Electronic device, method for spectrum management, and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an electronic device, a method for spectrum management, and a computer-readable storage medium. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in a first non-fungible token (NFT), corresponding to a spectrum resource of one or more frequency bands owned by one mobile network operator, within a first blockchain network, spectrum usage information indicating the usage of the spectrum resource by another mobile network operator can be recorded, wherein the one mobile network operator and the another mobile network operator are communicatively connected in the first blockchain network, a base station device served by the another mobile network operator is communicatively connected in a second blockchain network, and information of the first NFT is used for creating in the second blockchain network a second NFT corresponding to the spectrum resource.

Description

Electronic devices, methods for spectrum management, and computer-readable storage media

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410804040.5, filed on June 20, 2024, entitled "Electronic Device, Method for Spectrum Management and Computer-Readable Storage Medium", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and more specifically, to an electronic device capable of spectrum resource sharing and management based on non-fungible tokens, a method for spectrum management, and a computer-readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0003] Spectrum resources are scarce, and the rapid development of 5G and integrated air-space-ground networks has made them increasingly scarce, necessitating further improvements in spectrum utilization. However, traditional database-based spectrum sharing or management methods suffer from high maintenance costs and difficulties in protecting user data privacy. Furthermore, spectrum usage is difficult to regulate.

[0004] Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) are digital certificates supported by blockchain systems, used to provide proof of ownership and management of digital assets. They possess unique characteristics such as uniqueness and indivisibility. Due to these characteristics, NFTs are particularly suitable for the protection and management of various digital or intangible assets, and are therefore attracting increasing attention. Currently, the use of NFTs for spectrum resource management is being considered. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A brief overview of this disclosure is given below to provide a basic understanding of certain aspects of it. However, it should be understood that this overview is not an exhaustive summary of this disclosure. It is not intended to identify key or essential parts of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Its purpose is merely to present certain concepts of this disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows.

[0006] At least one aspect of this disclosure aims to provide an electronic device, a method for spectrum management, and a computer-readable storage medium that enables NFT-based spectrum resource sharing and management in a dual-chain blockchain network.

[0007] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an electronic device is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, wherein the at least one memory includes computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, via the at least one processor, to cause the electronic device to: record spectrum usage information in a first non-fungible token (NFT) corresponding to spectrum resources in one or more frequency bands owned by a mobile network operator in a first blockchain network, indicating the use of the spectrum resources by another mobile network operator, wherein the one mobile network operator and the other mobile network operator are communicatively connected in the first blockchain network, and base station equipment served by the other mobile network operator is communicatively connected in a second blockchain network, and the information of the first NFT is used to create a second NFT corresponding to the spectrum resources in the second blockchain network.

[0008] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a method for spectrum management is also provided, the method comprising: recording spectrum usage information in a first non-fungible token (NFT) corresponding to spectrum resources in one or more frequency bands owned by a mobile network operator in a first blockchain network, indicating the use of the spectrum resources by another mobile network operator, wherein the one mobile network operator and the other mobile network operator are communicatively connected in the first blockchain network, and base station equipment served by the other mobile network operator is communicatively connected in a second blockchain network, and the information of the first NFT is used to create a second NFT corresponding to the spectrum resources in the second blockchain network.

[0009] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, an electronic device is also provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, wherein the at least one memory includes computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, via the at least one processor, to cause the electronic device to perform: recording spectrum allocation information, indicative of the allocation of spectrum resources by a base station device to one or more frequency bands, in a second NFT created in a second blockchain network based on a first non-fungible token NFT in a first blockchain network, wherein spectrum usage information indicative of a mobile network operator's use of spectrum resources owned by another mobile network operator is recorded in the first NFT, the first mobile network operator and the other mobile network operator are communicatively connected in the first blockchain network, and the base station device served by the first mobile network operator is communicatively connected in the second blockchain network.

[0010] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a method for spectrum management is also provided, the method comprising: recording spectrum allocation information, indicative of the allocation of spectrum resources by base station equipment, in a second NFT created in a second blockchain network based on a first non-fungible token NFT in a first blockchain network and corresponding to spectrum resources of one or more frequency bands, wherein spectrum usage information, indicative of the use of spectrum resources owned by another mobile network operator by a mobile network operator, is recorded in the first NFT, the one mobile network operator and the other mobile network operator are communicatively connected in the first blockchain network, and base station equipment served by the one mobile network operator is communicatively connected in the second blockchain network.

[0011] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer program code is also provided, which causes the electronic device to perform the method for spectrum management provided according to the first or second aspect above via a processor.

[0012] In accordance with other aspects of this disclosure, computer program code and computer program products for implementing the methods described above according to this disclosure are also provided.

[0013] According to at least one aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, NFT-based spectrum resource sharing and management can be realized in a dual-chain architecture blockchain network. Specifically, the management of spectrum resource sharing (or leasing) between operators can be realized in a first blockchain network, which serves as the main chain, and the management of spectrum resource allocation between base stations (and between base stations and user equipment) can be realized in a second blockchain network, which serves as a sub-chain. In this way, the main chain is responsible for high-level and low-frequency services, while the sub-chain is responsible for low-level and high-frequency services. This allows NFTs to record information in different levels of services and circulate in different frequencies of services, improving efficiency and security. Furthermore, the information recorded in this way also facilitates the monitoring of spectrum usage.

[0014] Other aspects of embodiments of this disclosure are set forth in the following description section, wherein preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail without limiting them. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and not for all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In the drawings:

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a dual-chain architecture according to the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of spectrum resource sharing and allocation;

[0018] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an electronic device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example signaling interaction for spectrum assignment based on the first NFT;

[0020] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example signaling interaction for spectrum sharing based on the first NFT;

[0021] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example signaling interaction for cross-chain transfer of NFTs;

[0022] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example signaling interaction for cross-chain synchronization of NFTs;

[0023] Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an electronic device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example signaling interaction for spectrum allocation management based on the second NFT;

[0025] Figure 10 is a flowchart of another example signaling interaction for spectrum allocation management based on the second NFT;

[0026] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of an example of the NFT data structure according to this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process example of a method for spectrum management according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process example of a method for spectrum management according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a server to which the techniques of this disclosure can be applied;

[0030] Figure 15 is a block diagram illustrating a first example of a schematic configuration of an eNB to which the technologies of this disclosure can be applied;

[0031] Figure 16 is a block diagram illustrating a second example of a schematic configuration of an eNB to which the technologies of this disclosure can be applied.

[0032] While this disclosure is readily subject to various modifications and substitutions, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and are described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the description of specific embodiments herein is not intended to limit this disclosure to the specific forms disclosed, but rather, this disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions falling within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. It should be noted that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Examples of this disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or its uses.

[0034] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will become exhaustive and will fully convey its scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details, such as examples of particular components, apparatus, and methods, are set forth to provide a detailed understanding of embodiments of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the specific details are not required, and that the example embodiments may be implemented in many different forms, none of which should be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

[0035] The description will proceed in the following order:

[0036] 1. Overview

[0037] 2. Configuration example of the electronic device in the first embodiment

[0038] 2.1 Configuration Example

[0039] 2.2 Example Processing

[0040] 3. Configuration example of the electronic device in the second embodiment

[0041] 3.1 Configuration Example

[0042] 3.2 Example Processing

[0043] 4. Method Examples

[0044] 5. Application Examples

[0045] <1. Overview>

[0046] As mentioned earlier, there are already considerations to combine blockchain smart contract technology with spectrum management, using NFTs for spectrum resource management, such as Dynamic Spectrum Management (DSM).

[0047] Blockchain is a decentralized, distributed database composed of an ordered chain of data blocks generated using cryptographic methods. NFTs are unique digital credentials registered on the blockchain, tokens defined by smart contract standards. Due to their uniqueness, NFTs can be used to map corresponding spectrum resources, thereby enabling the orderly use of spectrum resources by various parties and reducing collisions during spectrum resource usage. However, in dynamic spectrum sharing, on the one hand, spectrum ownership confirmation and sharing occur infrequently between operators, corresponding to low NFT update frequencies; on the other hand, spectrum allocation and access occur frequently between base stations and user equipment (such as drones), corresponding to high NFT update frequencies. If the system adopts a single-chain architecture, transactions from different business levels are packaged together, resulting in poor privacy and security; simultaneously, it cannot meet the NFT update frequency requirements of different frequency services.

[0048] In view of the above, the inventors proposed the basic concept of this invention: to realize NFT-based spectrum resource sharing (e.g., leasing) and management in a dual-chain architecture blockchain network. In this dual-chain architecture, the sharing (or leasing) of spectrum resources between operators can be managed in the first blockchain network (the main chain), and the allocation and management of spectrum resources between base stations (and between base stations and user equipment) can be managed in the second blockchain network (the sub-chain). In this way, the main chain is responsible for high-level and low-frequency services, while the sub-chain is responsible for low-level and high-frequency services, thereby enabling NFTs to record information in different levels of services and circulate in different frequencies of services, improving efficiency and security, and thus facilitating efficient multi-granular resource management throughout the entire spectrum process.

[0049] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a dual-chain architecture according to the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the dual-chain architecture consists of a main chain (first blockchain network) and sub-chain A and sub-chain B, which are examples of multiple sub-chains (second blockchain network).

[0050] In this example, the main chain is a consortium blockchain composed of regulatory agencies, operator A (OP_A) and operator B (OP_B) (which can be spectrum providers / owners or spectrum lessors / sharers), and a drone service provider (which can also be a spectrum sharer). In other words, the main chain includes multiple blockchain nodes, which can be set up by or represent the aforementioned parties. On the main chain, NFTs (first NFTs) can be issued based on the spectrum resources acquired by each operator to establish spectrum ownership, and these NFTs can be used to record the spectrum transfer between operators, thus recording spectrum sharing.

[0051] Furthermore, in this example, each subchain can be a consortium blockchain jointly built by the base stations of the corresponding operator. In other words, an operator's subchain includes multiple blockchain nodes, which can be, for example, the various base stations of that operator (e.g., M base stations BS_i of operator A, i = 1, 2, ..., M). On the subchain, xNFTs (second NFTs) can be issued as mirror images based on the spectrum resource information obtained from the main chain / NFT information on the main chain, and the entire process information of allocation (and access) can be recorded. Optionally, the xNFTs as mirror images on the subchain can, for example, synchronize spectrum allocation (and access) records with the NFTs on the main chain, thereby utilizing the entire process information recorded by the NFTs on the main chain.

[0052] In addition, Figure 1 also shows an example of the resource pool for each operator, that is, an example of an NFT collection consisting of NFTs corresponding to the spectrum resources owned and / or used by each operator, and also shows an example of the data structure of NFTs on the main chain and xNFTs on the sub-chain, which will be further described below with specific examples.

[0053] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of spectrum resource sharing and allocation. As shown in Figure 2, spectrum sharing is achieved between operator A (OP_A) and operator B (OP_B), spectrum allocation is achieved among the M base stations BS_1 to BS_M of each operator, such as operator A, and spectrum access is achieved at the level of N user devices, such as UAVs UAV_1 to BS_N, of each base station, such as BS_1. In Figure 2, the relevant time periods for spectrum use, allocation, or terminal device access are schematically shown for each device, where Cycle1 to Cycle3 are the time periods when the spectrum belongs to the corresponding operator, T1 to Tm are the time periods when the spectrum is allocated to the corresponding base station, and D1 to Dn are the time periods when the spectrum is used by user devices such as UAVs. Note that in this disclosure, spectrum allocation between base stations and spectrum access by users can be collectively referred to as (base station) spectrum allocation.

[0054] Next, with reference to the examples in Figures 1 and 2, embodiments of the apparatus / method based on the above-described inventive concept, as well as various preferred examples and processes, will be described. Note that although an example configuration of the main chain and sub-chains is shown in Figure 1, this disclosure is not limited thereto, but can be suitably applied to various situations, as long as the main chain is connected to a mobile network operator and the sub-chains are connected to its base stations.

[0055] <2. Configuration Example of the Electronic Device in the First Embodiment>

[0056] [2.1 Configuration Example]

[0057] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an electronic device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] As shown in Figure 3, the electronic device 300 may include one or more processors 310 and one or more memories 320 containing computer program code, and optionally includes a transceiver 330. The memories 320 and the computer program code they contain may be configured to cause the electronic device 300 to perform related processing or operations via the processors 310. Optionally, the memories 320 may also be configured to store various data and information. The transceiver 330, for example, is used to send information to or receive information from another device, and may include one or more communication interfaces to support communication with different devices, and may perform corresponding processing or operations under the control of the memories 320 and the computer program code they contain, as well as the processors 310.

[0059] In the context of this disclosure, when necessary, the processing and operations performed by the electronic device 300 may be implemented by means of other components in the electronic device 300 besides the processor 310 and the memory 320 (e.g., optional transceiver 330), but the implementation details of these other components are not the focus of this invention and will not be described further.

[0060] Here, various components of the electronic device 300 (e.g., but not limited to, processors, memory, and / or transceivers) can be included in the processing circuitry. It should be noted that the electronic device 300 may include one or more processing circuits. Furthermore, the processing circuitry may include various discrete functional units to perform various different functions and / or operations. It should be noted that these functional units can be physical entities or logical entities, and units with different names may be implemented by the same physical entity.

[0061] Furthermore, although Figure 3 schematically illustrates an example of an electronic device 300 including a processor 310, a memory 320, and a transceiver 330, the functional configuration of the electronic device 300 is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device 300 may include a processing unit, a storage unit, and / or a communication unit to replace the aforementioned processor, memory, and / or transceiver, respectively, which have exactly the same or similar functions and / or configurations as the processor, memory, and / or transceiver described herein, and will not be repeated here.

[0062] In this embodiment, the electronic device 300 can be implemented as a blockchain node in the first blockchain network under a dual-chain architecture. For example, the electronic device 300 can be a device set up / representing one party in the main chain as shown in Figure 1, such as a device set up by any of the regulatory agencies, operators, or service providers, for example, a spectrum management device, a server, etc.

[0063] As previously stated, in the first blockchain (main chain) disclosed herein, a unique first NFT containing spectrum usage-related attribute values ​​is used to map spectrum resources, and preferably for spectrum resource sharing.

[0064] Accordingly, the storage 320 of the electronic device 300, which serves as a blockchain node (hereinafter referred to as a node) in the first blockchain (main chain) network, can contain a smart contract for the first NFT used for spectrum usage management, and has a local database. This smart contract can be implemented as a collection of digital code and can represent business rules jointly established by the parties involved in spectrum usage management-related transactions, such as a Spectrum Resource Confirmation (SSRC) smart contract. The first blockchain is stored in blocks in the local databases of each node, including the electronic device 300. NFTs generated by the execution of smart contracts by the nodes are stored in the local database in key-value pairs, and the database maintains all historical versions of the NFTs. When the blockchain system runs on each node, including the electronic device 300, the latest version of the first NFT is loaded into the node's storage (or memory).

[0065] When an electronic device 300, such as a node of the main chain, receives a transaction sent to the main chain by a user of the main chain (such as, but not limited to, an operator in the main chain of Figure 1) via a transceiver 330, it can use the processor 310 to execute the smart contract triggered in its memory to perform the first NFT-related operations (including creation, transfer, freezing, destruction, etc.), causing the state of the first NFT to change, thereby forming a new version of the first NFT, and writing it to the local database.

[0066] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the memory 320 of the electronic device 300 and the computer program code it includes can be configured to cause the electronic device 300 to perform a series of processes via the processor 310 to perform operations or processes related to a first NFT. These processes may include: recording spectrum usage information in a first non-fungible token (first NFT) in a first blockchain (main chain) network corresponding to spectrum resources in one or more frequency bands owned by a mobile network operator (such as operator B in FIG. 1), indicating the use of said spectrum resources by another mobile network operator (such as operator A in FIG. 1), wherein the one mobile network operator and the other mobile network operator are communicatively connected in the first blockchain network, and the base station equipment served by the other mobile network operator is communicatively connected in a second blockchain (sub chain) network, and the information of the first NFT is used to create a second NFT corresponding to said spectrum resources in the second blockchain network.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the data structure of the first NFT in the main chain can be as shown in Table 1 below.

[0068] Table 1: Data Structure of the First NFT

[0069] As shown in Table 1, in this disclosure, the token ID of the first NFT in the main chain can be the frequency band of the corresponding spectrum resource.

[0070] Furthermore, preferably, the first NFT can be a rentable NFT. That is, in the attributes of this NFT, in addition to the Owner field representing the operator who owns the spectrum resources of the specified frequency band, it also includes a User field representing the operator who uses (rents) the spectrum resources, and may also include an optional Expiry field representing the end time of sharing. The aforementioned User field and the optional Expiry field in the first NFT can constitute the basic part of the spectrum usage information. The electronic device 300, as a node of the main chain, can write the relevant information of the spectrum sharer in the User field of the first NFT and optionally write the relevant time in the Expiry field representing the end time of sharing, through the execution of the smart contract by the processor 310, to perform basic recording of spectrum usage information.

[0071] Alternatively, the first NFT may also include a Frozen field indicating whether the NFT can be used normally. For example, when the information of the first NFT is provided to the second blockchain network for the creation of a second NFT corresponding to the spectrum resources of the first NFT in the second blockchain network, the electronic device 300, as a node of the main chain, can set the Frozen field of the first NFT to indicate frozen (true) by executing the smart contract via the processor 310, that is, freezing the first NFT to prevent it from being rented out again if the corresponding spectrum resources have already been rented out.

[0072] Furthermore, the first NFT may also include metadata stored on the main chain. This metadata may include, for example, a location field and a frequency range field. Preferably, where the main chain can obtain records of the spectrum sharer's specific use (allocation, access, etc.) of the spectrum resources from the sub-chain, i.e., spectrum allocation records (spectrum allocation information), the metadata of the first NFT may also include a spectrum allocation record field, operator_records (described in detail later), as a detailed part of the spectrum usage information in the first NFT.

[0073] [2.2 Example Processing]

[0074] Next, with specific examples, we will describe more example processing and related details, as well as example signaling flows, through which the memory 320 of electronic device 300 and the computer program code (including but not limited to smart contracts) contained therein can be executed by electronic device 300 via processor 310.

[0075] (Example of issuing the first NFT)

[0076] In a preferred embodiment, the memory 320 of the electronic device 300 and the computer program code therein may also be configured to create the first NFT in the first blockchain network via the processor 310 based on a transaction (or transaction) from a mobile network operator (such as operator B in FIG. 1) related to the creation of the first NFT.

[0077] For example, operators B and A in the main chain, as shown in Figure 1, can divide their owned spectrum resources into multiple frequency bands in various appropriate ways (e.g., according to their own needs) and construct and send corresponding transactions to the main chain. This allows electronic device 300, as a main chain node, to create (issue) the corresponding first NFT on the main chain by executing a smart contract through its processor, thereby realizing the corresponding spectrum ownership confirmation. Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example signaling interaction for spectrum ownership confirmation based on the first NFT, showing the interaction between operators A and B and nodes on the main chain, such as electronic device 300. Note that in Figure 4 and subsequent flowcharts, since electronic device 300, as a main chain node, may be integrated with the devices (such as servers) of operators A and B, and different example processes do not necessarily require implementation by a single or identical node in the main chain, the nodes on the main chain are simplified as "main chain" to cover various possible implementations.

[0078] As shown in Figure 4, operators A and B can first construct their own NFT issuance transactions (TX). rc And send the transaction to nodes on the main chain, such as electronic device 300 (i.e., smart contracts such as SRRC contracts within the nodes). In this example, the NFT transaction TX is issued. rc It can be represented as {addr,freq,range,loc,sig}, which correspond to the following:

[0079] 1) addr: The operator's main chain address;

[0080] 2) freq: frequency band;

[0081] 3) range: spectral range;

[0082] 4) loc: Geographical location;

[0083] 5) sig: The operator's digital signature of the transaction.

[0084] Next, the electronic device 300, which is a node on the main chain and receives such a transaction, can use its processor to execute the SRRC contract to check the transaction TX. rc The signature is checked for correctness. Once the check passes, the electronic device 300 can use its processor to execute the SRRC contract, creating (i.e., "issuing") the first NFT as a rentable NFT based on rentable NFT standards (such as standard ERC4907). This first NFT may have the data structure shown in Table 1 above, where the token ID is set to the transaction TX. rc In the `freq` clause, the `Owner` field of the spectrum owner is set to the transaction `TX`. rc In the `addr` field, the `frequency_range` field is set to the transaction `TX`. rc In the range field, the location field is set to the transaction TX. rc In this configuration, the fields loc, User (spectrum sharer), and Expiry (share end time) are all set to null values. The Frozen field is set to false, indicating no freezing. The operator_records field for spectrum usage records can also be set to null.

[0085] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the electronic device 300, acting as a node on the main chain, can provide each operator with a collection of NFTs created for that operator, serving as a resource pool owned by that operator. These resource pools can also be queried by other operators on the main chain and may be used for spectrum sharing. In this disclosure, it can be defined that if the Owner field is an operator address and the Frozen field is false, then such NFTs can be used for leasing or sharing; otherwise, they cannot be shared.

[0086] (Example of spectrum sharing based on the first NFT)

[0087] As previously described, the memory 320 of the electronic device 300 and the computer program code it contains can be configured to execute a series of processes via the processor 310 to perform operations or processes related to the first NFT. Here, consider the following process: In the first NFT corresponding to spectrum resources in a specified frequency band owned by operator B (an example of a mobile network operator), spectrum usage information indicating the use of those spectrum resources by operator A (an example of another mobile network operator) is recorded. As an example, this spectrum usage information includes a sharer field and a share end time field.

[0088] For example, operator A can apply for spectrum resources from other operators, such as operator B, via the main chain (the smart contract SSRC of the nodes on the main chain) based on its own spectrum needs. Utilizing the characteristic of the first NFT as a rentable NFT, operator B can transfer the usage rights of the corresponding first NFT via the main chain (the smart contract SSRC of the nodes on the main chain) and set a sharing end time to share the corresponding frequency band. After the sharing end time, operator B will automatically reclaim the usage rights of the first NFT. In this example, the electronic device 300, acting as a node of the main chain, can record the spectrum usage information in the first NFT in response to operator A's request for spectrum resources. Preferably, operator A's request for spectrum resources can be a request sent based on an NFT corresponding to unused spectrum resources within the first NFT created in the first blockchain network.

[0089] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example signaling interaction for spectrum sharing based on the first NFT, showing the interaction between operators A and B and nodes (main chain) on the main chain, such as electronic device 300.

[0090] In this example, operator A initiates a sharing request (spectrum usage request) to operator B. As shown in Figure 5, firstly, operator A queries operator B's resource pool on the main chain. Then, electronic device 300, such as an example node on the main chain, can respond to the request by providing operator A with a set of NFTs from operator B's first set of NFTs that correspond to unused spectrum resources, as a set of shareable NFTs. For example, electronic device 300 can provide operator A with a set of NFTs from operator B whose Frozen field is set to false.

[0091] Next, as shown in Figure 5, operator A can send a sharing request or a spectrum usage request to operator B, who is the owner of the spectrum resources. Specifically, in one example, operator A can select the requested NFT set from operator B's shareable NFT set according to its own needs, construct a transaction share_tx as a usage right request transaction or a sharing request transaction, and send it to the main chain as a spectrum usage request. The share_tx transaction includes {share_nft, share_time}, where share_nft is the requested NFT set, and share_time is the time range for the requested sharing. Accordingly, an electronic device 300, such as an example of a node on the main chain, can respond to the share_tx transaction by executing a smart contract, and can send a request message indicating the spectrum usage request to operator B, who is the owner of the spectrum resources, via the smart contract. Alternatively, operator B, as the owner of the spectrum resources, can also periodically query the smart contract for the request message indicating the spectrum usage request.

[0092] Next, Operator B, which receives the spectrum usage request from Operator A via the main chain, can review Operator A's sharing request and, upon approval, grant Operator A the right to use the NFTs via the main chain. Specifically, in one example, electronic device 300, acting as a node on the main chain, can transfer the usage rights based on the transaction from Operator B by executing the SRRC smart contract to set the User field of the spectrum sharer for each NFT in the set to Operator A's main chain address and the Expiry field to the sharing end time. In this way, these NFTs are transferred from Operator B's resource pool to Operator A's resource pool. That is, when spectrum sharing occurs, the corresponding NFTs are added to or removed from the resource pool. Referring back to the example in Figure 1, the arrow marked "sharing" indicates such NFT transfers between resource pools. Incidentally, in this example, electronic device 300 can be integrated with Operator B's server.

[0093] Next, as shown in Figure 5, after the sharing end time is reached, the usage rights of the relevant NFTs are returned from operator A to operator B. Specifically, after the sharing end time is reached, the User field of the spectrum sharer and the Expiry field of the shared NFTs are automatically set to null values. At this time, these NFTs are transferred from operator A's resource pool to operator B's resource pool.

[0094] Note that, as can be seen from the above description, some of the arrows in Figure 5, such as those related to NFT usage rights, do not represent actual signaling interactions, but rather are various transfers shown for ease of understanding.

[0095] (An example of cross-chain transfer of NFTs)

[0096] As previously described, in the dual-chain architecture disclosed herein, the first NFT is used in the main chain to manage, for example, the use or sharing of spectrum resources between operators. Spectrum sharing between operators is relatively coarse-grained, with the NFT resource pool updated, for example, according to the operator's operating cycle. To record a given operator's allocation of spectrum resources with finer granularity and faster updates, a mirrored xNFT, i.e., a second NFT, can be created on the sub-chain based on the information of the first NFT obtained from the main chain. In this way, cross-chain transfer of NFTs can be achieved.

[0097] Therefore, nodes on the main chain can provide information about the first NFT to the sub-chain so that the sub-chain can create a second NFT. Accordingly, nodes on the main chain of an electronic device 300 can, for example, provide information about the first NFT to a second blockchain (sub-chain) network via a transceiver so that a second NFT corresponding to the spectrum resources corresponding to the first NFT can be created in the second blockchain network.

[0098] As an example, the "information of the first NFT" can be necessary information related to the first NFT, including the token ID of the first NFT, the operator ID of the owner of the first NFT (i.e., the spectrum owner), the operator's main chain address, and the operating period. Optionally, the "information of the first NFT" can also include information about the spectrum sharer in the first NFT, such as the operator's ID and main chain address as the spectrum sharer. Preferably, the information of the first NFT can be carried in the form of NFT cross-chain transactions. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example signaling interaction for NFT cross-chain transfer. Next, the cross-chain transfer of NFTs will be described in detail with reference to the example in Figure 6.

[0099] Preferably, the cross-chain transfer shown in Figure 6 is performed at the start of an operational cycle. As shown in Figure 6, Operator A (spectrum user), who has already obtained the right to use the corresponding spectrum resources of Operator B (spectrum owner) through the first NFT, sends an NFT cross-chain transaction to the main chain as an example of "information of the first NFT", that is, the transaction cross_tx. The content of the transaction cross_tx includes {nft_id, op_id_1, op_addr_1, op_addr_2, op_addr_2, period}, which correspond to the following:

[0100] 1) nft_id: The token ID of the first NFT;

[0101] 2) op_id_1: The ID of the operator that owns the device;

[0102] 3) op_addr_1: The main chain address of the operator as the owner;

[0103] 4) op_id_2: The user's operator ID;

[0104] 5) op_addr_2: The main chain address of the operator as the user;

[0105] 6) period: operating cycle.

[0106] Next, as shown in Figure 6, the electronic device 300, which is a node on the main chain that receives the transaction, can set the Frozen field in the corresponding first NFT to true by executing the SSRC smart contract, thereby freezing the corresponding NFT and making the first NFT unusable.

[0107] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, nodes on the main chain of an electronic device 300 can, for example, continue to send the aforementioned NFT cross-chain transactions, i.e., transactions cross_tx, to the sub-chain via a transceiver.

[0108] The subchain receiving the transaction (the nodes on the subchain) can verify the transaction. Upon successful verification, it can use the subchain's spectrum allocation-related smart contract to create a second NFT based on the information of the first NFT, which can be called an xNFT. Preferably, the second NFT has the same token ID as the first NFT. As an example, the second NFT can be a licensed NFT. For instance, nodes on the subchain can issue the second NFT based on licensed NFT standards such as ERC5585.

[0109] In a preferred embodiment, the data structure of the second NFT in the subchain can be as shown in Table 2 below.

[0110] Table 2: Data Structure of the Second NFT

[0111] As shown in Table 2, in this disclosure, the token ID of the second NFT in the subchain can be the frequency band of the corresponding spectrum resource (thus identical to the token ID of the corresponding first NFT). Furthermore, the attributes of the second NFT include a spectrum owner field (Owner) indicating the operator owning the spectrum resource in the specified frequency band, and a frozen field (Frozen) indicating whether the NFT can be used normally. Additionally, the second NFT may include metadata, including a spectrum allocation record (operator_record) for an operating cycle (described in detail later).

[0112] In this example, after the transaction cross_tx is verified on the subchain, the second NFT is issued as an xNFT. The second NFT can have the data structure in Table 2 above, where the token ID is set to nft_id in the transaction cross_tx, the owner field is set to op_addr_1 in the transaction cross_tx, and the frozen field is set to false to indicate that it is not frozen.

[0113] The second TFT's spectrum allocation record field, `operator_record`, can have the format `{op_id, op_addr, period}`, representing the operator's ID, main chain address, and operating period as the spectrum user, respectively. These can be set as items 4 to 6 in the transaction `cross_tx`, i.e., `{op_id = op_id_2, op_addr = op_addr_2, period = period}`. Preferably, the `operator_record` field can also include an initially empty base station allocation record field, `base_station_records`, thus having the format `{op_id, op_addr, period, base_station_records}`. Optionally, each base station allocation record in the `base_station_records` field can further have a user equipment access record field, `device_records`, for recording user equipment access records. In this way, tiered spectrum usage or allocation records can be provided in the second TFT.

[0114] Furthermore, when the subchain, described later, provides the information of the second NFT to the first blockchain (main chain) network so that the main chain can update or synchronize the corresponding first NFT (the spectrum usage information in the first NFT), the subchain can set the Frozen field of the second NFT to true to indicate that it is frozen.

[0115] Optionally, as shown in Figure 6, the subchain can provide the operator with a collection of second NFTs it creates. Incidentally, in the example of Figure 6, the electronic device 300, acting as a node in the main chain, can be integrated with operator A's server.

[0116] (Example of cross-chain update / synchronization of NFTs)

[0117] As previously described, in the dual-chain architecture disclosed herein, the second NFT of the sub-chain can record a more granular and faster-updating allocation of spectrum resources by the operator as the sharer; that is, it records spectrum allocation information indicating the allocation of the spectrum resources by the operator's base stations. Furthermore, the sub-chain can provide the main chain with the information of the second NFT (the recorded spectrum allocation information) when appropriate, so that the main chain can update the first NFT (the spectrum usage information in the first NFT).

[0118] Accordingly, nodes on the main chain of devices such as electronic device 300 can obtain the spectrum allocation information of the second NFT in the second blockchain network (this information indicates the allocation of spectrum resources by the base station device), and can update the first NFT based on the obtained spectrum allocation information of the second NFT. In this way, synchronization between the first NFT and the second NFT can be achieved.

[0119] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example signaling interaction for cross-chain updates / synchronization of NFTs.

[0120] As shown in Figure 7, for example, at the end of an operating cycle, a node on the subchain constructs an on-chain transaction `record_tx` containing the spectrum allocation information recorded in the second NFT, i.e., the content of the `operator_record` field of the second NFT in the example of Table 2, and sends this on-chain transaction `record_tx` to the main chain for notarization, as the first step in providing spectrum allocation information. The content of this on-chain transaction `record_tx` includes `{nft_id, operator_record}`, where `nft_id` is the Token ID of the first NFT on the main chain, and `operator_record` is the content of the `operator_record` field of the second NFT (i.e., the spectrum allocation information).

[0121] The transaction record_tx is executed via a smart contract on a node on the main chain of an electronic device 300, and the hash value of the transaction is obtained as record_hash.

[0122] Next, the operator_record field of the second NFT is emptied on the subchain, and the frozen field Frozen of the second NFT is set to true to freeze it.

[0123] Subsequently, the subchain constructs and sends a synchronization transaction `sync_tx` to the main chain as a second step in providing spectrum allocation information. This synchronizes the previously provided spectrum allocation information for the second NFT to the spectrum usage information of the first NFT on the main chain. The `sync_tx` transaction contains `{nft_id, record_hash}`, where `nft_id` is the token ID of the first NFT on the main chain, and `record_hash` is the hash value of the on-chain transaction `record_tx` sent to the main chain.

[0124] Next, via a smart contract on a node on the main chain, such as electronic device 300, a synchronization transaction `sync_tx` from the sub-chain is executed, setting the `Frozen` field of the first NFT with the Token ID `nft_id` from the record transaction `record_tx` to `false`, thereby unfreezing the first NFT. Then, `record_hash`, which is the hash value of the record transaction `record_tx` sent to the main chain, is added to the `operator_records` field of the first NFT's spectrum usage information to update the spectrum allocation record in the spectrum usage information.

[0125] Here, as an example, the operator_records field of the first NFT can be an array of, for example, length 100, where each element represents, for example, the transaction hash of an on-chain spectrum allocation record from a child chain, represented as: [record_hash 1, record_hash 2, ..., record_hash 100]. The “transaction hash of an on-chain spectrum allocation record” is the hash value obtained by sending the on-chain transaction record_tx of the spectrum allocation record to a node on the main chain, such as electronic device 300, causing the smart contract in that node's memory to execute a transaction.

[0126] In an alternative example, to control NFT capacity, the operator_records field of the first NFT created in the main chain can have an element, pre_hash, added to the array of length 100, as shown above. This would result in an array of length 101, represented as: [pre_hash, record_hash 1, record_hash 2, ..., record_hash 100]. Here, the first element, pre_hash, represents the transaction hash of the first 100 records, obtained by snapshotting the archived historical records when the number of records exceeds 100.

[0127] This section briefly describes an example of how a node on the main chain, such as electronic device 300, implements the aforementioned array. As an example, during the array initialization phase, the first element, `pre_hash`, can be set to an empty string. When the number of records exceeds 100, electronic device 300 can construct an archive transaction `archive_tx`, which includes the token ID of the first NFT and its `operator_records`, and send it to the chain for notarization to obtain the hash value of the archive transaction `archive_tx`. Then, the existing elements of the `operator_records` field of the first NFT can be cleared, and the hash value of the archive transaction `archive_tx` can be used as the new first element. Using this data structure, when tracing back all spectrum usage records, the `operator_records` array from the last snapshot archive can be obtained based on the first element of `operator_records`, iterating continuously until the first element of the array is an empty string.

[0128] The above describes a configuration example and example processing of an electronic device 300 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0129] In the above description, in addition to the processing and operation of the electronic device 300, for example, implemented as a node in the first blockchain (main chain) network, the processing and operation on the second blockchain (sub-chain) that interacts with the electronic device 300 of the main chain are also described. That is, the processing and operation of nodes in the second blockchain (sub-chain) network are actually described. In other words, according to this disclosure, in addition to proposing an electronic device capable of being implemented as a node in the main chain (first embodiment), an electronic device capable of being implemented as a node in a sub-chain (second embodiment) is also proposed. The following description of the electronic device 300 in the main chain according to the first embodiment of this disclosure will be based on the description of the electronic device 300 in the main chain according to the first embodiment of this disclosure, and unnecessary details will be omitted.

[0130] <3. Configuration Example of Electronic Device in the Second Embodiment>

[0131] [3.1 Configuration Example]

[0132] Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network-side electronic device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0133] As shown in Figure 8, the electronic device 800 may include one or more processors 810 and one or more memories 820 containing computer program code, and optionally includes a transceiver 830. The memory 820 and its included computer program code can be configured to cause the electronic device 800 to perform related processes or operations via the processors 810. Optionally, the memory 820 may also be configured to store various data and information. The transceiver 830, for example, is used to send information to or receive information from another device, and may include one or more communication interfaces to support communication with different devices, and can perform corresponding processes or operations under the control of the memory 820 and its included computer program code, as well as the processors 810.

[0134] In the context of this disclosure, when necessary, the processing and operations performed by the electronic device 800 may be implemented by means of other components in the electronic device 800 besides the processor 810 and the memory 820 (e.g., optional transceiver 830), but the implementation details of these other components are not the focus of this invention and will not be described further.

[0135] Here, various components of the electronic device 800 (such as, but not limited to, processors, memory, and / or transceivers) can be included in the processing circuitry. It should be noted that the electronic device 800 may include one or more processing circuits. Furthermore, the processing circuitry may include various discrete functional units to perform various different functions and / or operations. It should be noted that these functional units can be physical entities or logical entities, and units with different names may be implemented by the same physical entity.

[0136] Furthermore, although Figure 8 schematically illustrates an example of an electronic device 800 including a processor 810, a memory 820, and a transceiver 830, the functional configuration of the electronic device 800 is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device 800 may include a processing unit, a storage unit, and / or a communication unit to replace the aforementioned processor, memory, and / or transceiver, respectively, which have exactly the same or similar functions and / or configurations as the processor, memory, and / or transceiver described herein, and will not be repeated here.

[0137] In this embodiment, electronic device 800 can be implemented as a blockchain node in a second blockchain (sub-chain) network under a dual-chain architecture. For example, electronic device 800 can be a device in a sub-chain as shown in Figure 1, such as a base station device of a given operator. In the following description, electronic device 800 will be used as an example of a base station device of operator A.

[0138] As previously stated, in this disclosed second blockchain (sub-chain), a second NFT created based on the information of the first NFT is used to record the allocation of spectrum resources.

[0139] Accordingly, the storage 820 of the electronic device 800, which serves as a blockchain node (hereinafter referred to as a node) in the second blockchain (sub-chain) network, can contain a smart contract for the second NFT used for spectrum allocation management, and has a local database. This smart contract can be implemented as a collection of digital code and can represent spectrum allocation rules, such as a spectrum resource allocation smart contract. The second blockchain is stored in blocks in the local databases of each node, including the electronic device 800. NFTs generated by the execution of smart contracts by the nodes are stored in key-value pairs in this local database, and this database maintains all historical versions of the NFTs. When the blockchain system runs on each node, including the electronic device 800, the latest version of the second NFT is loaded into the node's storage (or memory).

[0140] When an electronic device 800, such as a node of a subchain, receives a transaction sent to the subchain by a user of the subchain (such as, but not limited to, operators and nodes in the main chain of Figure 1, and base stations and users of the base stations in the subchain) via a transceiver 830, it can use the processor 810 to execute the smart contract triggered in its memory to perform second NFT-related operations (including creation, transfer, freezing, destruction, etc.), causing the state of the second NFT to change, thereby forming a new version of the second NFT, and writing it to the local database.

[0141] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the memory 820 of the electronic device 800 and the computer program code it includes can be configured to cause the electronic device 800 to perform a series of processes via the processor 810 to perform second NFT-related operations or processes. These processes may include: recording spectrum allocation information, indicating the allocation of spectrum resources by a base station device, in a second NFT created in a second blockchain (sub-chain) network based on a first non-fungible token NFT in a first blockchain (main chain) network, corresponding to spectrum resources of one or more frequency bands. Here, the first NFT records spectrum usage information indicating the use of spectrum resources owned by one mobile network operator (such as operator A) for spectrum resources owned by another mobile network operator (such as operator B). The first blockchain network communicatively connects the one mobile network operator and the other mobile network operator, and the second blockchain network communicatively connects the base station device served by the one mobile network operator.

[0142] Here, the first blockchain may be the main chain with electronic device 300 as a node as described in the first embodiment, and the first NFT may be a rentable NFT, such as the first NFT with the data structure in Table 1 described in the first embodiment.

[0143] Optionally, in a preferred embodiment, the second NFT-related operations or processes performed by the electronic device 800 through the processor 810 via the memory 820 and the computer program code therein may further include: acquiring information about the first NFT in the first blockchain network; and creating a second NFT in the second blockchain network based on the acquired information about the first NFT.

[0144] Here, the "information of the first NFT" obtained by the electronic device 800 from the first blockchain can be necessary information related to the first NFT, including the token ID of the first NFT, the operator ID of the owner of the first NFT (i.e., the spectrum owner), the operator's main chain address, and the operating period. Optionally, the "information of the first NFT" may also include information related to the spectrum sharer in the first NFT, such as the operator's ID and main chain address as the spectrum sharer. Preferably, the information of the first NFT can be carried in the form of NFT cross-chain transactions. The electronic device 800 can create a second NFT based on the information of the first NFT through the processing and operations performed by the sub-chain in the example signaling interaction of NFT cross-chain transfer described in the first embodiment in conjunction with Figure 6, which will not be repeated here. Preferably, the second NFT has the same identifier as the first NFT.

[0145] As an example, the second NFT created by the electronic device 800, a node on the subchain, can have the data structure described in Table 2 of the first embodiment. Specifically, the second NFT has a token ID, which can be the frequency band of the corresponding spectrum resource (thus the same as the token ID of the corresponding first NFT). Furthermore, the attributes of the second NFT include an Owner field representing the operator owning the spectrum resource in the specified frequency band, and a Frozen field indicating whether the NFT can be used normally.

[0146] In addition, the second NFT may also include metadata, which includes spectrum allocation information or a spectrum allocation record field operator_record in an operating cycle, and has the format {op_id,op_addr,period}, which respectively represent the operator's ID, main chain address, and operating cycle as a spectrum user.

[0147] Additionally, preferably, the spectrum allocation record field operator_record may also include an initially empty base station allocation record field base_station_records, thus having the format {op_id, op_addr, period, base_station_records}. The base station allocation record field base_station_records is used to record the spectrum allocation records of the base station, and for example has the format {bs_id, bs_addr, duration}, which sequentially represents the base station ID, sub-chain address, and spectrum allocation period.

[0148] Optionally, each base station allocation record (base_station_record) in the base station allocation record field (base_station_records) may further have a user equipment access record field (device_records) (initially empty) to record the access records of user equipment, that is, it has the format {base_station_id, base_station_address, duration, device_records}.

[0149] Further optionally, in one example, each user equipment access record (device_record) can have the format {device_id, device_address, duration}, representing the user equipment ID, subchain address, and access period in sequence. Alternatively, in one example, the second NFT is a licensed NFT (e.g., a second NFT issued by a node on the subchain based on a licensed NFT standard such as ERC5585). In this case, the second NFT may include a user equipment license record (device_record_0) as an additional or optional part of the user equipment access record fields. Each user equipment license record (device_record_0) can have the format {device_address, right, duration}, representing the user equipment subchain address, whether access is authorized, and the license validity period in sequence.

[0150] Incidentally, in this embodiment, due to the user equipment's request for access to spectrum resources, the user equipment also becomes a user of the subchain. Upon its initial interaction with the subchain, it acquires a corresponding subchain address, which can be used to verify the user equipment's signature on the subchain (a node in the subchain). Here, the user equipment can send identification information generated by the user equipment according to a cryptographic algorithm during its initial interaction with the subchain (a node in the subchain). This identification information can be used by the subchain (a node in the subchain) as the user equipment's address on the subchain. The user equipment can generate this identification information through various existing methods, and this disclosure does not impose any limitations on this. For example, the user equipment can generate the aforementioned identification information based on its public key using a cryptographic algorithm. For instance, the public key can be converted to a fixed length (such as 32 bytes) using a specified hash function (such as the keccak-256 one-way hash function), and a portion of its bytes (such as the last 20 bytes) can be used as the aforementioned identification information.

[0151] The base station allocation record (base_station_record) and user equipment access record (device_record) described above can provide a hierarchical record of spectrum usage or allocation in the second TFT.

[0152] As previously described, the electronic device 800, acting as a node on the subchain, can record corresponding spectrum allocation information in the second NFT in response to an access request from a user equipment or terminal device. This information includes the aforementioned base station allocation record (base_station_record) and user equipment access record (device_record). Preferably, the second NFT can be a licenseable NFT. In one example, the spectrum allocation information recorded in the second NFT may include not only usage records of the corresponding spectrum resources but may also optionally include license records of the corresponding spectrum resources.

[0153] Optionally, in a preferred embodiment, the second NFT-related operations or processes performed by the electronic device 800 through the processor 810 via its memory 820 and the computer program code therein may further include: providing the spectrum allocation information recorded in the second NFT to the first blockchain network for the main chain to update the first NFT (the spectrum usage information in the first NFT). The electronic device 800 may provide the aforementioned second NFT information to the first blockchain network when appropriate, such as, but not limited to, at the end of an operating period, when the mobile network operator (operator A) as the sharer's spectrum resource usage expires, etc. Furthermore, optionally, the second NFT-related operations or processes performed by the electronic device 800 through its memory 820 and the computer program code therein via the processor 810 may further include: freezing the second NFT when the mobile network operator (operator A) as the sharer's spectrum resource usage expires, and / or when providing the spectrum allocation information recorded in the second NFT to the first blockchain network.

[0154] The electronic device 800 can perform the processing and operations of the subchain in the example signaling interaction of cross-chain update / synchronization of NFT described in the first embodiment in conjunction with FIG7, such as providing the spectrum allocation information recorded by the second NFT to the first blockchain network by sending the corresponding transaction to the main chain, and appropriately freezing the second NFT by performing the corresponding processing on the subchain, for example, without repeating here.

[0155] [3.2 Example Processing]

[0156] Next, with specific examples, we will describe more example processing and related details, as well as example signaling flows, through which the memory 820 of the electronic device 800 and the computer program code (including but not limited to smart contracts) contained therein can be executed by the electronic device 800 via the processor 810.

[0157] (First example of spectrum allocation record based on second NFT)

[0158] As a first example of a spectrum allocation record based on the second NFT, the memory 820 of the electronic device 800 and the computer program code included therein can also be configured to implement interference-constrained spectrum allocation through the processor 810 and to record the corresponding allocation and authorization using the second NFT.

[0159] In this example, the electronic devices 800 of each node (base station) on the subchain, including the electronic device 800, participate in consensus, aggregate the spectrum requests of user equipment, generate an allocation strategy according to spectrum interference constraints, and implement the spectrum allocation strategy to resolve conflicts based on the consensus mechanism. The corresponding spectrum allocation is recorded in the second NFT, which is a licenseable NFT.

[0160] More specifically, within a spectrum resource allocation cycle, user equipment such as drones submits frequency usage requests, and nodes on the sub-chain, including electronic device 800, generate a spectrum resource allocation strategy based on interference constraints and reach a consensus. In this example, various existing interference constraints can be used for spectrum resource allocation (e.g., but not limited to each user equipment occupying only one frequency band or channel; multiple user equipment can be allocated the same frequency band or channel if they do not interfere with each other, etc.), which will not be elaborated here. Nodes on the sub-chain, such as electronic device 800, associate a second NFT with the base station according to the allocation strategy to record the spectrum resources allocated to the base station, and use the second NFT to record the access permissions granted to users and provide access credentials.

[0161] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example signaling interaction for spectrum allocation based on a second NFT, showing the interaction between a user equipment and a node on a subchain, such as an electronic device 800. In the example of Figure 9, the second NFT is a licenseable NFT and is issued, for example, by a node on the subchain based on a licenseable NFT standard such as the standard ERC5585. Note that in Figure 9 and the subsequent flowcharts, since the electronic device 800, as a subchain node, may be integrated with a base station, and different example processes do not require implementation by a single or identical node in the subchain, the node on the subchain is simplified and shown as a “subchain” to cover various possible implementations.

[0162] As shown in Figure 9, firstly, the user equipment (UAV) submits a spectrum usage request. That is, the user equipment sends a spectrum usage request transaction to subchain A. The transaction content includes {uav_id, bandwidth, duration, loc, uav_addr}, where uav_addr can also be represented by encrypt_id, corresponding to the following:

[0163] 1) uav_id: Drone ID;

[0164] 2) bandwidth: bandwidth;

[0165] 3) Duration: The period of use;

[0166] 4) loc: Geographical location;

[0167] 5) uav_addr: The subchain address of the drone (i.e., the identification information generated based on cryptography); or encrypt_id: the identification information generated based on cryptography.

[0168] Next, an allocation strategy is generated on the subchain. That is, the nodes (base stations) on the subchain, including the electronic device 800, aggregate the requests from each user device, generate an allocation strategy based on spectrum interference constraints, and reach a consensus on the subchain.

[0169] Next, the second NFT (xNFT) on the subchain is associated with the base station; that is, the association between the base station and the xNFT corresponding to the spectrum resource is completed according to the allocation strategy. As an example, the xNFT with Token ID 1800 (i.e., representing frequency band 1800) can be associated with base station A1, with an allocation time period of T1, and the subchain address of base station A1 is Addr1. At this time, a base station allocation record {A1,Addr1,T1} will be added to the base station allocation record field base_station_records of this xNFT.

[0170] Next, the subchain authorizes user devices with access permissions. Based on the allocation strategy, the subchain authorizes access permissions for the drone by adding a user device authorization record to the xNFT. As an example of authorization, an xNFT (authorizable NFT) with Token ID 1800 (i.e., representing frequency band 1800) allows drone UAV_1 access, with a validity period of D1. The subchain address of drone UAV_1 is Addr2 (for example, this subchain address can be cryptographically generated identification information included in a spectrum usage request transaction), and the corresponding right for access is ACCESS. At this point, a user device authorization record device_record_0 will be added to the user authorization record field of this xNFT, i.e., {Addr2,ACCESS,D1}.

[0171] Subsequently, the subchain provides access credentials to the user device. Based on the user device authorization record in the xNFT, the subchain provides access credentials to the drone, which includes {nft_id, auth_time}, where nft_id is the token ID of the xNFT corresponding to the access frequency band (e.g., 1800 as mentioned above), and auth_time is the authorization validity period (e.g., D1 as mentioned above).

[0172] (A second example of a spectrum allocation record based on a second NFT)

[0173] As a second example of spectrum allocation records based on the second NFT, the memory 820 of the electronic device 800 and the computer program code included therein can also be configured to implement trusted spectrum access based on the second NFT through the processor 810, and to record the corresponding allocation and access using the second NFT.

[0174] In this example, electronic device 800, acting as a node on a subchain, transfers an xNFT, which is a licenseable second NFT, to the base station. Specifically, the Owner field of the NFT is set to the base station's address, and the base station stores the held xNFT and its licensing record in its local wallet. In this example, the xNFT is a licenseable NFT and includes a field for a user device licensing record. A user device licensing record may include, for example, the user device address, licensing permission, and licensing validity period. Optionally, this user device licensing record may be obtained in a manner similar to the first example described with reference to Figure 9, and has a format similar to that in the first example described with reference to Figure 9. Utilizing the characteristics of licenseable xNFTs, an association can be established between the base station and the access drone. The base station can perform off-chain authentication of the requesting drone based on the locally stored xNFT information, improving access efficiency.

[0175] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example signaling interaction based on a second NFT-based spectrum allocation record, showing the interaction between user equipment, base station, and nodes on a sub-chain such as electronic device 800. Optionally, the example interaction shown in Figure 10 can be performed after the example interaction shown in Figure 9.

[0176] As shown in Figure 10, during the allocated time period, the subchain will be transferred to the base station as an xNFT of the licensable second NFT. Subsequently, firstly, a user equipment (such as UAV_1, as described in the example in Figure 9) requests access. That is, the drone sends an access request or message to the base station, the content of which includes {dev_id, dev_addr, nft_id, auth_time}, where dev_id and dev_addr are the drone ID and subchain address, nft_id is the token ID of the xNFT corresponding to the spectrum resources of the access band, and auth_time is the authorization validity period.

[0177] Next, the base station verifies off-chain whether the drone address `dev_addr` has access permissions based on the xNFT it holds. As an example, the base station can verify this by checking if an authorization record for the drone exists within the user device authorization records included in the xNFT. For instance, if a relevant record exists in the xNFT's records, the base station determines that access is allowed (authentication is successful) and sends a transaction `tx1` to the subchain to create an access record. Transaction `tx1` includes `{req_id, bs_id, bs_addr, start_time}`, representing the request ID, access base station ID, subchain address of the access base station, and access start time, respectively. After transaction `tx1` is successfully executed on the subchain, the subchain creates an access request record `req1`, which includes the following items:

[0178] 1) req_id: Request ID;

[0179] 2) dev_id: Drone ID;

[0180] 3) dev_addr: The address of the drone's subchain;

[0181] 4) bs_id: Access base station ID;

[0182] 5) bs_addr: The sub-chain address of the access base station;

[0183] 6) nft_id: The token ID of xNFT;

[0184] 7) start_time: Connection start time;

[0185] 8) end_time: Connection end time;

[0186] 9) fee: Spectrum service fee.

[0187] Here, the subchain sets the req_id, bs_id, bs_addr, and start_time in the access request record req1 based on the content of transaction tx1. At this point, spectrum access is completed, and the base station begins providing services to the drone. Alternatively, as shown in the figure, the subchain can send an access confirmation message to the user equipment.

[0188] Next, the drone requests to exit. The drone sends an exit request to the base station, which then sends a transaction tx2 to the subchain to set the access record. The transaction includes {req_id, end_time, fee}, representing the request ID, access end time, and spectrum service fee, respectively. After transaction tx2 is successfully executed on the subchain, the subchain sets the end_time and fee in the access request record req1 based on the content of transaction tx2. Optionally, as shown in the figure, the subchain can send an exit confirmation message to the user equipment.

[0189] Subsequently, the subchain can add a drone access record to the user device access record field of the xNFT. For example, it can find the corresponding xNFT based on the nft_id in the access request record req1, and find the corresponding base_station_records field based on the bs_id in the access request record req1, and add a drone user device access record (device_record){dev_id,dev_addr,end_time-start_time}. Here, end_time-start_time is the duration.

[0190] In this way, a two-layer data structure of base station and user equipment is implemented in the xNFT, which serves as the second NFT, namely a two-layer data structure of base station allocation field / record and user equipment access field / record. When the xNFT with the above data structure, which serves as the second NFT, is synchronized or updated to the spectrum usage record of the first NFT in the main chain, a three-layer data structure as shown in Figure 11 can be implemented.

[0191] In other words, using the above example, within each operating cycle, the operator allocates its owned frequency bands (including shared frequency bands) multiple times based on frequency usage demand. Then, within each allocation cycle, the base station associates with the allocated frequency band. Finally, the drone uses credentials to access the base station and records the access time period. These records are organized in the NFT according to a three-layer structure: operator-base station-user equipment, as detailed below:

[0192] 1) The Owner field records which operator owns the frequency band;

[0193] 2) The operator_records field records the actual operators and operating periods of the frequency band, which can reflect the sharing history of the frequency band;

[0194] 3) The base_station_records field records the base stations and allocation time periods for the frequency band in the corresponding operating cycle;

[0195] 4) The device_records field, which is a subfield of the base_station_records field, records the user equipment and duration of access to the frequency band during the allocation period of the corresponding base station.

[0196] Based on these records, a three-layer spectrum allocation relationship diagram of operators, base stations, and drones for the corresponding frequency bands was established. In this way, information on the entire process of spectrum rights confirmation, sharing, allocation, and access can be obtained, enabling efficient traceability.

[0197] Figure 11 illustrates an example of such a three-layer data structure. The upper left of Figure 11 shows the data format of the first NFT. The upper right of Figure 11 shows the specific format of the spectrum usage record for the first NFT, namely an array of length 101, which can be recorded in the main chain block shown in the middle right of Figure 11. As shown, each block of the main chain and sub-chains includes a block header and the corresponding transactions TX1 to TXn.

[0198] Furthermore, the lower left side of Figure 11 shows the data format of the second NFT, where the spectrum allocation record can be expanded layer by layer as shown on the right side of Figure 11. Additionally, the spectrum allocation record of the second NFT can be stored in the main chain through on-chain transactions to the main chain, and in the sub-chain through on-chain transactions to the sub-chain (achieved in a similar way to on-chain transactions to the main chain, which will not be elaborated here).

[0199] <4. Method Examples>

[0200] Corresponding to the above-described apparatus embodiments, this disclosure provides the following method embodiments.

[0201] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process example of a method for spectrum management according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0202] As shown in Figure 12, in step S11, spectrum usage information indicating the use of the spectrum resources by another mobile network operator can be recorded in a first non-fungible token (NFT) corresponding to one or more frequency bands of spectrum resources owned by a mobile network operator in the first blockchain network. Here, the one mobile network operator and the other mobile network operator are communicatively connected in the first blockchain network, and the base station equipment served by the other mobile network operator is communicatively connected in the second blockchain network. The information of the first NFT is used to create a second NFT corresponding to the spectrum resources in the second blockchain network.

[0203] As an example, the method shown in Figure 12 can be implemented by blockchain nodes in a first blockchain network.

[0204] Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, the method may further include: creating a first NFT in a first blockchain network based on a transaction from one of the mobile network operators relating to the creation of the first NFT. Optionally, the first NFT is a rentable NFT.

[0205] Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, the method may further include: receiving a request from the other mobile network operator to use spectrum resources based on an NFT corresponding to unused spectrum resources created in the first blockchain network. Optionally, the processing in step S11 may include: recording the spectrum usage information in the first NFT in response to the other mobile network operator's request to use the spectrum resources.

[0206] Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, the method may also include: providing information about the first NFT to a second blockchain network for the creation of a second NFT in the second blockchain network. Optionally, the method may also include: freezing the first NFT having the spectrum usage information. This freezing may occur, for example, when providing information about the first NFT to the second blockchain network.

[0207] Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, the method may optionally include: acquiring spectrum allocation information of a second NFT in a second blockchain network, the spectrum allocation information indicating the allocation of spectrum resources by the base station equipment; and updating a first NFT (spectrum usage information in the first NFT) based on the acquired spectrum allocation information of the second NFT. Optionally, the information of the second NFT and / or the first NFT may be acquired and / or updated at various appropriate times, such as when the other mobile network operator's use of the spectrum resources expires, and / or when the operating period ends.

[0208] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, the subject performing the above method may be the electronic device 300 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure, and therefore all embodiments of the electronic device 300 mentioned above are applicable here.

[0209] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process example of a method for spectrum management according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0210] As shown in Figure 13, in step S21, spectrum allocation information indicating the allocation of spectrum resources by base station equipment can be recorded in a second NFT created in a second blockchain network based on a first non-fungible token NFT in a first blockchain network, corresponding to spectrum resources of one or more frequency bands. Here, the first NFT records spectrum usage information indicating the use of spectrum resources owned by another mobile network operator by one mobile network operator. The first blockchain network communicatively connects the one mobile network operator and the other mobile network operator, and the second blockchain network communicatively connects the base station equipment served by the one mobile network operator.

[0211] As an example, the method shown in Figure 13 can be implemented by blockchain nodes in a second blockchain network. As an example, the first NFT can be a rentable NFT. Furthermore, the second NFT can, for example, be a licenseable NFT.

[0212] In addition, although not shown in the figure, the method may optionally include: obtaining information about a first NFT in a first blockchain network; and creating a second NFT in a second blockchain network based on the obtained information about the first NFT.

[0213] Optionally, the processing in step S21 may include: recording the spectrum allocation information in a second NFT in response to an access request from a user equipment or terminal device.

[0214] Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, the method may optionally include providing the spectrum allocation information of the second NFT to the first blockchain network. Optionally, the spectrum allocation information of the second NFT may be provided to the first blockchain network at various appropriate times, such as when the mobile network operator's use of the spectrum resources expires, and / or at the end of an operating cycle.

[0215] In addition, although not shown in the figure, the method may optionally include freezing the second NFT when the mobile network operator's use of the spectrum resources expires.

[0216] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the subject performing the above method may be an electronic device 800 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure, and therefore all embodiments of the electronic device 800 described above are applicable here.

[0217] <5. Application Examples>

[0218] The technology disclosed herein can be applied to a variety of products.

[0219] The electronic device 300 according to the first embodiment can realize the function of a blockchain node device in the first blockchain network, which may be, for example, a spectrum management device or server of a spectrum regulatory agency, operator, etc. in the first blockchain.

[0220] For example, electronic device 300 can be implemented as any type of server, such as tower server, rack server, and blade server. Electronic device 300 can be a control module installed on the server (such as an integrated circuit module including a single chip, and a card or blade inserted into a slot in a blade server).

[0221] The electronic device 800 according to the second embodiment can realize the function of a blockchain node device in the second blockchain network, and therefore can be implemented as each base station in the second blockchain network.

[0222] For example, electronic device 800 can be implemented as various base stations. A base station can be implemented as any type of evolved NodeB (eNB) or gNB (5G base station). eNBs include, for example, macro eNBs and small eNBs. A small eNB can be an eNB covering a cell smaller than a macro cell, such as a pico eNB, micro eNB, and femtocell eNB. A similar situation can occur with gNBs. Alternatively, a base station can be implemented as any other type of base station, such as a NodeB and a Base Transceiver Station (BTS). A base station can include: a subject configured to control wireless communication (also called base station equipment); and one or more remote radio heads (RRHs) located in a different location from the subject. Additionally, various types of user equipment can operate as base stations by temporarily or semi-persistently performing base station functions.

[0223] Furthermore, the electronic device 800 can also be implemented as any type of TRP. This TRP can have sending and receiving functions, for example, it can receive information from terminal devices and base station devices, and it can also send information to terminal devices and base station devices. In a typical example, the TRP can provide services to terminal devices and is controlled by the base station device. Further, the TRP can have a structure similar to that of the base station device, or it can only have the structures related to sending and receiving information found in the base station device.

[0224] [Application examples of servers]

[0225] Figure 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a server 1700 to which the techniques of this disclosure can be applied. The server 1700 includes a processor 1701, a memory 1702, a storage device 1703, a network interface 1704, and a bus 1706.

[0226] Processor 1701 may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a digital signal processor (DSP), and controls the functions of server 1700. Memory 1702 includes random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM), and stores data and programs executed by processor 1701. Storage device 1703 may include storage media such as semiconductor memory and hard disk.

[0227] Network interface 1704 is a wired communication interface used to connect server 1700 to wired communication network 1705. Wired communication network 1705 can be a core network such as an evolved packet core network (EPC) or a packet data network (PDN) such as the Internet.

[0228] Bus 1706 connects processor 1701, memory 1702, storage device 1703, and network interface 1704 to each other. Bus 1706 may include two or more buses (such as a high-speed bus and a low-speed bus) each with different speeds.

[0229] In the server 1700 shown in Figure 14, the transceiver 330 in the electronic device 300 previously described with reference to Figure 3 can be implemented via network interface 1704. At least some of the functions of the processor 310 in the electronic device 300 can be implemented via processor 1701. The functions of the memory 320 in the electronic device 300 can be implemented via memory 1702 or storage device 1703. For example, processor 1701 can implement at least some of the functions of processor 310 by executing instructions stored in memory 1702 or storage device 1703.

[0230] [Application examples of base stations]

[0231] (First application example)

[0232] Figure 15 is a block diagram illustrating a first example of a schematic configuration of an eNB to which the technologies of this disclosure can be applied. The eNB 1800 includes one or more antennas 1810 and a base station device 1820. The base station device 1820 and each antenna 1810 can be connected to each other via RF cables.

[0233] Each of the antennas 1810 includes one or more antenna elements (such as multiple antenna elements included in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna) and is used by the base station device 1820 to transmit and receive wireless signals. As shown in Figure 15, the eNB 1800 may include multiple antennas 1810. For example, multiple antennas 1810 may be compatible with multiple frequency bands used by the eNB 1800. Although Figure 15 shows an example in which the eNB 1800 includes multiple antennas 1810, the eNB 1800 may also include a single antenna 1810.

[0234] The base station equipment 1820 includes a controller 1821, a memory 1822, a network interface 1823, and a wireless communication interface 1825.

[0235] The controller 1821 can be, for example, a CPU or a DSP, and operates various higher-level functions of the base station equipment 1820. For example, the controller 1821 generates data packets based on data in signals processed by the wireless communication interface 1825, and transmits the generated packets via the network interface 1823. The controller 1821 can bundle data from multiple baseband processors to generate bundled packets and transmit the generated bundled packets. The controller 1821 may have logical functions that perform controls such as radio resource control, radio bearer control, mobility management, admission control, and scheduling. This control can be performed in conjunction with nearby eNBs or core network nodes. The memory 1822 includes RAM and ROM, and stores programs executed by the controller 1821 and various types of control data (such as terminal lists, transmission power data, and scheduling data).

[0236] Network interface 1823 is a communication interface used to connect base station equipment 1820 to core network 1824. Controller 1821 can communicate with core network nodes or other eNBs via network interface 1823. In this case, eNB 1800 and core network nodes or other eNBs can be connected to each other via logical interfaces (such as S1 and X2 interfaces). Network interface 1823 can also be a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface for wireless backhaul. If network interface 1823 is a wireless communication interface, it can use a higher frequency band for wireless communication compared to the frequency band used by wireless communication interface 1825.

[0237] The wireless communication interface 1825 supports any cellular communication scheme (such as LTE and LTE-Advanced) and provides wireless connectivity to terminals located in the cell of eNB 1800 via antenna 1810. The wireless communication interface 1825 typically includes, for example, a baseband (BB) processor 1826 and RF circuitry 1827. The BB processor 1826 can perform, for example, encoding / decoding, modulation / demodulation, and multiplexing / demultiplexing, and performs various types of signal processing at layers such as L1, Media Access Control (MAC), Radio Link Control (RLC), and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP). Instead of controller 1821, the BB processor 1826 may have some or all of the above-described logical functions. The BB processor 1826 may be a memory storing communication control programs, or a module including a processor and associated circuitry configured to execute programs. Updates can change the functionality of the BB processor 1826. The module may be a card or blade inserted into a slot in base station equipment 1820. Alternatively, the module may be a chip mounted on a card or blade. Meanwhile, the RF circuit 1827 may include, for example, a mixer, a filter, and an amplifier, and transmits and receives wireless signals via the antenna 1810.

[0238] As shown in Figure 15, the wireless communication interface 1825 may include multiple BB processors 1826. For example, the multiple BB processors 1826 may be compatible with multiple frequency bands used by the eNB 1800. As shown in Figure 15, the wireless communication interface 1825 may include multiple RF circuits 1827. For example, the multiple RF circuits 1827 may be compatible with multiple antenna elements. Although Figure 15 shows an example in which the wireless communication interface 1825 includes multiple BB processors 1826 and multiple RF circuits 1827, the wireless communication interface 1825 may also include a single BB processor 1826 or a single RF circuit 1827.

[0239] In the eNB 1800 shown in Figure 15, the transceiver in the electronic device 800 previously described with reference to Figure 8 can be implemented via a wireless communication interface 1825 and an optional antenna 1810. At least some of the functions of the processor in the electronic device 800 can be implemented via a controller 1821. The functions of the memory in the electronic device 800 can be implemented via a memory 1822. For example, the controller 1821 can implement at least some of the functions of the processor by executing instructions stored in the memory 1822.

[0240] (Second application example)

[0241] Figure 16 is a block diagram illustrating a second example of a schematic configuration of an eNB to which the technologies of this disclosure can be applied. The eNB 1930 includes one or more antennas 1940, a base station device 1950, and an RRH 1960. The RRH 1960 and each antenna 1940 can be connected to each other via RF cables. The base station device 1950 and the RRH 1960 can be connected to each other via high-speed lines such as fiber optic cables.

[0242] Each of the antennas 1940 includes one or more antenna elements (such as multiple antenna elements included in a MIMO antenna) and is used for transmitting and receiving wireless signals by the RRH 1960. As shown in Figure 16, the eNB 1930 may include multiple antennas 1940. For example, multiple antennas 1940 may be compatible with multiple frequency bands used by the eNB 1930. Although Figure 16 shows an example in which the eNB 1930 includes multiple antennas 1940, the eNB 1930 may also include a single antenna 1940.

[0243] The base station equipment 1950 includes a controller 1951, a memory 1952, a network interface 1953, a wireless communication interface 1955, and a connection interface 1957. The controller 1951, memory 1952, and network interface 1953 are the same as the controller 1821, memory 1822, and network interface 1823 described with reference to FIG15.

[0244] Wireless communication interface 1955 supports any cellular communication scheme (such as LTE and LTE-Advanced) and provides wireless communication to terminals located in the sector corresponding to RRH 1960 via RRH 1960 and antenna 1940. Wireless communication interface 1955 may typically include, for example, a BB processor 1956. The BB processor 1956 is identical to the BB processor 1826 described with reference to FIG15, except that it is connected to the RF circuitry 1964 of RRH 1960 via connection interface 1957. As shown in FIG16, wireless communication interface 1955 may include multiple BB processors 1956. For example, multiple BB processors 1956 may be compatible with multiple frequency bands used by eNB 1930. Although FIG16 shows an example in which wireless communication interface 1955 includes multiple BB processors 1956, wireless communication interface 1955 may also include a single BB processor 1956.

[0245] Connection interface 1957 is an interface for connecting base station equipment 1950 (wireless communication interface 1955) to RRH 1960. Connection interface 1957 can also be a communication module for communication in the aforementioned high-speed line connecting base station equipment 1950 (wireless communication interface 1955) to RRH 1960.

[0246] RRH 1960 includes a connection interface 1961 and a wireless communication interface 1963.

[0247] Connection interface 1961 is an interface for connecting RRH 1960 (wireless communication interface 1963) to base station equipment 1950. Connection interface 1961 can also be a communication module for communication in the aforementioned high-speed line.

[0248] Wireless communication interface 1963 transmits and receives wireless signals via antenna 1940. Wireless communication interface 1963 typically includes, for example, RF circuitry 1964. RF circuitry 1964 may include, for example, mixers, filters, and amplifiers, and transmits and receives wireless signals via antenna 1940. As shown in FIG16, wireless communication interface 1963 may include multiple RF circuits 1964. For example, multiple RF circuits 1964 may support multiple antenna elements. Although FIG16 shows an example in which wireless communication interface 1963 includes multiple RF circuits 1964, wireless communication interface 1963 may also include a single RF circuit 1964.

[0249] In the eNB 1930 shown in Figure 16, the transceiver in the electronic device 800 previously described with reference to Figure 8 can be implemented, for example, via a wireless communication interface 1963 and an optional antenna 1940. At least some of the functions of the processor in the electronic device 800 can be implemented via a controller 1951. The functions of the memory in the electronic device 800 can be implemented via a memory 1952. For example, the controller 1951 can implement at least some of the processor's functions by executing instructions stored in the memory 1952.

[0250] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present disclosure is by no means limited to the examples described above. Various changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the appended claims, and it should be understood that such changes and modifications naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0251] For example, the units shown in the dashed boxes in the functional block diagrams shown in the attached figures represent that the functional unit is optional in the corresponding device, and the optional functional units can be combined in an appropriate manner to achieve the desired function.

[0252] For example, the multiple functions included in one unit in the above embodiments can be implemented by separate devices. Alternatively, the multiple functions implemented by multiple units in the above embodiments can be implemented by separate devices respectively. In addition, one of the above functions can be implemented by multiple units. Needless to say, such a configuration is included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0253] In this specification, the steps described in the flowchart include not only processes executed sequentially in the stated order, but also processes executed in parallel or individually, rather than necessarily sequentially. Furthermore, even within the steps of sequential processing, needless to say, the order can be appropriately altered.

[0254] In addition, this disclosure may have the configuration described below.

[0255] 1. An electronic device, comprising:

[0256] At least one processor; and

[0257] At least one memory, including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to cause the electronic device to execute, via the at least one processor:

[0258] In the first non-fungible token NFT in the first blockchain network, corresponding to spectrum resources in one or more frequency bands owned by a mobile network operator, spectrum usage information instructing another mobile network operator to use the spectrum resources is recorded.

[0259] In this system, the first blockchain network communicatively connects the one mobile network operator and the other mobile network operator, and the second blockchain network communicatively connects the base station equipment served by the other mobile network operator. The information of the first NFT is used to create a second NFT corresponding to the spectrum resource in the second blockchain network.

[0260] 2. The electronic device as described in configuration 1, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to cause the electronic device to execute, via the at least one processor:

[0261] The first NFT is created in the first blockchain network based on a transaction from one of the mobile network operators related to the creation of the first NFT.

[0262] 3. The electronic device as described in configuration 1, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to cause the electronic device to execute, via the at least one processor:

[0263] Freeze the first NFT containing the spectrum usage information.

[0264] 4. The electronic device as described in configuration 1, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to cause the electronic device to execute, via the at least one processor:

[0265] In response to a request from the other mobile network operator to use the spectrum resources, the spectrum usage information is recorded in the first NFT.

[0266] 5. The electronic device as described in configuration 1, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to cause the electronic device to execute, via the at least one processor:

[0267] The system receives a request from another mobile network operator for the use of spectrum resources based on an NFT created in the first blockchain network that corresponds to an unused spectrum resource.

[0268] 6. The electronic device as described in configuration 1, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to cause the electronic device to execute, via the at least one processor:

[0269] Obtain spectrum allocation information for the second NFT in the second blockchain network, the spectrum allocation information indicating the allocation of spectrum resources by the base station equipment; and

[0270] The first NFT is updated based on the spectral allocation information of the second NFT.

[0271] 7. The electronic device as described in configuration 6, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to cause the electronic device to execute, via the at least one processor:

[0272] When the other mobile network operator's use of the spectrum resources expires, the spectrum allocation information of the second NFT is obtained and / or the first NFT is updated.

[0273] 8. An electronic device configured as described in any one of 1 to 7, wherein the first NFT is a rentable NFT.

[0274] 9. An electronic device configured as described in any one of 1 to 7, wherein the electronic device is implemented as a blockchain node in a first blockchain network.

[0275] 10. An electronic device, comprising:

[0276] At least one processor; and

[0277] At least one memory, including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to cause the electronic device to execute, via the at least one processor:

[0278] In a second NFT created in a second blockchain network based on a first non-fungible token NFT in a first blockchain network, corresponding to spectrum resources of one or more frequency bands, spectrum allocation information instructing the base station device to allocate the spectrum resources is recorded.

[0279] Specifically, the first NFT records spectrum usage information indicating the use of spectrum resources owned by another mobile network operator by a mobile network operator; the first mobile network operator and the other mobile network operator are communicatively connected in a first blockchain network; and the base station equipment served by the first mobile network operator is communicatively connected in a second blockchain network.

[0280] 11. The electronic device as described in configuration 10, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to cause the electronic device to execute, via the at least one processor:

[0281] Obtain information about the first NFT in the first blockchain network; and

[0282] A second NFT is created in a second blockchain network based on the information obtained from the first NFT.

[0283] 12. The electronic device as described in configuration 10, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to cause the electronic device to execute, via the at least one processor:

[0284] The spectrum allocation information is recorded in the second NFT in response to an access request from a terminal device.

[0285] 13. The electronic device as described in configuration 10, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to cause the electronic device to execute, via the at least one processor:

[0286] The spectrum allocation information of the second NFT is provided to the first blockchain network.

[0287] 14. The electronic device as described in configuration 13, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to cause the electronic device to execute, via the at least one processor:

[0288] When the use of the spectrum resources by a mobile network operator expires, the spectrum allocation information of the second NFT is provided to the first blockchain network.

[0289] 15. The electronic device configured as described in any one of 10 to 14, wherein the second NFT has the same identifier as the first NFT.

[0290] 16. An electronic device configured as described in any one of 10 to 14, wherein the first NFT is a rentable NFT and the second NFT is a licenseable NFT.

[0291] 17. An electronic device configured as described in any one of 10 to 14, wherein the electronic device is implemented as a blockchain node in a second blockchain network.

[0292] 18. A method for spectrum management, comprising:

[0293] In a first non-fungible token (NFT) corresponding to spectrum resources in one or more frequency bands owned by a mobile network operator in a first blockchain network, spectrum usage information instructing another mobile network operator to use the spectrum resources is recorded; and

[0294] In this system, the first blockchain network communicatively connects the one mobile network operator and the other mobile network operator, and the second blockchain network communicatively connects the base station equipment served by the other mobile network operator. The information of the first NFT is used to create a second NFT corresponding to the spectrum resource in the second blockchain network.

[0295] 19. A method for spectrum management, comprising:

[0296] In a second NFT created in a second blockchain network based on a first non-fungible token NFT in a first blockchain network, corresponding to spectrum resources of one or more frequency bands, spectrum allocation information instructing the base station device to allocate the spectrum resources is recorded.

[0297] Specifically, the first NFT records spectrum usage information indicating the use of spectrum resources owned by another mobile network operator by a mobile network operator; the first mobile network operator and the other mobile network operator are communicatively connected in a first blockchain network; and the base station equipment served by the first mobile network operator is communicatively connected in a second blockchain network.

[0298] 20. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer program code, the computer program code causing the electronic device to perform the method as described in configuration 18 or 19 via a processor included in the electronic device.

[0299] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are merely illustrative and do not constitute a limitation thereof. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations to the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is defined only by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to cause the electronic device to execute, via the at least one processor: In the first non-fungible token NFT in the first blockchain network, corresponding to spectrum resources in one or more frequency bands owned by a mobile network operator, spectrum usage information instructing another mobile network operator to use the spectrum resources is recorded. In this system, the first blockchain network communicatively connects the one mobile network operator and the other mobile network operator, and the second blockchain network communicatively connects the base station equipment served by the other mobile network operator. The information of the first NFT is used to create a second NFT corresponding to the spectrum resource in the second blockchain network.

2. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to cause the electronic device to execute, via the at least one processor: The first NFT is created in the first blockchain network based on a transaction from one of the mobile network operators related to the creation of the first NFT.

3. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to cause the electronic device to execute, via the at least one processor: Freeze the first NFT containing the spectrum usage information.

4. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to cause the electronic device to execute, via the at least one processor: In response to a request from the other mobile network operator to use the spectrum resources, the spectrum usage information is recorded in the first NFT.

5. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to cause the electronic device to execute, via the at least one processor: The system receives a request from another mobile network operator for the use of spectrum resources based on an NFT created in the first blockchain network that corresponds to an unused spectrum resource.

6. The electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to cause the electronic device to execute, via the at least one processor: Obtain spectrum allocation information for the second NFT in the second blockchain network, the spectrum allocation information indicating the allocation of spectrum resources by the base station equipment; as well as The first NFT is updated based on the spectral allocation information of the second NFT.

7. The electronic device as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to cause the electronic device to execute, via the at least one processor: When the other mobile network operator's use of the spectrum resources expires, the spectrum allocation information of the second NFT is obtained and / or the first NFT is updated.

8. The electronic device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The first NFT is a rentable NFT.

9. The electronic device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The electronic device is implemented as a blockchain node in a first blockchain network.

10. An electronic device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to cause the electronic device to execute, via the at least one processor: In a second NFT created in a second blockchain network based on a first non-fungible token NFT in a first blockchain network, corresponding to spectrum resources of one or more frequency bands, spectrum allocation information instructing the base station device to allocate the spectrum resources is recorded. Specifically, the first NFT records spectrum usage information indicating the use of spectrum resources owned by another mobile network operator by a mobile network operator; the first mobile network operator and the other mobile network operator are communicatively connected in a first blockchain network; and the base station equipment served by the first mobile network operator is communicatively connected in a second blockchain network.

11. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein, The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to cause the electronic device to execute, via the at least one processor: Obtain information about the first NFT in the first blockchain network; as well as A second NFT is created in a second blockchain network based on the information obtained from the first NFT.

12. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein, The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to cause the electronic device to execute, via the at least one processor: The spectrum allocation information is recorded in the second NFT in response to an access request from a terminal device.

13. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein, The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to cause the electronic device to execute, via the at least one processor: The spectrum allocation information of the second NFT is provided to the first blockchain network.

14. The electronic device of claim 13, wherein, The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to cause the electronic device to execute, via the at least one processor: When the use of the spectrum resources by a mobile network operator expires, the spectrum allocation information of the second NFT is provided to the first blockchain network.

15. The electronic device as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein, The second NFT has the same identifier as the first NFT.

16. The electronic device as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein, The first NFT is a rentable NFT, and the second NFT is a licenseable NFT.

17. The electronic device according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein, The electronic device is implemented as a blockchain node in a second blockchain network.

18. A method for spectrum management, comprising: In a first non-fungible token (NFT) corresponding to spectrum resources in one or more frequency bands owned by a mobile network operator in a first blockchain network, spectrum usage information instructing another mobile network operator to use the spectrum resources is recorded; and In this system, the first blockchain network communicatively connects the one mobile network operator and the other mobile network operator, and the second blockchain network communicatively connects the base station equipment served by the other mobile network operator. The information of the first NFT is used to create a second NFT corresponding to the spectrum resource in the second blockchain network.

19. A method for spectrum management, comprising: In a second NFT created in a second blockchain network based on a first non-fungible token NFT in a first blockchain network, corresponding to spectrum resources of one or more frequency bands, spectrum allocation information instructing the base station device to allocate the spectrum resources is recorded. Specifically, the first NFT records spectrum usage information indicating the use of spectrum resources owned by another mobile network operator by a mobile network operator; the first mobile network operator and the other mobile network operator are communicatively connected in a first blockchain network; and the base station equipment served by the first mobile network operator is communicatively connected in a second blockchain network.

20. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer program code, the computer program code causing the electronic device to perform the method of claim 18 or 19 via a processor included in the electronic device.

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