Radio Unit Sharing for Multi-Operator Spectrum Allocation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in spectrum usage due to separate frequency bands allocated to different network operators, leading to underutilization of resources and congestion issues, as one operator's unused spectrum coincides with another's resource constraints.
Innovation Solution
Implementing radio unit (RU) sharing techniques that allow multiple operators to access shared RUs for transmission and reception, prioritizing resource allocation based on operator priority and managing interference through inquiries to optimize resource usage across frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate frequency bands are allocated to different network operators, then each operator has dedicated resources, but spectrum usage efficiency deteriorates due to underutilization when one operator has unused resources while another experiences congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges previously separate frequency bands from multiple operators into a unified shared spectrum resource. The radio unit receives resource requests from multiple network operators and performs joint resource allocation across the combined spectrum, allowing dynamic sharing of time-frequency resources that were previously dedicated to individual operators, thereby improving overall spectrum utilization efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the radio unit universal by enabling it to serve multiple network operators simultaneously on the same frequency band. The resource allocation mechanism allows the radio unit to dynamically assign time-frequency resources to different operators based on their respective needs and priorities, transforming the radio unit from operator-specific to multi-functional infrastructure
2Productivity
If multiple operators share the same radio unit and frequency band, then spectrum usage efficiency improves, but interference management complexity increases due to potential conflicts between operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the shared time-frequency spectrum into distinct resource blocks that can be dynamically allocated to different operators. The radio unit divides available resources into time slots and frequency subcarriers, assigning specific segments to each operator based on priority and demand, thereby managing interference through structured resource partitioning rather than uncontrolled sharing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the radio unit continuously adjusts time-frequency resource assignments to multiple operators based on real-time conditions. The system adapts resource distribution dynamically rather than using static allocation, allowing efficient spectrum sharing while managing interference through flexible, condition-based resource assignment
3Reliability
If resources are allocated based on operator priority, then service quality for high-priority operators improves, but resource allocation complexity increases due to need to manage different priority levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different priority levels and service quality characteristics to different operators or service types within the same shared spectrum. The radio unit can allocate resources with different quality parameters (such as guaranteed bit rate, latency requirements) to different operators based on their specific needs, allowing high-priority operators to receive enhanced service quality while others receive standard service
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described in which multiple operators may perform spectrum sharing using shared radio units (RUs), where the multiple different operators can access a same RU for communications with a user equipment (UE). A shared RU may receive requests for resources from two or more network nodes of two or more different network operators, for wireless resources in a first time period. The RU may determine a first resource allocation for the first time period based on different priorities of the different network operators. A first network operator may have a higher priority than a second or third network operator, and resources may be allocated to the first network operator ahead of the second or third network operators. The RU may transmit the first resource allocation to each of the different network nodes that transmitted requests for resources.