Spectrum Access System for Unlicensed RF Channel Recommendation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Assigning RF channels in unlicensed RF spectrum bands is challenging due to lack of information on availability, usage, occupancy, and congestion, which affects network throughput, reliability, capacity, and coverage.

Innovation Solution

A spectrum access system monitors channel availability across different locations and times, using sensing devices to gather data on channel occupancy and propagate models to recommend optimal channels for user devices, thereby intelligently assigning RF channels based on availability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If devices use unlicensed RF spectrum bands without channel assignment, then spectrum availability and access flexibility are improved, but network throughput and reliability deteriorate due to interference and congestion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectrum access flexibilityVSAvoidnetwork reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary channel availability assessments and congestion predictions before devices access the unlicensed spectrum. The network entity gathers channel information, predicts congestion levels, and provides recommendations in advance, allowing devices to select optimal channels proactively rather than reactively, thus maintaining reliability while preserving access flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the network entity continuously monitors channel conditions, receives device access requests, provides channel recommendations based on current availability and congestion predictions, and updates recommendations as conditions change. This closed-loop feedback enables dynamic adaptation that maintains both flexibility and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If devices access unlicensed RF spectrum bands without channel information, then access simplicity is improved, but network throughput and capacity deteriorate due to random channel selection and congestion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel access simplicityVSAvoidnetwork throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The network entity acts as an intermediary between devices and the unlicensed spectrum. It gathers channel information from multiple sources, predicts congestion levels, and provides processed recommendations to devices. This intermediary service maintains access simplicity for devices while significantly improving network throughput through intelligent channel guidance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces random mechanical channel selection with an intelligent information-processing approach. Instead of devices blindly trying channels, the network entity uses gathered channel information and congestion predictions to computationally determine optimal channel assignments, substituting random trial-and-error with informed decision-making

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If no channel monitoring is performed in unlicensed RF spectrum bands, then system complexity is reduced, but network coverage and capacity deteriorate due to inability to identify available channels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel monitoring complexityVSAvoidnetwork capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges channel monitoring functions into the network entity rather than requiring individual devices to perform monitoring. Multiple network entities can share and aggregate channel information, combining their monitoring capabilities to achieve comprehensive channel awareness while reducing individual device complexity and increasing overall network capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9913282B2Recommending channels for accessing an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band

Publication Date: 2018.03.06 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC

AI summary

A device may receive channel monitoring information associated with an unlicensed radio frequency (RF) spectrum band. The device may determine channel availability information associated with one or more channels of the unlicensed RF spectrum band based on the channel monitoring information. The channel availability information may include one or more channel availability parameters, corresponding to the one or more channels, that indicate availability for communicating via the one or more channels. The device may receive, from an access point that provides network access via the unlicensed RF spectrum band, a request for a channel recommendation associated with the unlicensed RF spectrum band. The device may determine a set of recommended channels of the unlicensed RF spectrum band based on the channel availability information and the request for the channel recommendation. The device may provide, to the access point, information that identifies the set of recommended channels.