Spot Beam Spectrum Usage Maps for Dynamic MSS Band Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) networks face challenges in efficiently utilizing limited radio spectrum, particularly in areas with no terrestrial coverage, due to limitations in transmit/receive antenna arrays, power constraints, and licensing rules, leading to underutilization of both licensed and unlicensed spectrum.
Innovation Solution
MSS satellites monitor radio spectrum in spot beams, creating a real-time spectrum usage map using existing payload to determine available frequency bands, including licensed and unlicensed bands, and transmit this map to User Equipment (UE) for dynamic frequency assignment, utilizing pre-calibrated antenna gains for efficient spectrum allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If MSS networks use traditional spectrum allocation methods, then licensed spectrum is utilized, but unlicensed spectrum remains underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic spectrum allocation where the MSS network dynamically assigns both licensed and unlicensed frequency bands to UEs based on real-time spectrum monitoring. The network can flexibly switch between licensed and unlicensed bands, and adjust band assignments in response to changing spectrum conditions, thereby maximizing overall spectrum utilization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of spectrum allocation from static (licensed bands only) to dynamic (both licensed and unlicensed bands). By monitoring spectrum usage and adjusting frequency band assignments in real-time, the system transforms the fixed spectrum allocation model into a flexible one that can adapt to available spectrum resources, including unlicensed bands.
2Adaptability or versatility
If MSS networks expand coverage to areas with no terrestrial coverage, then connectivity is improved, but spectrum resources are depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous spectrum utilization by implementing real-time monitoring of both licensed and unlicensed bands. The system continuously identifies available spectrum resources and maintains active communication links by dynamically switching to available bands, ensuring uninterrupted service expansion into remote areas without depleting licensed spectrum resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the MSS network capable of operating in both licensed and unlicensed spectrum bands, providing multi-functional spectrum access. This universal approach allows the network to serve remote areas using whichever spectrum type is available, thereby expanding coverage without placing exclusive pressure on licensed spectrum resources.
3Productivity
If MSS networks monitor spectrum in real-time, then spectrum allocation is optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service monitoring system where the MSS network autonomously monitors spectrum conditions, identifies available bands, and performs dynamic allocation without requiring complex external control mechanisms. The system serves itself by automatically detecting spectrum opportunities and making allocation decisions, thereby optimizing spectrum efficiency while managing complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where the MSS network continuously monitors spectrum usage conditions and uses this information to adjust frequency band assignments in real-time. The monitoring results feed back into the allocation decision-making process, enabling optimized spectrum utilization through adaptive control that responds to actual spectrum conditions rather than relying on pre-configured complex control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods for allocating spectrum by a Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) satellite to a User Equipment (UE). The method includes monitoring, by the MSS satellite, radio spectrum in a plurality of spot beams of the MSS satellite, determining a spectrum usage map of the radio spectrum in a first spot beam of the plurality of spot beams, where the spectrum usage map includes available frequency bands comprising licensed frequency bands and unlicensed frequency bands, and transmitting the spectrum usage map for use by the UE in the first spot beam. Related wireless electronic devices are also discussed.