) (or RU controller) may perform optional provisioning of new management accounts. Operation 6 may typically be performed once during pre-stating.

[0102] For example, in operation 6, RU (220) and DU (210) (or RU controller) can perform supervision of NETCONF connection.

[0103] For example, in operation 7, the DU (210) (or RU controller) may perform retrieval of RU information.

[0104] For example, in operation 8, the DU (210) (or RU controller) can perform SW (software) management.

[0105] For example, in operation 9, DU (210) may perform CU (control / user) plane transmission configuration.

[0106] For example, in operation 10, the DU (210) (or RU controller) may perform LBM setup (CU plane over ETH) or enable UDP echo (CU plane over IP).

[0107] For example, in operation 11, the DU (210) (or RU controller) may initiate a CU plane transmission connectivity check between the DU (210) and the RU (220).

[0108] For example, in operation 12, the DU (210) (or RU controller) can recover the RU delay profile from the RU (220).

[0109] For example, in operation 13, the DU (210) (or RU controller) may perform user plane setup between the RU (220) and the DU (210).

[0110] For example, in operation 14, DU (210) may optionally perform control plane and user plane delay measurements between DU (210) and RU (220). For example, DU (210) may perform the control plane and user plane delay measurements if RU (220) supports them.

[0111] For example, in operation 15, the DU (210) (or RU controller) may perform fault management activation.

[0112] For example, in operation 16, the DU (210) (or RU controller) may activate performance measurement. For example, the DU (210) may activate the performance measurement when required at the start-up timing.

[0113] For example, in operation 17, the DU (210) (or RU controller) may retrieve the RU state from the RU (220). For example, the RU state may include synchronization information.

[0114] For example, in operation 18, the DU (210) (or RU controller) may set RU operational parameters.

[0115] For example, in operation 19, a service can be used. For example, RU (220) and DU (210) can use the service.

[0116] Although not illustrated in the example (450) of FIG. 4c, the RU (220) and / or the DU (210) may perform operations related to CBRS within operations 17 to 19. For example, the RU (220) and / or the DU (210) (or the RU controller) may measure received power on the CBRS spectrum. The DU (210) may receive the result of the measurement from the RU (220). For example, the RU (220) and the DU (210) may exchange YANG parameters.

[0117] According to one embodiment, DU (210) and RU (220) can exchange CBRS YANG parameters. For example, DU (210) and RU (220) can exchange the CBRS YANG parameters. For example, RU (220) supporting CBRS can transmit the CBRS YANG parameters of RU (220). In addition, RU (220) supporting CBRS can set the CBRS YANG parameters received from DU (210). For example, the CBRS YANG parameters can be included in a management plane message.

[0118] In one embodiment, the DU (210) and the RU (220) can exchange CBRS optional parameters. For example, the DU (210) and the RU (220) can exchange the CBRS optional parameters before (or together with) exchanging the CBRS YANG parameters. Alternatively, for example, the DU (210) and the RU (220) can exchange the CBRS optional parameters after exchanging the CBRS YANG parameters. For example, the RU (220) supporting the CBRS can transmit the CBRS optional parameters of the RU (220). Additionally, the RU (220) supporting the CBRS can set the CBRS optional parameters received from the DU (210). For example, the CBRS optional parameters can be included in a management plane message. For example, the above CBRS optional parameter may be referred to as an optional parameter for CBRS, CBRS spectrum request information.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the CBRS optional parameters provided from the RU (220) to the DU (210) may include configuration information for requesting a spectrum for CBRS. For example, the configuration information may include a mode for a flight path along which the RU (220) moves, if the RU (220) is a mobile device. For example, the mode may include a first mode in which the RU (220) moves along a predetermined path and a second mode in which the RU (220) moves along a path having an arbitrary pattern. For example, the first mode may be referred to as a basic mode, a predetermined path movement mode, a path movement mode, a flight path and arrival time indication mode. The predetermined path may be set by designating locations and arrival times for each of the locations, or by predicting locations and arrival times for each of the locations by an artificial intelligence model. For example, the second mode may be referred to as an unpredictable mode or a mode in which the RU moves along a path having an arbitrary pattern.

[0120] Additionally, for example, the configuration information may include path information for each of the areas of the flight path when the mode indicates the first mode. For example, the path information may include an identifier of one of the areas, coordinates indicating the one area, and an expected arrival time of the RU (220) for the one area. Or, for example, the configuration information may include a current location of the RU (220) and a time when the RU (220) is located at the current location. For example, the identifier may be referred to as identification information or area identification information. For example, the coordinates may be referred to as coordinate values, coordinate information, or location information. For example, the expected arrival time may be referred to as an expected time, an arrival time, or time information.

[0121] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a signal flow for a method of allocating license-exempt spectrum to an RU when the mode indicating the RU's flying path is the first mode.

[0122] FIG. 5 illustrates an example (500) of a method for allocating the license-exempt spectrum (e.g., CBRS spectrum) while the RU (220) of the first mode moves on the flight path. For example, the RU (220) of FIG. 5 may be an example of the RU (220) of FIG. 2A or the O-RU (253-1) of FIG. 2B. For example, the DU (210) of FIG. 5 may be an example of the DU (210) of FIG. 2A or the O-DU (251) of FIG. 2B. For example, the CBSD manager (405) of FIG. 5 may be an example of the CBSD manager (405) of FIG. 4A. For example, the SAS (435) of FIG. 5 may be an example of the SAS (435) of FIG. 4B.

[0123] According to one embodiment, in operation (505), the RU (220) may perform discovery. For example, the RU (220) may perform discovery for a DU to be connected to the RU (220). For example, the discovery may include RU identification within a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP), management plane VLAN discovery, RU management plane IP address assignment, and RU controller discovery.

[0124] According to one embodiment, in operation (510), the RU (220) and the DU (210) may perform startup and management plane setup. For example, the startup may include procedures for setting up the management plane. For details on the startup procedure, reference may be made to FIG. 4c described above.

[0125] According to one embodiment, in operation (515), the RU (220) may transmit configuration information. For example, the RU (220) may transmit a management plane message including the configuration information requesting a spectrum for CBRS (or a CBRS spectrum) to the DU (210) based on the start-up procedure. For example, the management plane message including the configuration information may be transmitted in an operation for setting CBRS optional parameters within the start-up procedure. For example, the configuration information may be delivered to the CBSD manager (405) via the DU (210).

[0126] In FIG. 5, an example is illustrated in which the exchange (or transmission) of the CBRS YANG parameter and the exchange (or transmission) of the CBRS optional parameter including the configuration information are performed with the DU (210) within the above-described start-up procedure, but the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the exchange (or transmission) of the CBRS YANG parameter and the exchange (or transmission) of the CBRS optional parameter may be performed directly with the CBSD manager (405).

[0127] According to one embodiment, the configuration information may include the first mode indicating that the RU (220) moves on a predetermined path. For example, the first mode may indicate that, when the RU (220) moves on the flight path, the flight path is the predetermined path. For example, the RU (220) may generate the configuration information including the first mode when it is set to the first mode by the operator. Alternatively, for example, the RU (220) may generate the configuration information including the first mode when it determines that the flight path is the predetermined path using artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning (ML).

[0128] In one embodiment, the configuration information may include path information for each of the areas of the predetermined path. For example, the predetermined path may include the areas. For example, the configuration information may include a set of path information corresponding to each of the areas. For example, the path information may include an identifier of a corresponding one of the areas, coordinates indicating the corresponding area, and an expected arrival time of the RU (220) for the corresponding area.

[0129] Examples of the above setting information can be referenced in the table below.

[0130]

[0131] Referring to the above table, the flyingPath_incl may indicate a mode indicating the flight path of the RU (220). If the flyingPath indicates the first mode, a set of path information according to idLocation may be included in the configuration information (uav-oru-cbrs). For example, the idLocation may indicate an identifier of a specific area. For example, the expectedTime may indicate an expected time of the RU (220) arriving at the specific area. For example, the expected time may include a synchronized time between the DU (210) and the RU (220). For example, the siteLatitude and siteLongitude may indicate coordinates (e.g., latitude and longitude) of the specific area.

[0132] Although not shown in the above table, according to one embodiment, the configuration information may further include the present location of the RU (220) and the time (or current time) when the RU (220) is located at the present location. For example, the present location may include coordinates (e.g., latitude and longitude). For example, the present location may be included in the areas of the predetermined path. For example, the time may include a synchronized time between the DU (210) and the RU (220).

[0133] In one embodiment, in operation (520), the CBSD manager (405) and the SAS (435) may allocate spectrum. For example, the CBSD manager (405), having received the configuration information, may request allocation of CBRS spectrum for each of the areas within the predetermined path. For example, the SAS (435), in response to the request, may allocate CBRS spectrum for each of the areas and transmit information about the allocated spectrum to the CBSD manager (405).

[0134] For example, if the regions include a first region and a second region, the SAS (435) may allocate a first spectrum (or a first CBRS spectrum) for the first region and a second spectrum (or a second CBRS spectrum) for the second region. However, this is merely for convenience of explanation, and if the regions include three or more regions, three or more spectra corresponding to the three or more regions may be allocated. For example, the first spectrum may be used for the first region during a first time interval. For example, the first time interval may be determined based on a first expected arrival time of the RU (220) for the first region. Also, for example, the second spectrum may be used for the second region during a second time interval. For example, the second time interval may be determined based on a second expected arrival time of the RU (220) for the second region.

[0135] Referring to the above, the CBSD manager (405) and SAS (435) can pre-assign spectrums (or frequencies) for the current location of the RU (220) as well as the areas to which it will move in the future, based on the configuration information for the predetermined path.

[0136] According to one embodiment, in operation (520), after the CBSD manager (405) and the SAS (435) allocate the spectrum, the CBSD manager (405) may set an absolute radio frequency channel number (ARFCN) (or E-UTRA ARFCN (EARFCN)) and a grant expire time.

[0137] According to one embodiment, in operation (525), the CBSD manager (405) may transmit information about cells according to a spectrum. For example, the CBSD manager (405) may transmit information about cells according to the spectrum to the DU (210) and / or the RU (220). As in the example described above, when the regions include the first region and the second region, the CBSD manager (405) may transmit information about a first cell according to the first spectrum and information about a second cell according to the second spectrum to the DU (210). For example, the information about the first cell according to the first spectrum and the information about the second cell according to the second spectrum may be transmitted to the RU (220) via the DU (210). Alternatively, for example, information about the first cell according to the first spectrum and information about the second cell according to the second spectrum may be transmitted directly from the CBSD manager (405) to the RU (220).

[0138] In one embodiment, the DU (210) can perform cell unlocking and initiate transmission (or communication, reception). For example, the DU (210) can unlock a pre-allocated cell in the area where the RU (220) is located and initiate transmission as the RU (220) moves.

[0139] According to one embodiment, in operation (530), the RU (220) may perform communication. For example, the RU (220) may perform communication in the released cell. For example, the RU (220) may perform communication with at least one terminal on a cell according to the CBRS spectrum allocated for the area in which the RU (220) is currently located. For example, when the current location of the RU (220) is the first area, the RU (220) may perform communication with at least one terminal on the first cell according to the first spectrum.

[0140] According to one embodiment, the RU (220) may transmit a heartbeat message for approval while performing the communication. For example, the RU (220) may periodically transmit the heartbeat message to confirm approval for the CBRS spectrum. For example, the RU (220) may periodically transmit the heartbeat message for the first spectrum on the first cell.

[0141] In one embodiment, in operation (535), the RU (220) may move. For example, the RU (220) may move from the first area, which is its current location, to the second area. For example, the RU (220) may recognize (or detect) the change from the first area to the second area based on monitoring.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the RU (220) may perform the monitoring for the cell according to the CBRS spectrum while performing the communication. For example, the RU (220) may continuously monitor the service link status in terms of the user quality (or signal quality) of the service provided by the RU (220) and / or location change. For example, the RU (220) may determine, based on the result of the monitoring, whether the RU (220) is located within a specified distance from the boundary of the first region. For example, the RU (220) may detect the change from the first region to the second region when it is located within the specified distance from the boundary of the first region (and / or is approaching the boundary).

[0143] According to one embodiment, in operation (540), the RU (220) may perform communication. For example, if the current location changed due to movement of the RU (220) is the second area, the RU (220) may perform communication with at least one terminal on the second cell according to the second spectrum.

[0144] In one embodiment, the RU (220) may transmit a heartbeat message for approval while performing the communication. For example, the RU (220) may periodically transmit the heartbeat message to confirm approval for the CBRS spectrum. For example, the RU (220) may periodically transmit the heartbeat message for the second spectrum on the second cell.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the RU (220) may perform the monitoring of the cell according to the CBRS spectrum while performing the communication. For example, the RU (220) may determine, based on the result of the monitoring, whether the RU (220) is located within a specified distance from a boundary of the second region. For example, if the RU (220) is located within the specified distance from the boundary of the second region (and / or is approaching the boundary), the RU (220) may detect a change from the second region to a third region. In this case, the third region may be a region different from the regions within the predetermined path (or a region not included in the regions).

[0146] According to one embodiment, in operation (545), RU (220) may transmit notification information. For example, if RU (220) detects a change from the second area to the third area based on the results of the monitoring for the second cell, RU (220) may transmit a management plane message including the notification information to DU (210). For example, the notification information may be delivered to CBSD manager (405) via DU (210). However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, RU (220) may also transmit the notification information directly to CBSD manager (405).

[0147] According to one embodiment, the notification information may include an identifier of the third area where the RU (220) is to be located, coordinates indicating the third area, and a starting time of the RU (220) for the third area.

[0148] Examples of the above notification information can be referenced in the table below.

[0149]

[0150] Referring to the above table, examples of the notification information (uav-oru-cbrs-next-loc) are described. For example, the idLocation may indicate an identifier of the third region. For example, the startingTime may indicate an expected time of arrival of the RU (220) in the third region. For example, the starting time may include a synchronized time between the DU (210) and the RU (220). For example, the siteLatitude and siteLongitude may indicate coordinates (e.g., latitude and longitude) of the third region.

[0151] In one embodiment, in operation (550), the CBSD manager (405) and the SAS (435) may allocate spectrum. For example, the CBSD manager (405), having received the notification information, may request allocation of CBRS spectrum to the third region. For example, the SAS (435), in response to the request, may allocate CBRS spectrum to the third region and transmit information about the allocated spectrum to the CBSD manager (405).

[0152] For example, SAS (435) may allocate a third spectrum (or a third CBRS spectrum) for the third region. For example, the third spectrum may be used for a third time interval for the third region. For example, the third time interval may be determined based on the start time of RU (220) for the third region. For subsequent operations, reference may be made to operations (525) and (530).

[0153] In the example (500) of FIG. 5, the case where the result of the monitoring indicates a change in the location of the RU (220) is illustrated, but the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, based on the result of the monitoring, the RU (220) can determine whether the quality of service (or service quality, user quality) provided by the RU (220) at the current location is below a reference quality, regardless of the movement of the RU (220). In the example where the current location is the first area, the RU (220) can determine whether the service quality on the first cell is below the reference quality. Accordingly, the RU (220) can transmit the notification information for requesting a CBRS spectrum (e.g., the third spectrum) different from the first spectrum on the first cell.

[0154] In the example (500) of Fig. 5, assuming that the RU (220) is in the first mode, operations (545) and (550) may be omitted. In other words, if the RU (220) moves only within the predetermined path, operation (545) may be omitted.

[0155] Although not illustrated in the example (500) of FIG. 5, the RU (220) may stop communication if it recognizes that the CBRS spectrum is unavailable on a cell according to the CBRS spectrum. For example, the RU (220) may stop communication and release the grant if it recognizes that the availability time (or time interval) of the CBRS spectrum has expired. Thereafter, the SAS (435) and the CBSD manager (405) may perform CBSD data synchronization.

[0156] Although not illustrated in the example (500) of FIG. 5, the DU (210) connected to the RU (220) may be a plurality of DUs. For example, the plurality of DUs may include a first DU managing the first region and a second DU managing the second region. The RU (220) may receive information about a first cell according to the first spectrum for the first region from the first DU, and may receive information about a second cell according to the second spectrum for the second region from the second DU.

[0157] As described above, the device, method, and storage medium according to embodiments of the present disclosure can pre-allocate CBRS spectrums for the flight path (e.g., the predetermined path) of the RU (220) by using the configuration information provided in operation (515). Accordingly, the device, method, and storage medium according to embodiments of the present disclosure can enable the RU (220) to switch to a new CBRS spectrum without interaction with the SAS (435) via the DU (210) and / or the CBSD manager (405). Accordingly, the device, method, and storage medium according to embodiments of the present disclosure can reduce the possibility of service interruption or service interruption that may occur as the RU (220) moves along the flight path, and provide uninterrupted service.

[0158] Also, referring to FIG. 5, the device, method, and storage medium according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied even when the RU (220) of the first mode moves along a first predetermined path and the first predetermined path is changed to a second predetermined path. For example, according to the example (500) of FIG. 5, the RU (220) can move along the first predetermined path and be assigned a first set of CBRS spectrums for a first set of areas on the first predetermined path. Thereafter, as the flight path changes from the first predetermined path to the second predetermined path, the RU (220) can move along a flight path having the second predetermined flight path and be assigned a second set of CBRS spectrums for a second set of areas on the second predetermined path. In one example, the second predetermined path may include a path (or return path) defined from the current location of the RU (220) to the location of the DU (210).

[0159] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a signal flow for a method of allocating license-exempt spectrum to an RU when the mode indicating the flight path of the RU is the second mode.

[0160] FIG. 6 illustrates an example (600) of a method for allocating the license-exempt spectrum (e.g., CBRS spectrum) while the RU (220) of the second mode moves on the flight path. For example, the RU (220) of FIG. 6 may be an example of the RU (220) of FIG. 2A or the O-RU (253-1) of FIG. 2B. For example, the DU (210) of FIG. 6 may be an example of the DU (210) of FIG. 2A or the O-DU (251) of FIG. 2B. For example, the CBSD manager (405) of FIG. 6 may be an example of the CBSD manager (405) of FIG. 4A. For example, the SAS (435) of FIG. 6 may be an example of the SAS (435) of FIG. 4B.

[0161] According to one embodiment, in operation (605), the RU (220) may perform discovery. For example, the RU (220) may perform discovery for a DU to be connected to the RU (220). The discovery may include RU identification within a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP), management plane VLAN discovery, RU management plane IP address assignment, and RU controller discovery.

[0162] According to one embodiment, in operation (610), the RU (220) and the DU (210) may perform startup and management plane setup. For example, the startup may include procedures for setting up the management plane. For details on the startup procedure, reference may be made to FIG. 4c described above.

[0163] According to one embodiment, in operation (615), the RU (220) may transmit configuration information. For example, the RU (220) may transmit a management plane message including the configuration information requesting a spectrum for CBRS (or a CBRS spectrum) to the DU (210) based on the start-up procedure. For example, the management plane message including the configuration information may be transmitted in an operation for setting CBRS optional parameters within the start-up procedure. For example, the configuration information may be delivered to the CBSD manager (405) via the DU (210).

[0164] In FIG. 6, an example is shown in which the exchange (or transmission) of the CBRS YANG parameter and the exchange (or transmission) of the CBRS optional parameter including the configuration information are performed with the DU (210) within the above-described start-up procedure, but the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the exchange (or transmission) of the CBRS YANG parameter and the exchange (or transmission) of the CBRS optional parameter may be performed directly with the CBSD manager (405).

[0165] According to one embodiment, the configuration information may include the second mode indicating that the RU (220) moves on a path having a random pattern. For example, the second mode may indicate that, when the RU (220) moves on the flight path, the flight path is a path having the random pattern. For example, the random pattern may indicate a path that changes based on the service status of at least one terminal receiving service from the RU (220) or the signal quality of the path. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, when the RU (220) is set to the second mode by the operator, the RU (220) may generate the configuration information including the second mode. Alternatively, for example, the RU (220) may generate the configuration information including the second mode when it is determined that the flight path is the predetermined path using artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning (ML).

[0166] According to one embodiment, the configuration information may further include a present location of the RU (220) and a time (or current time) when the RU (220) is located at the present location. For example, the present location may include coordinates (e.g., latitude and longitude). For example, the time may include a synchronized time between the DU (210) and the RU (220). In other words, unlike the configuration information including (or indicating) the first mode of FIG. 5, the configuration information including (or indicating) the second mode may not include information exemplified in Table 1. For example, the configuration information including the second mode may include, among a mode, route information, a current location, and a time according to the current location, the mode, the current location, and the time according to the current location.

[0167] In one embodiment, in operation (620), the CBSD manager (405) and the SAS (435) may allocate spectrum. For example, the CBSD manager (405), which has received the configuration information, may request allocation of CBRS spectrum for an area including the current location of the path having the arbitrary pattern. For example, the SAS (435), in response to the request, may allocate CBRS spectrum for the area and transmit information about the allocated spectrum to the CBSD manager (405).

[0168] For example, if the area is a first area, SAS (435) may allocate a first spectrum (or a first CBRS spectrum) for the first area. However, this is merely for convenience of explanation, and multiple spectra may be allocated for the area including the current location. For example, the first spectrum may be used for a first time interval for the first area. For example, the first time interval may be determined based on the time according to the current location. Alternatively, for example, the first time interval may be determined based on the time according to the current location and an expected movement path on the flight path of RU (220).

[0169] Referring to the above, the CBSD manager (405) and SAS (435) can allocate spectrum for the current location of the RU (220) based on the configuration information including the current location. In other words, unlike the example (500) of FIG. 5, which pre-assigns spectrums (or frequencies) for areas to be moved in the future, in the example (600) of FIG. 6, only the first spectrum for the first area including the current location can be allocated.

[0170] According to one embodiment, in operation (620), after the CBSD manager (405) and the SAS (435) allocate the spectrum, the CBSD manager (405) may set an absolute radio frequency channel number (ARFCN) (or E-UTRA ARFCN (EARFCN)) and a grant expire time.

[0171] In one embodiment, at operation (625), the CBSD manager (405) may transmit information about a cell according to a spectrum. For example, the CBSD manager (405) may transmit information about a cell according to the spectrum to the DU (210) and / or the RU (220). As in the example described above, the CBSD manager (405) may transmit information about a first cell according to the first spectrum to the DU (210). For example, the information about the first cell according to the first spectrum may be transmitted to the RU (220) via the DU (210). Alternatively, for example, the information about the first cell according to the first spectrum may be transmitted directly from the CBSD manager (405) to the RU (220).

[0172] In one embodiment, the DU (210) can perform cell unlocking and initiate transmission (or communication, reception). For example, the DU (210) can unlock a pre-allocated cell in the area where the RU (220) is located and initiate transmission as the RU (220) moves.

[0173] According to one embodiment, in operation (630), the RU (220) may perform communication. For example, the RU (220) may perform communication in the released cell. For example, the RU (220) may perform communication with at least one terminal on a cell according to the CBRS spectrum allocated for the area in which the RU (220) is currently located. For example, when the current location of the RU (220) is the first area, the RU (220) may perform communication with at least one terminal on the first cell according to the first spectrum.

[0174] According to one embodiment, the RU (220) may transmit a heartbeat message for approval while performing the communication. For example, the RU (220) may periodically transmit the heartbeat message to confirm approval for the CBRS spectrum. For example, the RU (220) may periodically transmit the heartbeat message for the first spectrum on the first cell.

[0175] In one embodiment, in operation (635), the RU (220) may move. For example, the RU (220) may move from the first area, which is its current location, to the second area. For example, the RU (220) may recognize (or detect) the change from the first area to the second area based on monitoring.

[0176] According to one embodiment, the RU (220) may perform the monitoring for the cell according to the CBRS spectrum while performing the communication. For example, the RU (220) may continuously monitor the service link status in terms of the user quality (or signal quality) of the service provided by the RU (220) and / or location change. For example, the RU (220) may determine, based on the result of the monitoring, whether the RU (220) is located within a specified distance from the boundary of the first region. For example, the RU (220) may detect the change from the first region to the second region when it is located within the specified distance from the boundary of the first region (and / or is approaching the boundary).

[0177] According to one embodiment, in operation (640), RU (220) may transmit notification information. For example, if RU (220) detects a change from the first area to the second area based on the result of the monitoring for the first cell, RU (220) may transmit a management plane message including the notification information to DU (210). For example, the notification information may be delivered to CBSD manager (405) via DU (210). However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, RU (220) may also transmit the notification information directly to CBSD manager (405).

[0178] According to one embodiment, the notification information may include an identifier of the second area where the RU (220) is to be located, coordinates indicating the second area, and a starting time of the RU (220) for the second area. For specific details regarding the notification information, reference may be made to Table 2 described above.

[0179] In one embodiment, in operation (645), the CBSD manager (405) and the SAS (435) may allocate spectrum. For example, the CBSD manager (405), having received the notification information, may request allocation of CBRS spectrum to the second region. For example, the SAS (435), in response to the request, may allocate CBRS spectrum to the second region and transmit information about the allocated spectrum to the CBSD manager (405).

[0180] For example, SAS (435) may allocate a second spectrum (or a second CBRS spectrum) for the second region. For example, the second spectrum may be used for a second time interval for the second region. For example, the second time interval may be determined based on the start time of RU (220) for the second region.

[0181] In one embodiment, at operation (650), the CBSD manager (405) may transmit information about a cell according to a spectrum. For example, the CBSD manager (405) may transmit information about a cell according to the spectrum to the DU (210) and / or the RU (220). As in the example described above, the CBSD manager (405) may transmit information about a second cell according to the second spectrum to the DU (210). For example, the information about the second cell according to the second spectrum may be transmitted to the RU (220) via the DU (210). Alternatively, for example, the information about the second cell according to the second spectrum may be transmitted directly from the CBSD manager (405) to the RU (220).

[0182] In one embodiment, the DU (210) can perform cell unlocking and initiate transmission (or communication, reception). For example, the DU (210) can unlock a pre-allocated cell in the area where the RU (220) is located and initiate transmission as the RU (220) moves.

[0183] According to one embodiment, in operation (655), the RU (220) may perform communication. For example, the RU (220) may perform communication in the released cell. For example, the RU (220) may perform communication with at least one terminal on a cell according to the allocated CBRS spectrum as the RU (220) enters the second area. For example, when the area into which the RU (220) enters is the second area, the RU (220) may perform communication with at least one terminal on the second cell according to the second spectrum.

[0184] In the example (600) of FIG. 6, the case where the result of the monitoring indicates a change in the location of the RU (220) is illustrated, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, based on the result of the monitoring, the RU (220) can determine whether the quality of service (or service quality, user quality) provided by the RU (220) at the current location is below a reference quality, regardless of the movement of the RU (220). In the example where the current location is the first area, the RU (220) can determine whether the quality of service on the first cell is below the reference quality. Accordingly, the RU (220) can transmit the notification information for requesting a CBRS spectrum (e.g., a third spectrum) different from the first spectrum on the first cell.

[0185] Although not illustrated in the example (600) of FIG. 6, the RU (220) may stop communication if it recognizes that the CBRS spectrum is unavailable on a cell according to the CBRS spectrum. For example, the RU (220) may stop communication and release the grant if it recognizes that the availability time (or time interval) of the CBRS spectrum has expired. Thereafter, the SAS (435) and the CBSD manager (405) may perform CBSD data synchronization.

[0186] As described above, the device, method, and storage medium according to embodiments of the present disclosure can allocate CBRS spectrum in real time for an area to be moved within the flight path (e.g., a path having the arbitrary pattern) of the RU (220) by using the notification information provided in operation (640). Accordingly, the device, method, and storage medium according to embodiments of the present disclosure can relatively reduce the possibility of service interruption or service interruption that may occur as the RU (220) moves along the flight path, and provide uninterrupted service.

[0187] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the device, method, and storage medium according to embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied when the mode of the RU (220) is changed from the first mode to the second mode. For example, according to the example (500) of FIG. 5, the RU (220) can move along a flight path having a predetermined path and be allocated CBRS spectrums for areas on the predetermined path. Thereafter, the RU (220) can change the mode from the first mode to the second mode. Thereafter, the RU (220) can be allocated a CBRS spectrum for the current location according to the second mode. In addition, the RU (220) in the second mode can be allocated a CBRS spectrum for the location to be changed each time the location is changed.

[0188] Figure 7 illustrates an example of a signal flow for allocating a licensed band to an RU when license-exempt spectrum is not available.

[0189] FIG. 7 illustrates an example (700) of a method for allocating a licensed band to an RU (220) when the assigned license-exempt spectrum (e.g., CBRS spectrum) is not available while the RU (220) is moving on the flight path. For example, the RU (220) of FIG. 7 may be an example of the RU (220) of FIG. 2A or the O-RU (253-1) of FIG. 2B. For example, the DU (210) of FIG. 7 may be an example of the DU (210) of FIG. 2A or the O-DU (251) of FIG. 2B. For example, the CBSD manager (405) of FIG. 7 may be an example of the CBSD manager (405) of FIG. 4A. For example, the SAS (435) of FIG. 7 may be an example of the SAS (435) of FIG. 4B. For example, the Near-RT RIC (420) of FIG. 7 may be an example of the Near-RT RIC (420) of FIG. 4a.

[0190] According to one embodiment, in operation (705), the RU (220) may perform discovery. For example, the RU (220) may perform discovery for a DU to be connected to the RU (220). The discovery may include RU identification within a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP), management plane VLAN discovery, RU management plane IP address assignment, and RU controller discovery.

[0191] According to one embodiment, in operation (710), the RU (220) and the DU (210) may perform startup and management plane setup. For example, the startup may include procedures for setting up the management plane. For details on the startup procedure, reference may be made to FIG. 4c described above.

[0192] According to one embodiment, in operation (715), the RU (220) may transmit configuration information. For example, the RU (220) may transmit a management plane message including the configuration information requesting a spectrum for CBRS (or a CBRS spectrum) to the DU (210) based on the start-up procedure. For example, the management plane message including the configuration information may be transmitted in an operation for setting CBRS optional parameters within the start-up procedure. For example, the configuration information may be delivered to the CBSD manager (405) via the DU (210).

[0193] In FIG. 7, an example is illustrated in which the exchange (or transmission) of the CBRS YANG parameter and the exchange (or transmission) of the CBRS optional parameter including the configuration information are performed with the DU (210) within the above-described start-up procedure, but the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the exchange (or transmission) of the CBRS YANG parameter and the exchange (or transmission) of the CBRS optional parameter may be performed directly with the CBSD manager (405).

[0194] According to one embodiment, the configuration information may include the mode of the flight path along which the RU (220) moves. For example, the mode may include the first mode indicating movement along a predetermined path and the second mode indicating movement along a path having a random pattern.

[0195] According to one embodiment, the setting information may further include the present location of the RU (220) and the time (or current time) when the RU (220) is located at the present location.

[0196] In one embodiment, in operation (720), the CBSD manager (405) and the SAS (435) may allocate spectrum. For example, the CBSD manager (405), which has received the configuration information including the first mode, may request allocation of CBRS spectrum for each of the areas within the predetermined path. For example, the SAS (435), in response to the request, may allocate CBRS spectrum for each of the areas within the predetermined path and transmit information about the allocated spectrum to the CBSD manager (405). Alternatively, for example, the CBSD manager (405), which has received the configuration information including the second mode, may request allocation of CBRS spectrum for an area including the current location of the path having the arbitrary pattern. For example, the SAS (435), in response to the request, may allocate CBRS spectrum for the area including the current location and transmit information about the allocated spectrum to the CBSD manager (405).

[0197] According to one embodiment, in operation (720), after the CBSD manager (405) and the SAS (435) allocate the spectrum, the CBSD manager (405) may set an absolute radio frequency channel number (ARFCN) (or E-UTRA ARFCN (EARFCN)) and a grant expire time.

[0198] In one embodiment, at operation (725), the CBSD manager (405) may transmit information about cells according to a spectrum. For example, the CBSD manager (405) may transmit information about cells according to the spectrum to the DU (210) and / or the RU (220).

[0199] For example, if the areas within the predetermined path according to the first mode include a first area and a second area, the CBSD manager (405) may transmit information about a first cell according to a first spectrum for the first area and information about a second cell according to a second spectrum for the second area to the DU (210). For example, the information about the first cell according to the first spectrum and the information about the second cell according to the second spectrum may be transmitted to the RU (220) via the DU (210). Alternatively, for example, the information about the first cell according to the first spectrum and the information about the second cell according to the second spectrum may be transmitted directly from the CBSD manager (405) to the RU (220).

[0200] Alternatively, for example, if the area including the current location according to the second mode includes the first area, the CBSD manager (405) may transmit information about a first cell according to a first spectrum for the first area to the DU (210). For example, the information about the first cell according to the first spectrum may be transmitted to the RU (220) via the DU (210). Alternatively, for example, the information about the first cell according to the first spectrum may be transmitted directly from the CBSD manager (405) to the RU (220).

[0201] In one embodiment, the DU (210) can perform cell unlocking and initiate transmission (or communication, reception). For example, the DU (210) can unlock a pre-allocated cell in the area where the RU (220) is located and initiate transmission as the RU (220) moves.

[0202] According to one embodiment, in operation (730), the RU (220) may perform communication. For example, the RU (220) may perform communication in the released cell. For example, the RU (220) may perform communication with at least one terminal on a cell according to the CBRS spectrum allocated for the area in which the RU (220) is currently located. For example, when the current location of the RU (220) is the first area, the RU (220) may perform communication with at least one terminal on the first cell according to the first spectrum.

[0203] According to one embodiment, the RU (220) may transmit a heartbeat message for approval while performing the communication. For example, the RU (220) may periodically transmit the heartbeat message to confirm approval for the CBRS spectrum. For example, the RU (220) may periodically transmit the heartbeat message for the first spectrum on the first cell.

[0204] In one embodiment, at operation (735), the DU (210) and / or the CBSD manager (405) may detect unavailability of the CBRS spectrum. For example, the DU (210) (and / or the CBSD manager (405)) may detect unavailability of the CBRS spectrum based on receiving a signal from the SAS (435) indicating that the allocated CBSD spectrum is no-granted. Alternatively, for example, the DU (210) (and / or the CBSD manager (405)) may detect unavailability of the CBRS spectrum based on recognizing that communication cannot be performed (or communication is interrupted) over the allocated CBSD spectrum. Alternatively, for example, the DU (210) (and / or the CBSD manager (405)) may detect unavailability of the CBRS spectrum based on receiving a signal from the RU (220) indicating that communication cannot be performed (or communication is interrupted) over the allocated CBSD spectrum.

[0205] In the event that the CBRS spectrum is unavailable, one or more RUs, including the RU (220) connected to the DU (210), may be required to use a licensed band. In other words, in the event that the CBRS spectrum is temporarily unavailable, one or more RUs may be forced to use the licensed band.

[0206] In one embodiment, the DU (210) and / or the CBSD manager (405) may, in response to detecting the unavailability of the CBRS spectrum, request the Near-RT RIC (420) to allocate a licensed band. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the DU (210) and / or the CBSD manager (405) may, in response to detecting the unavailability of the CBRS spectrum, request the allocation of a licensed band to a device (or node, entity) that manages the allocation of the licensed band.

[0207] In the example (700) of FIG. 7, an example is shown in which the DU (210) and / or the CBSD manager (405) detects the unavailability of the CBRS spectrum, but the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The RU (220), rather than the DU (210) and / or the CBSD manager (405), may directly detect the unavailability of the CBRS spectrum and request the Near-RT RIC (420) to allocate the licensed band.

[0208] According to one embodiment, in operation (740), the Near-RT RIC (420) may allocate the licensed band. For example, the Near-RT RIC (420) may transmit information about the allocated licensed band to the DU (210) and / or the RU (220). For example, the information about the licensed band may include information about a third cell according to the licensed band.

[0209] According to one embodiment, the DU (210) may unlock a cell (e.g., the third cell) according to the licensed band and initiate transmission (or communication, reception). For example, the DU (210) may unlock a pre-allocated cell in the area where the RU (220) is located and initiate transmission according to the movement of the RU (220).

[0210] Although not illustrated in FIG. 7, RU (220) can perform communication on the third cell according to the licensed band. For example, RU (220) can perform communication with at least one terminal on the third cell.

[0211] According to one embodiment, in operation (745), the RU (220), the DU (210), and / or the Near-RT RIC (420) may transmit an inquiry message to the SAS (435). For example, the RU (220) (and / or the DU (210), the Near-RT RIC (420)) may transmit the inquiry message to the CBSD manager (405) to check the availability of the CBRS spectrum. The CBSD manager (405) receiving the inquiry message may request an allocation for the CBRS spectrum from the SAS (435).

[0212] In one embodiment, the inquiry message may be transmitted periodically. For example, the RU (220) (and / or the DU (210), the Near-RT RIC (420)) may periodically transmit the inquiry message to check the availability of the CBRS spectrum and request allocation. For example, the period of the inquiry message may be determined based on a timer having a specified time interval.

[0213] In one embodiment, the inquiry message may be transmitted based on a statistical model. For example, the RU (220) (and / or the DU (210), the Near-RT RIC (420)) may transmit the inquiry message generated based on the statistical model learned using historical information including the location of the RU (220) and the CBRS spectrum used according to the location. For example, the statistical model may include an artificial intelligence model. For example, the RU (220) (and / or the DU (210), the Near-RT RIC (420)) may identify the CBRS spectrum used in the past according to the location of the RU (220) based on the statistical model learned using the historical information, and transmit the inquiry message requesting allocation for the identified CBRS spectrum to the CBSD manager (405).

[0214] Referring to the above, since the licensed band is allocated according to the operation (740), the Near-RT RIC (420) controlling the DU (210) and RU (220) for the licensed band can request allocation of the CBRS spectrum to the SAS (435) through the CBSD manager (405).

[0215] In FIG. 7, an example (700) is shown in which the license-exempt spectrum (e.g., CBRS spectrum) is not available after the license-exempt spectrum is allocated in operation (720), but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, if the CBSD manager (405) requests the SAS (435) to allocate the spectrum based on the configuration information, the SAS (435) may notify the CBSD manager (405) (and / or the DU (210)) that the allocation is not possible. The DU (210) (and / or the CBSD manager (405)) that the allocation is not possible may request the Near-RT RIC (420) to allocate a licensed band.

[0216] Figure 8 illustrates an example of a signal flow for how an RU maintains communication with a DU via D2D (device to device) communication.

[0217] FIG. 8 illustrates an example (800) of a method for maintaining communication with a DU (210) for utilizing the CBRS spectrum while the RU (220) is allocated through D2D communication with a neighboring RU (850). For example, the RU (220) of FIG. 8 may be an example of the RU (220) of FIG. 2A or the O-RU (253-1) of FIG. 2B. For example, the DU (210) of FIG. 8 may be an example of the DU (210) of FIG. 2A or the O-DU (251) of FIG. 2B. For example, the CBSD manager (405) of FIG. 8 may be an example of the CBSD manager (405) of FIG. 4A. For example, the SAS (435) of FIG. 8 may be an example of the SAS (435) of FIG. 4B.

[0218] Although not illustrated in the example (800) of FIG. 8, according to one embodiment, the CBRS spectrum may be allocated prior to operation (805). For example, prior to operation (805), the CBRS spectrum may be allocated based on operations (505) to (525) of FIG. 5 (or operations (605) to (625) of FIG. 6, or operations (705) to (725) of FIG. 7).

[0219] According to one embodiment, the RU (220) can perform communication with at least one terminal on a cell according to the allocated CBRS spectrum. While performing the communication, the RU (220) can move. For example, the RU (220) can move through areas on the flight path. At this time, as the RU (220) moves through the areas on the flight path, it can leave the service area provided by the DU (210). For example, the service area can represent a virtual area in which the DU (210) can support a service for at least one RU with which communication has been established (or connected). Accordingly, when the RU (220) leaves the service area, it can maintain the communication established with the DU (210) by performing D2D communication with an RU (e.g., a neighboring RU (850)) within the service area.

[0220] According to one embodiment, the RU (220) may transmit a request message to the DU (210). For example, the RU (220) may transmit the request message to the currently connected DU (210) when it recognizes that there is no connectable DU in an area that will change as the RU (220) moves from the area of ​​the current location. For example, the RU (220) may transmit the request message for performing (or establishing) the D2D communication to the DU (210). At this time, the RU (220) may be located within the service area of ​​the DU (210). For example, the request message may be used to request the RU (220) to establish a connection with an RU within the service area.

[0221] In one embodiment, the request message may include the current location of the RU (220). For example, the request message may include an identifier and coordinates (e.g., latitude and longitude) indicating an area corresponding to the current location within the service area among the areas of the flight path.

[0222] According to one embodiment, in operation (810), the DU (210) can recognize a neighboring RU (850). For example, the DU (210) can recognize the neighboring RU (850) based on the current location of the request message. For example, the DU (210) can recognize the locations of a plurality of RUs connected to the DU (210) within the service area. The plurality of RUs can include the RU (220) and the neighboring RU (850). For example, the DU (210) can recognize the neighboring RU (850) using the current location of the request message received from the RU (220) and the locations of the plurality of RUs. According to one embodiment, the DU (210) can determine the RU closest to the current location among the plurality of RUs as the neighboring RU (850). However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, DU (210) can determine a neighboring RU (850) among the plurality of RUs by considering service requirements such as location and communication quality.

[0223] Although not illustrated in the example (800) of FIG. 8, according to one embodiment, the DU (210) may inquire of the determined neighboring RU (850) as to whether it approves (or accepts) the D2D communication requested from the RU (220). The DU (210) may receive a response to the inquiry from the neighboring RU (850). For example, the response may indicate that the neighboring RU (850) approves (or accepts) the D2D communication. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, if the response indicates that the D2D communication is not approved (or rejected), the DU (210) may recognize another RU among the plurality of RUs and inquire of the other RU as to whether it approves (or accepts) the D2D communication requested from the RU (220).

[0224] According to one embodiment, in operation (815), DU (210) may transmit a response message to RU (220). For example, DU (210) may transmit the response message to RU (220) based on receiving the response indicating that a neighboring RU (850) approves (or accepts) the D2D communication. For example, the response message may include a key for the D2D communication. For example, the key may include authentication information used in the D2D communication.

[0225] According to one embodiment, in operation (820), the RU (220) and the neighboring RU (850) can establish the D2D communication. For example, the RU (220) can recognize the neighboring RU (850) using the key received from the DU (210) and attempt to establish the D2D communication with the recognized neighboring RU (850). For example, the D2D communication can be performed based on the PC5 interface for V2X. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0226] According to one embodiment, in operation (830-1), the RU (220) may transmit an uplink signal (UL signal) to the DU (210) via a neighboring RU (850). Or, according to one embodiment, in operation (830-2), the RU (220) may receive a downlink signal (DL signal) from the DU (210) via a neighboring RU (850).

[0227] For example, RU (220) can maintain communication with DU (210) using the established D2D communication. For example, RU (220) can maintain communication with DU (210) using the D2D communication even if it is located outside the service area of ​​DU (210) due to the movement.

[0228] Referring to the above, the RU (220) implemented as a UAV can be utilized when the RU connected via a wire is disconnected from the DU (210) in a situation such as a natural disaster. For example, assume that the first DU provides a service to the first UAV RU and the second UAV RU, and the second DU provides a service to the third UAV RU. At this time, the first UAV RU may be located closer to the first DU than the second UAV RU, and the third UAV RU may be located closer to the second DU than the second UAV RU. In other words, the second UAV RU may be located between the first DU and the second DU, and the second UAV RU may be located between the first UAV RU and the third UAV RU.

[0229] In the above example, when the second UAV RU moves away from the first DU and closer to the second DU within the service area of ​​the DU, the second UAV RU can establish D2D communication with the first UAV RU and maintain a connection with the first DU through the D2D communication. In addition, when the second UAV RU is located within the service area of ​​the second DU, the second UAV RU can establish D2D communication with the third UAV RU after establishing a connection with the second DU. The second UAV RU, which is located relatively farther away from the second DU than the third UAV RU, can prevent service interruption and provide uninterrupted service by utilizing the D2D communication established with the third UAV RU.

[0230] In Fig. 8, an example (800) of a method for managing or handling the D2D communication by the DU (210) is illustrated, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the D2D communication may be managed by a network entity different from the DU (210). For example, since the DU (210) or the network entity is an entity in which the RU (220) and the neighboring RU (850) are registered, security can be ensured. In addition, since, for example, the DU (210) or the network entity utilizes the locations of the RU (220) and the neighboring RU (850) when determining the neighboring RU (850), communication performance (or connectivity) can be secured.

[0231] Figure 9 illustrates an example of an operational flow for how an RU performs communication over an allocated spectrum while moving along a predetermined path.

[0232] At least some of the above methods of FIG. 9 may be performed by the RU (220) of FIG. 4A (or the RU (220) of FIG. 2A). For example, at least some of the above methods may be controlled by the processor (380) of the RU (220). In the following embodiments, each operation may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0233] According to one embodiment, in operation (910), the RU (220) may transmit a management plane message including configuration information requesting a spectrum for CBRS. For example, the RU (220) may transmit the management plane message including the configuration information to a DU (e.g., DU (210) of FIG. 4A or DU (210) of FIG. 2A) based on a start-up procedure.

[0234] According to one embodiment, the RU (220) may perform discovery. For example, the RU (220) may perform discovery for a DU to be connected to the RU (220). For example, the discovery may include RU identification within a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP), management plane VLAN discovery, RU management plane IP address assignment, and RU controller discovery.

[0235] According to one embodiment, the RU (220) and the DU (210) can perform the startup and management plane setup. For example, the startup may include procedures for setting the management plane. For specific details regarding the startup procedure, reference may be made to FIG. 4C described above. For example, the management plane message including the setup information may be transmitted in an operation for setting CBRS optional parameters within the startup procedure. For example, the setup information may be transmitted to the CBSD manager (405) via the DU (210). However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the RU (220) may also directly transmit the setup information to the CBSD manager (405).

[0236] According to one embodiment, the configuration information may include the first mode indicating that the RU (220) moves on a predetermined path. For example, the first mode may indicate that, when the RU (220) moves on the flight path, the flight path is the predetermined path. For example, the RU (220) may generate the configuration information including the first mode when it is set to the first mode by the operator. Alternatively, for example, the RU (220) may generate the configuration information including the first mode when it determines that the flight path is the predetermined path using artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning (ML).

[0237] According to one embodiment, the configuration information may include path information for each of the areas of the predetermined path. For example, the predetermined path may include the areas. For example, the configuration information may include a set of path information corresponding to each of the areas. For example, the path information may include an identifier of a corresponding one of the areas, coordinates indicating the corresponding area, and an expected arrival time of the RU (220) for the corresponding area. For specific examples of the configuration information (or the path information), reference may be made to Table 1 described above.

[0238] According to one embodiment, the configuration information may further include the present location of the RU (220) and the time (or current time) when the RU (220) is located at the present location. For example, the present location may include coordinates (e.g., latitude and longitude). For example, the present location may be included in the areas of the predetermined path. For example, the time may include a synchronized time between the DU (210) and the RU (220).

[0239] According to one embodiment, the RU (220) may be allocated spectrum from the CBSD manager (405) and the SAS (435). For example, the CBSD manager (405), which has received the configuration information from the RU (220), may request allocation of CBRS spectrum for each of the areas within the predetermined path. For example, the SAS (435), in response to the request, may allocate CBRS spectrum for each of the areas and transmit information about the allocated spectrum to the CBSD manager (405).

[0240] For example, if the regions include a first region and a second region, the SAS (435) may allocate a first spectrum (or a first CBRS spectrum) for the first region and a second spectrum (or a second CBRS spectrum) for the second region. However, this is merely for convenience of explanation, and if the regions include three or more regions, three or more spectra corresponding to the three or more regions may be allocated. For example, the first spectrum may be used for the first region during a first time interval. For example, the first time interval may be determined based on a first expected arrival time of the RU (220) for the first region. Also, for example, the second spectrum may be used for the second region during a second time interval. For example, the second time interval may be determined based on a second expected arrival time of the RU (220) for the second region.

[0241] According to one embodiment, in operation (920), the RU (220) may perform communication with at least one terminal on a first cell according to the first spectrum allocated based on the configuration information in the first region among the regions. For example, the RU (220) may perform communication with the at least one terminal on the first cell according to the first spectrum when the current location of the RU (220) is the first region on the predetermined path.

[0242] According to one embodiment, the RU (220) may perform the monitoring of the cell according to the CBRS spectrum while performing the communication. For example, the RU (220) may determine, based on the result of the monitoring, whether the RU (220) is located within a specified distance from the boundary of the first region. For example, the RU (220) may detect the change from the first region to the second region when it is located within the specified distance from the boundary of the first region (and / or is approaching the boundary).

[0243] According to one embodiment, in operation (930), the RU (220) may perform communication with at least one terminal on a second cell according to the second spectrum allocated based on the configuration information in the second region changed according to the movement of the RU (220) from the first region among the regions. For example, the RU (220) may perform communication with the at least one terminal on the second cell according to the second spectrum when the current location of the RU (220) changed according to the movement is the second region on the predetermined path.

[0244] According to one embodiment, the RU (220) may perform the monitoring of the cell according to the CBRS spectrum while performing the communication. For example, the RU (220) may determine, based on the result of the monitoring, whether the RU (220) is located within a specified distance from a boundary of the second region. For example, if the RU (220) is located within the specified distance from the boundary of the second region (and / or is approaching the boundary), the RU (220) may detect a change from the second region to a third region. In this case, the third region may be a region different from the regions within the predetermined path (or a region not included in the regions).

[0245] In one embodiment, RU (220) may transmit notification information. For example, if RU (220) detects a change from the second area to the third area based on the results of the monitoring for the second cell, RU (220) may transmit a management plane message including the notification information to DU (210). For example, the notification information may be delivered to CBSD manager (405) via DU (210). However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, RU (220) may also transmit the notification information directly to CBSD manager (405).

[0246] According to one embodiment, the notification information may include an identifier of the third area where the RU (220) is to be located, coordinates indicating the third area, and a starting time of the RU (220) for the third area. For an example of the notification information, reference may be made to Table 2 described above.

[0247] Furthermore, the device, method, and storage medium according to embodiments of the present disclosure may also be applied when the RU (220) of the first mode moves along a first predetermined path and the first predetermined path changes to a second predetermined path. For example, the RU (220) may move along the first predetermined path and be allocated a first set of CBRS spectrums for a first set of areas on the first predetermined path. Thereafter, as the flight path changes from the first predetermined path to the second predetermined path, the RU (220) may move along a flight path having the second predetermined flight path and be allocated a second set of CBRS spectrums for a second set of areas on the second predetermined path. In one example, the second predetermined path may include a path (or return path) defined from the current location of the RU (220) to the location of the DU (210).

[0248] In addition, the device, method, and storage medium according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied even when the mode of the RU (220) is changed from the first mode to the second mode. For example, the RU (220) can move along a flight path having a predetermined path and be allocated CBRS spectrums for areas on the predetermined path. Thereafter, the RU (220) can change the mode from the first mode to the second mode. Thereafter, the RU (220) can be allocated a CBRS spectrum for the current location according to the second mode. In addition, the RU (220) in the second mode can be allocated a CBRS spectrum for the location to be changed whenever the location changes.

[0249] The device, method, and storage medium according to embodiments of the present disclosure can effectively allocate a CBRS spectrum on the flight path to the RU (220) by providing configuration information on the flight path of the RU (220) to the DU (210) (or CBSD manager) when the RU (220) implemented as the mobile body requests allocation of a CBRS spectrum. Accordingly, the RU (220) can provide a relatively high quality service by performing communication with at least one terminal that receives service on a cell according to the CBRS spectrum to which the RU (220) is allocated.

[0250] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0251] As described above, a device of a radio unit (RU) may include a memory for storing instructions. The RU may include a transceiver. The RU may include at least one processor. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the device to transmit, to a distributed unit (DU) and a start-up procedure, a management plane message including configuration information requesting a spectrum for citizens broadband radio service (CBRS). The configuration information may include a mode in which the RU moves along a predetermined path and path information for each of the areas of the predetermined path. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the device to perform communication with at least one terminal on a first cell according to a first spectrum allocated based on the configuration information in a first region among the regions. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the device to perform communication with at least one terminal on a second cell according to a second spectrum allocated based on the configuration information in a second region among the regions changed according to movement of the RU from the first region.

[0252] According to one embodiment, the route information may include an identifier of an area among the areas, coordinates indicating the area, and an expected arrival time for the area.

[0253] According to one embodiment, the configuration information may further include the present location of the RU and the time when the RU is located at the present location.

[0254] In one embodiment, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the device to perform discovery of the DU. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the device to perform the start-up procedure for management plane configuration with the discovered DU. The configuration information may be provided through setting optional parameters of an RU supporting the CBRS during the start-up procedure.

[0255] In one embodiment, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the device to receive, from the DU, information about the first cell allocated for the first area in which the RU is located. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the device, in response to receiving the information about the first cell, to perform with the at least one terminal on the first cell. The first cell may be unlocked by the DU based on the first spectrum being allocated.

[0256] In one embodiment, the spectrum for the CBRS may include the first spectrum and the second spectrum. The spectrum for the CBRS may be allocated by a spectrum access system (SAS) at the request of a citizen broadband radio service device (CBSD) manager, with respect to the areas.

[0257] In one embodiment, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the device to monitor a status of a service link associated with the second cell while performing the communication with the at least one terminal on the second cell. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the device to transmit, to the DU, a management plane message including notification information used to request a change of the spectrum for the CBRS based on a result of the monitoring. The notification information may include an identifier of a third region to be changed from the second region, coordinates indicating the third region, and an expected arrival time for the third region.

[0258] According to one embodiment, the management plane message including the notification information may be transmitted based on the result indicating that the RU is located within a reference distance from a boundary of the second area or that the signal quality according to the second spectrum is below a reference quality.

[0259] In one embodiment, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the device to transmit, to the DU, a management plane message comprising another configuration information requesting the spectrum for the CBRS. The other configuration information may include another mode of traveling a path having a random pattern. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the device to perform monitoring while performing the communication with the at least one terminal on the second cell. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the device to transmit, to the DU, a management plane message comprising notification information used to request a change of the spectrum for the CBRS, in response to recognizing that the RU is located within a reference distance from a boundary of the second area based on a result of the monitoring.

[0260] In one embodiment, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the device to perform the communication with the at least one terminal on the second cell according to the second spectrum, and then perform the communication with the at least one terminal on a third cell according to a licensed spectrum allocated by a near-real time radio access network (RAN) intelligent controller (Near-RT RIC) associated with the RU. The third cell may be allocated in response to the DU or CBSD manager detecting that the second cell according to the second spectrum is unavailable in the second area.

[0261] In one embodiment, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the device to transmit, via the DU, an inquiry message to the CBSD manager for use of the spectrum for the CBRS. The inquiry message may be transmitted periodically according to a designated time interval, or may be transmitted based on a statistical model learned using historical information including the location of the RU and the spectrum used according to the location.

[0262] In one embodiment, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the device to transmit a request message to the DU for performing device-to-device (D2D) communication. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the device to receive a response message comprising a key for the D2D communication with a neighboring RU recognized by the DU. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the device to maintain communication between the DU and the RU through the D2D communication established with the neighboring RU based on the key.

[0263] In one embodiment, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the device to transmit, to the DU, a management plane message comprising another configuration information requesting the spectrum for the CBRS. The other configuration information may include path information for each of the modes in which the RU travels on another predetermined path and other areas of the other predetermined path. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the device to perform communications with at least one terminal on a third cell according to a third spectrum allocated based on the other configuration information, in a third area of ​​the other areas. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the device to perform communication with at least one terminal on a fourth cell according to a fourth spectrum allocated based on the other configuration information, in a fourth region changed according to movement of the RU from the third region among the other regions.

[0264] In one embodiment, the RU may include a moving body on a path having a predetermined path or a random pattern. The RU may include an RU providing the CBRS.

[0265] The method performed by a radio unit (RU) as described above may include an operation of transmitting, to a distributed unit (DU), a management plane message including configuration information requesting a spectrum for citizens broadband radio service (CBRS) based on a start-up procedure and the DU. The configuration information may include a mode in which the RU moves on a predetermined path and path information for each of areas of the predetermined path. The method may include an operation of performing communication with at least one terminal on a first cell according to a first spectrum allocated based on the configuration information in a first area among the areas. The method may include an operation of performing communication with at least one terminal on a second cell according to a second spectrum allocated based on the configuration information in a second area among the areas changed according to movement of the RU from the first area.

[0266] According to one embodiment, the route information may include an identifier of an area among the areas, coordinates indicating the area, and an expected arrival time for the area.

[0267] According to one embodiment, the configuration information may further include the present location of the RU and the time when the RU is located at the present location.

[0268] According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation of performing discovery for the DU. The method may include an operation of performing the start-up procedure for the discovered DU and management plane configuration. The configuration information may be provided through the configuration of optional parameters of an RU supporting the CBRS during the start-up procedure.

[0269] According to one embodiment, the method may include receiving, from the DU, information about the first cell allocated for the first area where the RU is located. The method may include performing, in response to receiving the information about the first cell, an operation with the at least one terminal on the first cell. The first cell may be unlocked by the DU based on the first spectrum being allocated.

[0270] The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium as described above may store one or more programs including instructions that, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor of a radio unit (RU) including a transceiver, cause the RU to transmit, to a distributed unit (DU) based on a start-up procedure, a management plane message including configuration information requesting spectrum for citizens broadband radio service (CBRS). The configuration information may include a mode in which the RU moves on a predetermined path and path information for each of areas of the predetermined path. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may store one or more programs including instructions that, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the RU to perform communication with at least one terminal on a first cell according to a first spectrum allocated based on the configuration information in a first region among the regions. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may store one or more programs including instructions that, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the RU to perform communication with at least one terminal on a second cell according to a second spectrum allocated based on the configuration information in a second region among the regions changed according to movement of the RU from the first region.

[0271] The methods according to the embodiments described in the claims or specification of the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0272] When implemented in software, a computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs (software modules) may be provided. The one or more programs stored in the computer-readable storage medium are configured to be executed by one or more processors in an electronic device. The one or more programs include instructions that cause the electronic device to execute methods according to embodiments described in the claims or specification of the present disclosure. The one or more programs may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a commodity. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created in a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0273] These programs (software modules, software) may be stored in random access memory, non-volatile memory including flash memory, read only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disc storage devices, compact disc-ROM (CD-ROM), digital versatile discs (DVDs) or other forms of optical storage devices, magnetic cassettes, or may be stored in memories formed by a combination of some or all of these. In addition, each configuration memory may include multiple copies.

[0274] Additionally, the program may be stored on an attachable storage device that is accessible via a communication network, such as the Internet, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a storage area network (SAN), or a combination thereof. Such a storage device may be connected to a device implementing an embodiment of the present disclosure via an external port. Additionally, a separate storage device on the communication network may be connected to a device implementing an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0275] In the specific embodiments of the present disclosure described above, components included in the disclosure are expressed singularly or plurally, depending on the specific embodiment presented. However, the singular or plural expressions are selected to suit the presented situation for convenience of explanation, and the present disclosure is not limited to singular or plural components. Components expressed in plural may be composed of singular elements, or components expressed in singular may be composed of plural elements.

[0276] According to embodiments, one or more of the components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0277] Meanwhile, although the detailed description of the present disclosure has described specific embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. In the RU (radio unit) device, Memory that stores instructions; transceiver; and comprising at least one processor, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to: A management plane message including configuration information for requesting a spectrum for CBRS (citizens broadband radio service) is transmitted to the DU based on a DU (distributed unit) and a start-up procedure, wherein the configuration information includes a mode in which the RU moves on a predetermined path and path information for each of areas of the predetermined path; In a first region among the above regions, performing communication with at least one terminal on a first cell according to a first spectrum allocated based on the setting information; and Causing communication with at least one terminal on a second cell according to a second spectrum allocated based on the setting information in a second region changed according to movement of the RU among the regions from the first region, device.

2. In claim 1, The above path information is: Identifier of a domain among the above domains; Coordinates indicating the above area; and Including the expected arrival time for the above area, device.

3. In claim 2, The above setting information further includes the present location of the RU and the time when the RU is located at the present location. device.

4. In claim 1, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to: Perform discovery on the above DU; and Causing the above-described DU to perform the above-described start-up procedure for management plane configuration, The above configuration information is provided through the configuration of optional parameters of the RU supporting the CBRS during the start-up procedure. device.

5. In claim 4, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to: Receive information about the first cell allocated to the first area where the RU is located from the DU; and In response to receiving said information about said first cell, causing said at least one terminal on said first cell to perform, The first cell is unlocked by the DU based on the first spectrum being allocated. device.

6. In claim 1, The spectrum for the above CBRS comprises the first spectrum and the second spectrum, and The above spectrum for the above CBRS is allocated by the SAS (spectrum access system) at the request of the CBSD (citizens broadband radio service device) manager (with respect to the above areas). device.

7. In claim 1, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to: While performing the communication with the at least one terminal on the second cell, monitoring the status of a service link related to the second cell; and Based on the results of said monitoring, cause the DU to transmit a management plane message including notification information used to request a change of the spectrum for said CBRS, The above notification information is, An identifier of a third area to be changed from the second area; Coordinates indicating the third area; and Including the expected arrival time for the above third area, device.

8. In claim 7, The management plane message including the above notification information is transmitted based on the result indicating that the RU is located within a reference distance from the boundary of the second area or that the signal quality according to the second spectrum is below the reference quality. device.

9. In claim 1, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to: Transmitting to the DU a management plane message including another configuration information requesting the spectrum for the CBRS, the other configuration information including another mode for traveling a path having a random pattern; While performing the communication with at least one terminal on the second cell, monitoring is performed; and In response to recognizing that the RU is located within a reference distance from a boundary of the second area based on the results of the monitoring, causing the DU to transmit a management plane message including notification information used to request a change of the spectrum for the CBRS. device.

10. In claim 1, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to: After performing the communication with at least one terminal on the second cell according to the second spectrum, cause the communication to be performed with at least one terminal on a third cell according to a licensed spectrum allocated by a Near-RT RIC (near-real time radio access network (RAN) intelligent controller) connected to the RU. The third cell is allocated in response to the detection by the DU or CBSD manager that the second cell according to the second spectrum in the second area is unavailable. device.

11. In claim 1, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to: Transmitting a request message to the above DU to perform D2D (device to device) communication; Receive a response message including a key for D2D communication with a neighboring RU recognized by the DU; and Causing communication between the DU and the RU to be maintained through the D2D communication established with the neighboring RU based on the key. device.

12. In claim 1, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to: Transmitting, to the DU, a management plane message including another configuration information requesting the spectrum for the CBRS, the another configuration information including path information for each of the modes in which the RU moves on a predetermined another path and different areas of the predetermined another path; In a third area among the other areas, performing communication with at least one terminal on a third cell according to a third spectrum allocated based on the other setting information; and In a fourth region among the other regions, which is changed according to the movement of the RU from the third region, communication is performed with at least one terminal on a fourth cell according to the fourth spectrum allocated based on the other setting information. device.

13. In claim 1, The above RU includes a moving body on a path having a predetermined path or a random pattern, and The above RU includes an RU that provides the CBRS. device. In a method performed by 14.RU (radio unit), The above method: An operation of transmitting, to a distributed unit (DU), a management plane message including configuration information for requesting a spectrum for CBRS (citizens broadband radio service) based on a start-up procedure and the DU, the configuration information including a mode in which the RU moves on a predetermined path and path information for each of areas of the predetermined path; In a first region among the above regions, an operation of performing communication with at least one terminal on a first cell according to a first spectrum allocated based on the setting information; and Including an operation of performing communication with at least one terminal on a second cell according to a second spectrum allocated based on the setting information, in a second region changed according to movement of the RU among the regions from the first region. method.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, when individually or collectively executed by at least one processor of a radio unit (RU) including a transceiver, wherein the RU: A management plane message including configuration information for requesting a spectrum for CBRS (citizens broadband radio service) is transmitted to the DU based on a DU (distributed unit) and a start-up procedure, wherein the configuration information includes a mode in which the RU moves on a predetermined path and path information for each of areas of the predetermined path; In a first region among the above regions, performing communication with at least one terminal on a first cell according to a first spectrum allocated based on the setting information; and Storing one or more programs including instructions causing communication with at least one terminal on a second cell according to a second spectrum allocated based on the setting information, in a second region changed according to movement of the RU among the regions from the first region, A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

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