Dynamic Spectrum Arbitrage for Emergency Network Reliability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cellular communication networks face overloads during emergencies, leading to unreliable communication for first responders due to excessive call volumes, and existing solutions like WPA systems do not adequately address the needs of all emergency personnel, especially those without pre-registered devices or in situations where networks are destroyed.
Innovation Solution
Implementing Tiered Priority Access (TPA) and Dynamic Spectrum Arbitrage (DSA) systems to dynamically manage radio frequency spectrum resources, prioritizing emergency communications by allocating unused spectrum and resources efficiently across networks, and enabling temporary access for unregistered responders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RF spectrum resources are allocated statically to primary users, then primary users have guaranteed access, but spectrum utilization efficiency deteriorates when primary users do not continuously employ the bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic spectrum access where secondary users can access RF bands when primary users are not continuously employing them. The system monitors primary user activity and dynamically allocates spectrum to secondary users during idle periods, creating a dynamic rather than static allocation system that adapts to actual usage patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the spectrum allocation parameter from fixed/static to variable/dynamic based on primary user activity. When primary users are inactive, the spectrum allocation parameter changes to allow secondary user access, optimizing utilization without compromising primary user guarantees when needed.
2Productivity
If more RF spectrum bands are allocated to meet increasing demand, then network capacity improves, but spectrum scarcity worsens as finite bandwidth is exhausted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges primary and secondary user access into a unified spectrum sharing framework. By combining the resources of both user types and allowing secondary users to utilize idle spectrum, the system effectively increases total network capacity without requiring additional finite spectrum bandwidth.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF spectrum bands serve multiple functions and multiple user types. The same spectrum bands are used by primary users during their active periods and by secondary users during idle periods, making the spectrum resource universal and multi-functional rather than dedicated to a single purpose.
3Reliability
If WPA systems reserve spectrum for emergency services, then emergency communication reliability improves, but access availability deteriorates for unregistered responders and devices without pre-registration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spectrum broker as an intermediary that manages spectrum allocation between primary users (including emergency services) and secondary users (including unregistered responders). The broker dynamically allocates spectrum based on real-time needs, allowing unregistered responders to access spectrum when not needed by primary users while maintaining reliability for registered emergency services.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts spectrum allocation based on whether primary users are actively employing their bands. When emergency service bands are idle, the system dynamically makes them available to secondary users including unregistered responders, providing adaptability without compromising reliability when primary users need the spectrum.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and system are provided for managing and monitoring allocation of RF spectrum resources based on time, space and frequency. A network may be enabled to allocate excess spectrum resources for use by other network providers on a real-time basis. Allocated resources may be transferred from one provider with excess resources to another in need of additional resources based on contractual terms or on a real-time purchase negotiations and settlements. A network may be enabled to monitor the use of allocated resources on real-time basis and off-load or allow additional users depending on the spectrum resources availability. Public safety networks may be enabled to make spectrum resources available to general public by allocating spectrum resources and monitoring the use of those resources. During an emergency, when traffic increases on a public safety network, the public safety networks may off-load bandwidth traffic to make available necessary resources for public safety users.