Co-primary Spectrum Sharing Algorithm for 4G/5G Small Cells

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile network operators have limited incentives to share radio spectrum due to high costs and scarcity, leading to inefficient use of available spectrum in 5G networks, especially in situations where exclusive license agreements prevail.

Innovation Solution

A decentralized algorithm for co-primary spectrum sharing (CoPSS) allows mobile network operators to use a shared common pool of component carriers, where each operator autonomously selects an optimal number of carriers to minimize costs while ensuring long-term fair usage, using a learning-based approach that updates probability distribution functions based on cost calculations and interference considerations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mobile network operators use exclusive license agreements for radio spectrum, then operator-specific network performance is improved, but spectrum utilization efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork performanceVSAvoidspectrum utilization efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges previously orthogonal spectrum resources (licensed to single operators) into a shared common pool that multiple operators can simultaneously access. This combining of exclusive spectrum allocations into a communal resource enables improved overall spectrum utilization while maintaining operator-specific performance through coordinated access mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic spectrum sharing where operators can flexibly allocate and release spectrum resources based on real-time network conditions and traffic demands. This dynamic approach allows the system to adaptively optimize both individual operator performance and overall spectrum efficiency, rather than relying on static exclusive allocations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If mobile network operators share radio spectrum, then spectrum utilization efficiency is improved, but operator-specific network performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectrum utilization efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a spectrum sharing coordinator as an intermediary entity that manages the common pool of spectrum resources. This coordinator mediates between multiple operators' competing demands, allocating spectrum dynamically while ensuring that each operator maintains adequate network performance through coordinated access and interference management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where operators report their network performance metrics and spectrum usage to the sharing coordinator. This feedback loop enables the system to continuously adjust spectrum allocations to maintain operator-specific performance requirements while maximizing overall spectrum utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If operators autonomously select component carriers without coordination, then system complexity is reduced, but spectrum sharing fairness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidspectrum sharing fairness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables operators to autonomously select component carriers from the common pool based on their own network conditions and requirements, without requiring complex centralized coordination. This self-service approach reduces system complexity while maintaining fairness through mechanisms that allow operators to independently make optimal decisions about spectrum usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies key parameters such as the number of component carriers and transmission power levels dynamically based on network conditions. These parameter changes enable operators to adapt their spectrum usage autonomously while maintaining fair sharing, as the system adjusts operational parameters rather than requiring complex coordination protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3251391B1Co-primary spectrum sharing for 4g/5g small cell base stations with long term fairness criteria

Publication Date: 2019.09.11 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY

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AI summary

An apparatus includes one or more processors and one or more memories including computer program code. The one or more memories and the computer program code are configured, with the one or more processors, to cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: allowing a first user to learn to share available radio spectrum with a second user in a coverage area of a cell, comprising, assigning a probability distribution function of a transmit configuration based on a number of component carriers in the cell, conducting a transmission from the cell, calculating a cost for operation of the cell over a selected time interval, updating the probability distribution function at an end of the selected time interval, selecting an optimal number of component carriers for use in the transmit configuration, and using the selected optimal number of component carriers to determine a sharing operation.