White Space Usage Manager for Channel Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communication networks, particularly in white space networks, devices autonomously selecting the same unlicensed white space channels can lead to interference due to independent spectrum sensing, which may incorrectly identify channels as available even when they are licensed, causing conflicts.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for channel sharing among white space networks, where a White Space Usage Manager coordinates channel assignments by interacting with a geo-location database to identify available channels and manage their use, ensuring that adjacent networks do not use the same channel and optimizing spectrum resource usage by coordinating transmission times and channel reassignment as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If devices autonomously select white space channels through independent spectrum sensing, then device autonomy and simplicity are improved, but channel assignment conflicts and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a White Space Usage Manager as an intermediary between devices and the spectrum. This manager receives channel requests from devices, coordinates channel assignments, and maintains a database of available white space channels. The intermediary resolves conflicts by centralizing the decision-making process while allowing devices to maintain operational autonomy through standardized request/response protocols.
2Productivity
If more white space channels are made available for use, then spectrum utilization is improved, but the risk of interference and conflicts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the White Space Usage Manager continuously monitors channel usage, receives status information from devices, and updates its database of available channels. This feedback loop enables dynamic channel assignment and reassignment, allowing the system to adapt to changing spectrum conditions and prevent interference by reallocating channels when conflicts are detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary channel availability checks and assignments before devices begin transmission. The White Space Usage Manager pre-coordinates channel assignments based on device locations, transmission power, and other parameters, preventing interference before it occurs rather than reacting to conflicts after they arise.
3Device complexity
If autonomous spectrum sensing is used without coordination, then device complexity is reduced, but channel assignment reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Devices perform self-service spectrum sensing to identify potential white space channels, but the White Space Usage Manager provides self-service coordination by automatically processing channel requests, checking for conflicts, and issuing binding assignments. This hybrid approach allows devices to maintain simple sensing mechanisms while the central manager handles the complex coordination task.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for providing channel sharing are disclosed. For example, the method receives a request for a white space channel assignment, and identifies one or more white space channels in accordance with the request. The method sends a response to the request comprising a white space channel assignment, wherein the white space channel assignment assigns one of the identified one or more white space channels.