Spectrum Allocation Controller Optimizing Licensed Unlicensed Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telecommunication networks face inefficiencies in utilizing unlicensed and CBRS spectrum to alleviate network congestion, leading to deteriorated Quality of Service (QoS) due to increased packet loss, jitter, and latency.
Innovation Solution
A spectrum allocation controller dynamically allocates licensed and unlicensed spectrum, including CBRS, based on network traffic analysis, geographic coverage, and signal attenuation to optimize service segments, using static, semi-static, and dynamic methods, including machine learning algorithms to manage spectrum usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network traffic is concentrated on primary licensed RF band spectrum, then guaranteed bit rate communications are supported, but network congestion occurs causing deterioration in quality of service
Solution Approach 1:
The service area is divided into multiple segments based on geographic coverage and signal attenuation characteristics. Different spectrum types (licensed and unlicensed) are allocated to different segments, allowing traffic to be distributed across multiple channels and reducing congestion on any single channel while maintaining QoS guarantees.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-dimension spectrum allocation (only licensed spectrum) to multi-dimensional allocation by incorporating both licensed and unlicensed spectrum resources. This adds a new dimension of spectrum diversity, enabling traffic to be offloaded to unlicensed spectrum in certain segments while maintaining licensed spectrum for QoS-critical traffic.
2Productivity
If additional unlicensed spectrum and CBRS spectrum are utilized, then network traffic capacity is increased, but efficient allocation mechanism is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The spectrum allocation mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The system continuously monitors network traffic conditions, signal attenuation, and geographic coverage characteristics, then automatically adjusts spectrum allocation in real-time. This dynamic approach enables efficient utilization of unlicensed and CBRS spectrum while adapting to changing network conditions without requiring complex manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops that monitor network performance metrics including traffic load, QoS parameters, and spectrum utilization. This feedback information is used to continuously optimize spectrum allocation decisions, ensuring that unlicensed and CBRS spectrum are efficiently allocated based on actual network conditions rather than predetermined static configurations.
3Reliability
If spectrum allocation is optimized dynamically, then QoS is improved by reducing congestion, but system complexity increases due to multiple allocation methods
Solution Approach 1:
Different allocation methods (static, semi-static, dynamic) are applied to different service segments based on local characteristics such as traffic patterns, geographic coverage requirements, and signal attenuation. This localized approach allows the system to optimize QoS in each segment using the most appropriate method while avoiding unnecessary complexity in segments where simpler methods suffice.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (spectrum allocation ratios, segment boundaries, allocation methods) based on monitored network conditions. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system can improve QoS in response to changing traffic patterns and environmental conditions without requiring complete system redesign or excessive complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure describes techniques that enable optimizing licensed and unlicensed spectrum allocation within a service area of a base station node. More specifically, a spectrum allocation controller is described that is configured to identify, within a service area of a base station node, one or more available spectrum to facilitate the transmission of network traffic within the service area. The spectrum allocation controller may further determine network traffic that occurs in non-overlapping segments of the service area. In this way, network traffic within each segment may be allocated to a combination of available spectrum.