Spectrum Controller Outer Inner Ring Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) face challenges in accessing the General Authorized Access (GAA) spectrum due to incumbent and PAL users, leading to difficulties in maintaining a clean and consistent channel, which affects Quality of Service (QoS), throughput, and latency in 4G and 5G networks, especially with increased interference from WiFi APs and public cellular deployments.
Innovation Solution
A self-organizing network (SON) with a Frequency Allocation System that employs an outer and inner ring configuration to minimize co-channel interference, dynamically allocates bandwidth using Bandwidth Parts (BWP) load balancing, and strategically selects carrier aggregation and dual connectivity based on traffic predictions, ensuring efficient spectrum use across DoD, CBRS, and WiFi frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If GAA users share the CBRS spectrum with incumbent and PAL users, then spectrum availability increases, but channel consistency and QoS deteriorate due to interference from multiple users and devices
Solution Approach 1:
The network is divided into outer and inner rings with different frequency allocations. Outer ring CBSDs use one set of frequencies while inner ring CBSDs use another set, segmenting the spectrum usage spatially to reduce interference and improve QoS consistency for GAA users
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the network (outer vs inner ring) are assigned different frequency characteristics and bandwidth allocations based on local interference conditions and traffic demands, allowing each region to operate with optimized quality parameters
2Productivity
If multiple frequency bands are deployed to increase capacity, then spectrum utilization improves, but co-channel interference increases between frequency bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to frequency management by creating an outer-inner ring structure. This spatial segmentation allows multiple frequency bands to be deployed simultaneously in different spatial zones, increasing overall spectrum utilization while minimizing co-channel interference through geographic separation
3Reliability
If bandwidth is allocated to ensure QoS for all users, then service reliability improves, but handover delay increases due to frequency switching between rings
Solution Approach 1:
The network pre-allocates specific frequency bands to outer and inner rings before handover occurs. When a user moves between rings, the target frequency is already prepared and configured, reducing handover delay while maintaining QoS guarantees through continuous spectrum availability
4Productivity
If carrier aggregation and dual connectivity are enabled to support high-demand applications, then network capacity increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into outer and inner rings with dedicated frequency allocations, allowing carrier aggregation and dual connectivity to be implemented in a structured manner. This segmentation reduces system complexity by organizing multiple frequency bands into distinct spatial zones with clear allocation rules
Data Source
AI summary
A communication network comprising a plurality of CBSDs (Citizen Broadband Radio System Devices) and a Frequency Allocation System is disclosed. In some embodiments, the Frequency Allocation System includes a SON (self-organizing network). A SON, in accordance with the disclosed method and apparatus, organizes a network to have an outer and inner ring configuration of CBSDs that enhances strategic planning for the spectrum being allocated for use by the network. The use of this configuration may significantly minimize co-channel interference between several frequency bands, such as DoD (Department of Defense) frequency bands 3.1 to 3.4 GHz; CBRS frequency bands 3.55 to 3.7 GHz; and WiFi frequency bands 5 GHz and 6 GHz.