Shared Spectrum Resource Allocation for Multi-Operator Coexistence
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of technologies sharing access to shared spectrum channels creates coexistence issues due to the limitations of existing carrier sense mechanisms, which are not suitable for managing access and resource allocation among various network operators and technologies.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine the number of network operators and their priorities on a shared spectrum channel, allocating resources for exclusive use based on these priorities, with variable time reservations and non-exclusive access as needed to ensure efficient coexistence among operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If carrier sense mechanism is used for shared spectrum access, then multiple technologies can share the spectrum, but coexistence issues arise as the number of operators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the shared spectrum resources by allocating specific time-frequency resources exclusively to each network operator. This segmentation resolves the coexistence issue by ensuring that each operator has dedicated resources while still sharing the overall spectrum, thereby maintaining both versatility and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the amount and type of exclusive resources allocated to each operator varies based on the number of operators and their priority levels. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining reliable coexistence among multiple operators.
2Productivity
If more network operators are added to shared spectrum, then spectrum utilization increases, but resource allocation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes key parameters such as the duration of exclusive resource allocations and the amount of resources allocated based on the number of operators. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system can accommodate more operators without proportionally increasing allocation complexity, as the allocation rules remain consistent even if parameters change.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables network operators to self-configure their resource allocations based on predefined priority levels and operational requirements. This self-service approach reduces the complexity of manual resource allocation while allowing the system to efficiently utilize spectrum across multiple operators.
3Reliability
If exclusive resources are allocated to each network operator, then QoS requirements are met, but spectrum efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial exclusive resource allocation where operators receive exclusive resources only when needed to meet QoS requirements, rather than allocating exclusive resources continuously. This partial action approach ensures QoS guarantees while maintaining spectrum efficiency by allowing shared access during periods when exclusive resources are not required.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to wireless communication systems configured to utilize a shared spectrum between two or more network operators. Coexistence between the different network operators on the shared spectrum may be provided by reserving resources for exclusive use by each of the network operators within a period of time that is variable based on the number of network operators. Non-exclusive use of resources may further be granted to one or more network operators in accordance with network operator priorities.