SAS Path Loss Measurement for Private Cellular Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Organizations and vertical industries lack access to sub-6-GHz spectrum, preventing them from establishing private enterprise networks for cellular services like LTE due to spectrum being statically licensed and underutilized.

Innovation Solution

A spectrum access system (SAS) that includes a transceiver to measure path loss from an interior location to an exterior location and a processor to determine the aggregate interference level for incumbents, allowing for the allocation of channels to base stations based on this interference level.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sub-6-GHz spectrum is allocated to mobile network operators through static licensing, then cellular communication service reliability is improved, but access to this spectrum for private enterprise networks is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecellular communication service reliabilityVSAvoidspectrum access flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamic spectrum access mechanisms allowing private enterprise networks to request and be granted access to sub-6-GHz spectrum channels dynamically. The system evaluates path loss measurements and aggregate interference levels to determine real-time channel availability, replacing static licensing with flexible, demand-based spectrum allocation while maintaining service reliability through controlled access protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If base stations transmit at high power levels to penetrate thick concrete walls, then signal coverage inside structures is improved, but interference to external incumbents increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal coverage reliabilityVSAvoidinterference to incumbents

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where base stations measure path loss from interior to exterior locations and report this information to the SAS. The SAS uses this feedback to calculate aggregate interference levels and dynamically adjust channel allocations. This closed-loop feedback allows the system to optimize transmission power and channel selection, maintaining reliable signal coverage while minimizing interference to external incumbents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes operational parameters dynamically based on measured path loss conditions. The system adjusts transmission power levels, channel frequencies, and modulation schemes according to the specific propagation environment. By varying these parameters in response to actual path loss measurements, the system achieves reliable penetration through thick concrete walls while controlling interference output to acceptable levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If path loss measurement from interior to exterior is performed, then accurate channel allocation is achieved, but measurement complexity and time requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepath loss measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base station performs self-measurement of path loss by transmitting test signals and measuring received power at exterior locations. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex external measurement equipment and specialized personnel. The base station autonomously collects path loss data, processes it locally, and uses it for channel allocation requests, significantly reducing measurement system complexity while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the efficient allocation of spectrum resources, allowing organizations to establish private cellular networks with superior quality-of-service and reliability, even in challenging environments like subterranean structures.

Implementation Method 1

a transceiver to measure path loss from an interior location to an exterior location

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12302116B2Private cellular enterprise network deployment with enhanced data security for infrastructures such as fortresses with thick concrete walls

Publication Date: 2025.05.13 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY

AI summary

A spectrum access system (SAS) includes a transceiver that receives information indicating a path loss from an interior location to an exterior location in response to a base station being installed at the interior location. The SAS also includes a processor to determine an aggregate interference level for an incumbent proximate the exterior location based on the path loss. An edge router executes instances of a packet core network. The edge router instantiates containers for a connectivity or digital automation enabler and routes customer network traffic without leaving the customer network. A domain proxy receives a request to allocate carriers to a base station and determines whether a frequency separation between the carriers is larger than a bandwidth allocated to an incumbent. The request is rejected if the frequency separation is less than the bandwidth and granted if the frequency separation is greater than or equal to the bandwidth.