Inter-operator Spectrum Sharing Control via X2 Interface Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
In inter-operator spectrum sharing scenarios, there is a need to synchronize knowledge of bandwidth and location in the frequency spectrum between operators and manage Inter-Cell Interference Coordination (ICIC) for shared spectrum, especially when scheduling priorities change over time.
Innovation Solution
An inter-operator radio resource sharing method that determines bandwidth based on traffic load for guaranteed-quality services, signals shared resources, and coordinates interference through inter-operator messages to ensure aware resource allocation and interference minimization, using a spectrum sharing control with channel paternity scheme and inter-cell interference characterization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If operators share spectrum resources dynamically based on traffic load, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but inter-operator interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an X2 interface as an intermediary communication channel between e-Node Bs of different operators. This interface enables coordinated resource allocation and interference management by allowing operators to exchange spectrum usage information and negotiate resource sharing agreements, thus resolving the interference issue while maintaining high resource utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic spectrum sharing where the bandwidth and location of shared radio resources are determined based on real-time traffic load conditions. The system can adaptively adjust resource allocation between operators according to varying traffic demands, improving overall resource utilization while managing interference through continuous coordination
2Reliability
If bandwidth is dynamically adjusted based on traffic load, then QoS for guaranteed-quality services is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes predetermined rules and algorithms for determining shared radio resource bandwidth based on traffic load thresholds. These pre-configured mechanisms enable automatic QoS management without requiring complex real-time negotiations, thus improving service reliability while keeping system complexity manageable through rule-based automation
3Measurement precision
If inter-operator coordination messages are exchanged continuously, then interference coordination accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic exchange of coordination messages between operators through the X2 interface, triggered by specific events such as traffic load changes or interference threshold violations. This event-driven periodic communication maintains accurate interference coordination while minimizing unnecessary signaling overhead by only exchanging messages when coordination is actually needed
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is an inter-operator radio resource sharing method for sharing radio resources between two or more radio communication systems each controlled by a respective operator and configured to control respective proprietary radio resources and to provide respective served user equipments with radio communication services. The inter-operator radio resource sharing method comprises determining, by each radio communication system, a bandwidth of respective shared radio resources belonging to the respective proprietary radio resources on the basis of a traffic load related to guaranteed-quality radio communication services requested by the respective served user equipments. Moreover, the inter-operator radio resource sharing method comprises also signalling, by each radio communication system, the respective shared radio resources to the other radio communication system(s). Finally, the inter-operator radio resource sharing method further comprises providing, by each radio communication system, the respective served user equipments with the radio communication services on the respective proprietary radio resources and on the shared radio resources signalled by the other radio communication system (s).