Distributed Radio Resource Allocation via Spectrum Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radio networks rely on a central server structure for radio resource allocation, leading to inflexibility, high costs, and vulnerability due to a single point of failure, as well as limited flexibility in frequency usage, especially when frequencies are disturbed.

Innovation Solution

A radio network with dynamic and distributed radio resource allocation, where each radio senses the spectrum to identify available frequencies and communicates this information to other radios, eliminating the need for a central server and enabling flexible, decentralized management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a central server structure is used for radio resource allocation, then radio spectrum management consistency is ensured, but device complexity and facility costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio spectrum management consistencyVSAvoidcentral server structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each radio device autonomously performs spectrum sensing, frequency selection, and resource allocation decisions without relying on a central server. The radio devices self-organize and self-manage the radio spectrum resources through distributed intelligence, eliminating the need for complex centralized infrastructure while maintaining consistent spectrum management across the network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a central server structure is established for radio allocation, then radio spectrum management is centralized, but facility costs and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio spectrum managementVSAvoidfacility and maintenance costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The radio devices autonomously perform spectrum sensing, frequency selection, and resource allocation without requiring centralized server infrastructure. This eliminates facility costs for server housing, power, and maintenance, while the distributed architecture reduces ongoing maintenance requirements compared to centralized systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a central server structure is used for radio resource allocation, then radio allocation is managed centrally, but the system becomes vulnerable to single point of failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio network vulnerabilityVSAvoidcentralized architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The centralized radio resource management function is segmented and distributed across multiple independent radio devices. Each radio device independently performs spectrum sensing and resource allocation, creating a distributed architecture where no single point of failure can compromise the entire network. The segmentation of management functions across multiple nodes enhances system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If fixed radio allocation is used, then radio spectrum assignment is simplified, but flexibility in frequency usage is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio allocation simplicityVSAvoidfrequency usage flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The radio resource allocation transitions from fixed to dynamic through continuous spectrum sensing and real-time frequency selection. Radio devices dynamically adjust their operating frequencies based on current spectrum conditions, interference levels, and network requirements, enabling flexible frequency usage while maintaining relatively simple device operations through automated sensing and selection algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

5Device complexity

If fixed radio allocation is used, then radio spectrum assignment is predetermined, but adaptability to disturbed frequencies is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio allocation structureVSAvoidresponse to frequency disturbances
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Radio devices continuously sense the radio spectrum and receive feedback about frequency conditions, interference, and occupancy. Based on this real-time feedback, devices dynamically select and switch to optimal frequencies, automatically adapting to disturbed frequencies without requiring complex predetermined allocation schemes. The feedback loop enables simple devices to achieve high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3962191B1Radio for a radio network, radio network as well as method of allocating radio resource
Publication Date: 2024.11.06 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3962191B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3962191B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a radio for a radio network (10) with dynamic and distributed radio resource allocation. The radio (12) comprises a sensing module (20) that is configured to sense a radio spectrum, thereby obtaining sensing data. The radio (12) comprises a transmission module (16) that is configured to transmit a radio signal. The sensing module (20) and the transmission module (18) are interconnected with each other such that the sensing module (20) is configured to forward information associated with the sensing data to the transmission module (18) for transmitting the information encompassed in a radio signal to a second radio (13) of the radio network (10). Further, a radio network (10) and a method of allocating radio resource in a dynamic and distributed manner are described.