Network Controller Responsibility Transfer for RF Spectrum Coexistence

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge lies in managing the coexistence of secondary users in RF spectrum, particularly in white spaces, where unlicensed devices need to operate without interfering with licensed users, and existing methods lack efficient mechanisms for resource allocation and interference avoidance.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for transferring responsibility for resource allocation between network controllers based on specific criteria, including the number of wireless networks served and radio access technology, to ensure efficient coexistence and minimize interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If unlicensed secondary users operate in white spaces, then spectrum utilization is improved, but interference with licensed primary users may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectrum utilizationVSAvoidinterference with primary users

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary spectrum sensing and database queries before secondary users transmit in white spaces. The system proactively identifies available frequency bands by detecting primary user signals and cross-referencing with FCC database information, ensuring that secondary transmission only occurs in confirmed available spectrum, thus preventing interference before it happens

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes continuous feedback mechanisms where secondary users monitor the spectrum environment in real-time, detect primary user signals, and immediately cease transmission when interference is detected. The system also provides feedback to network controllers about spectrum availability and usage conditions, enabling dynamic adjustment of transmission parameters to maintain coexistence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple network controllers manage wireless networks, then network coverage and capacity are improved, but coordination complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverage and capacityVSAvoidcoordination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the coexistence management functions across multiple network controllers into a unified framework. Controllers exchange information about their served networks and coordinate resource allocation decisions, effectively combining their management capabilities to handle white space spectrum allocation collectively, reducing individual controller complexity while maintaining overall system versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a coexistence management framework that acts as an intermediary layer between multiple network controllers. This intermediary coordinates spectrum sharing decisions, manages interference avoidance protocols, and facilitates information exchange between controllers, thereby simplifying direct controller-to-controller coordination complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If secondary users dynamically access white spaces, then spectrum efficiency is improved, but interference detection and avoidance difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectrum efficiencyVSAvoidinterference detection and avoidance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary spectrum sensing and database verification before secondary users access white spaces. The system proactively identifies available frequency bands by detecting primary user signals and cross-referencing with FCC database information, establishing a foundation for efficient dynamic access while simplifying interference detection through pre-characterized spectrum maps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables secondary users to autonomously perform spectrum sensing, query databases for white space availability, and make transmission decisions without continuous centralized control. This self-service capability improves spectrum efficiency by enabling rapid local decisions while reducing the complexity of centralized interference detection and management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8942701B2Method, apparatus, and computer program product for transferring responsibility between network controllers managing coexistence in radio frequency spectrum

Publication Date: 2015.01.27 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

Method, apparatus, and computer program product embodiments are disclosed for managing coexistence of secondary users in RF spectrum. An example embodiment includes selecting by an apparatus, a candidate network controller to which to transfer from a serving network controller, responsibility for resource allocation for a wireless network served by the serving network controller, based on one or more criteria for selection including characteristics of one or more wireless networks served by the candidate network controller; transmitting by the apparatus, to a selected candidate network controller, a request to transfer the responsibility for resource allocation for the wireless network, based on the one or more criteria for selection; and causing by the apparatus, the serving network controller to relinquish the responsibility for resource allocation for the wireless network, if the selected candidate network controller indicates that it will assume the responsibility.