Patent Application
20210368349
The disclosed method and apparatus relate to wireless communication networks that include a plurality of Base Station/Access Points (BS/APs) operating wirelessly in a spectrum-controlled radio environment in which the channels in the spectrum are managed by an external entity, and more particularly to enterprise network methods and apparatus for determining available channels and available power, and allocating channels in the spectrum to BS/APs in the network.
The wireless industry has experienced tremendous growth in recent years. Wireless technology is rapidly improving, and faster and more numerous broadband communication networks have been installed around the globe. These networks have now become key components of a worldwide communication system that connects people and businesses at speeds and on a scale unimaginable just a couple of decades ago. The rapid growth of wireless communication is a result of increasing demand for more bandwidth and services. This rapid growth is in many ways supported by standards. For example, 4G LTE has been widely deployed over the past years, and the next generation system, 5G NR (New Radio) is now being deployed. In these wireless systems, multiple mobile devices are served voice services, data services, and many other services over wireless connections so they may remain mobile while still connected.
The UEs 101a and 101b connect wirelessly over respective communication links 105a and 105b to a Radio Access Network (RAN) 107 that includes one or more Base Station/Access Points (BS/APs) 109. Typically, a RAN will include many BS/APs 109. One of the advantages of such networks is their ability to provide communications to and from multiple wireless devices and provide these wireless devices with access to a large number of other devices and services even though the devices may be mobile and moving from location to location.
UE
As used herein, the term “UE′ refers to a wide range of user devices having wireless connectivity, such as a cellular mobile phone, an Internet of Things (JOT) device, virtual reality goggles, robotic devices, autonomous driving machines, smart barcode scanners, and communications equipment including for example cell phones, desktop computers, laptop computers, tablets, and other types of personal communications devices. In some cases, the UEs may be mobile; in other cases, they may be installed at a fixed location. For example, a factory sensor may be installed at a fixed location from which it can remotely monitor an assembly line or a robotic arm's movement.
BS/AP
The term ‘BS/AP” is used broadly herein to include base stations and access points, including at least an evolved NodeB (eNB) of an LTE network or gNodeB of a 5G network, a cellular base station (BS), a Citizens Broadband Radio Service Device (CBSD) (which may be an LTE or 5G device), a Wi-Fi access node, a Local Area Network (LAN) access point, a Wide Area Network (WAN) access point, and should also be understood to include other network receiving hubs that provide access to a network of a plurality of wireless transceivers within range of the BS/AP. Typically, the BS/APs are used as transceiver hubs, whereas the UEs are used for point-to-point communication and are not used as hubs. Therefore, the BS/APs transmit at a relatively higher power than the UEs.
Core Network
The RAN 107 connects the UEs 101 with the Core Network 111. One function of the Core Network 111 is to provide control of wireless signaling between the UEs 101 and the RAN 107, and another function is to provide access to other devices and services either within its network, or on other networks such as the External PDNs 103. Particularly, in cellular networks and in private networks, the BS/APs 109 can receive wireless signals from, and send wireless signals to, the UEs 101. The RAN 107 is coupled to the core network 111; therefore, the RAN 107 and the Core Network 111 provide a system that allows information to flow between a UE in the cellular or private network and other networks, such as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or the Internet. In an LTE or 5G network, wireless data transmission between a UE 101 and one of the BS/APs 109 occurs on an assigned channel, such as a specific frequency. Data transmission between the BS/APs 109 and the Core Network 111 utilizes any appropriate communication means, such as wireless, cable, and fiber optic.
In addition to providing access to remote networks and allowing information to flow between the cellular network and the external PDNs 103, the Core Network 111 provides control of the air interface between the BS/APs 119 and the UEs 101. The Core Network 111 may also coordinate the BS/APs 109 in a way to minimize interference within the network.
CBRS Networks
Recently, the US Federal Government finalized rules (Rule 96) that allow general access to an area of the frequency spectrum referred to as the (Citizen's Broadband Radio Service) CBRS. CBRS, which is a key element of an advanced communication network referred to as “5G”, operates in a 150 MHz wide frequency range from 3.55 GHz to 3.7 GHz. The CBRS rules set forth detailed requirements for the devices that operate in a CBRS network and how they communicate. CBRS supports both LTE and 5G devices. Base stations within a CBRS network are termed “CBSDs”, and UEs are termed End User Devices (EUDs). CBSDs are fixed Stations, or networks of such stations, that operate on a Priority Access or General Authorized Access basis in the Citizens Broadband Radio Service consistent with Title 47 CFR Part 96 of the United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). For CBSDs that comprise multiple nodes or networks of nodes, CBSD requirements apply to each node, even if network management and communication with the SAS is accomplished via a single network interface.
The CBRS rules require that a Spectrum Access System (SAS) allocate spectrum to the CBSDs to avoid interference within the CBRS band. The Spectrum Access System (SAS) is a service, typically cloud-based, that manages the spectrum used in wireless communications of devices transmitting in the CBRS band in order to prevent harmful interference to higher priority users, such as the military and priority licensees.
A CBRS device (CBSD) needs authorization from the SAS before starting to transmit in the CBRS band. Generally, the SAS authorizes and manages use of spectrum for the CBRS. More specifically, the SAS maintains records of all authorized services and CBSDs in the CBRS frequency bands, is capable of determining the available channel at a specific geographic location, provides information on available channels to CBSDs that have been certified under the Commission's equipment authorization procedures, determines and enforces maximum power levels for CBSDs, enforces protection criteria for Incumbent Users and Priority Access Licensees, and performs other functions as set forth in the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules.
Communications and Messaging Between the CBSDs and the SAS
Each CBSD in the network must follow the direction provided by the SAS, as per the rules, in order to operate within a CBRS network and avoid interference with other CBSDs outside the network, as well as to prevent interference with nearby Priority Access License (PAL users) and military activities in the CBRS band. To maintain communication between the CBSDs and the SAS, a series of messages are exchanged between the SAS and the CBSD (or Domain Proxy). These message exchanges are for purposes including registration, spectrum inquiry, grant, and heartbeat response. The messages may be exchanged directly between each CBSD and the SAS; however, when a network includes multiple CBSDs, a Domain Proxy (DP) may be implemented. A DP is a unit that represents one or more CBSD(s) to the SAS.
The Spectrum Sharing Committee Work Group 3 (for CBRS Protocols) has established an interface specification for registering a CBSD with an SAS, requesting a grant of spectrum, and maintaining that grant. These message flows are described in the document titled “Signaling Protocols and Procedures for Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS): Spectrum Access System (SAS)—Citizens Broadband Radio Service Device (CBSD) Interface Technical Specification”, Document WINNF-TS-0016-V1.2.4. 26 Jun. 2019.
Registering a CBSD with the SAS requires certain information, including the CBSD's EIRP (Effective Isotropic Radiated Power), which is the measured radiated power of an antenna in a specific direction. As per the current 5G specification, based upon the announced EIRP, the class of the CBSD, and other information, the SAS may admit or reject a request. The announced EIRP is one among many admission criteria. After a successful registration with the SAS, (i.e., after the CBSD is admitted), the CBSD can inquire with the SAS to check for spectrum availability with a spectrum inquiry procedure. In its response to the spectrum inquiry, the SAS indicates availability of channels and the associated maximum EIRP allowed on each of those available channels. Since the SAS is the primary spectrum arbitrating entity, the SAS must have knowledge of CBSD locations and/or measurements of channels (e.g., RSSI scans) on one or more channels in the vicinity of the CBSD.
For example, if a CBSD #1 registers with the SAS, indicating its EIRP capability as X dBm, the SAS may deem CBSD #1 as capable of causing interference to other CBSDs (#2, . . . , #n) that the SAS knows to be operational in that vicinity (i.e., already registered and operational on certain channels). To address this problem, and limit interference on the channels that are already in use by other CBSDs (#2, . . . , #n) the SAS may indicate those channels as “unavailable”. The SAS may typically make these determinations based on propagation modeling and other empirical methods implemented.
Before and during the registration process, the CBSD (or DP) conventionally doesn't know how much power is available on each channel, so it registers with an intended power. It is only after a spectrum inquiry that the CBSD can know for sure if the spectrum is available or not. If the CBSD registers with a high power, then when spectrum is requested, the request may be denied if the spectrum is unavailable at that high power. However, if during registration CBSD #1 would have indicated its intention to transmit at a lesser power Y dBm (e.g., Y=X−3), the SAS would have been able to determine that CBSD #1 would not interfere with the other CBSDs (#2 . . . , #n) on some or all of the channels that were indicated as unavailable earlier when registration indicated EIRP capability as “X”. However, if a lesser power is requested first, then there is the possibility that it could have registered at a higher power which would provide broader and better coverage.
Regardless of complexities, the CBRS band provides an opportunity to create new wireless networks, and there is a strong desire for utilizing and making maximum use of spectrum in the CBRS band, while following the rules pertaining the CBRS usage.
One problem that arises in a CBRS system is determining which channels in the spectrum are available, at what power they are available, and determining an efficient way to allocate channels in the spectrum among the BS/APs deployed in the wireless network location. This problem more broadly applies to any wireless communication system that utilizes a spectrum managed by a remote entity (an SME). Generally, it is desirable to manage channel allocation in such a way to give the BS/APs in the RAN the wireless capability to provide a high level of uninterrupted service to their connected UEs. It is also desirable to allocate the channels in such a way as to minimize interference between the BS/APs in the network location (e.g., an enterprise location), and also minimize interference with other sources (e.g., other BS/APs) outside the location. Furthermore, given that certain channels can be terminated by the SME, it is desirable to allocate the channels in such a way that the network can be efficiently reconfigured if a channel termination order is received.
Enterprises have been implementing networked digital solutions and optimizing their computing, data storage, and networking infrastructures to improve productivity and enable optimal performance of their business applications within their business location. For this purpose, wireless network systems are being developed and continually improved to make more effective use of the spectrum within a business enterprise for wireless communication. Improved communication capabilities within the organization and between the organization and the external entities can increase business efficiency and reduce costs.
One type of wireless network recently made available for general use within business enterprise locations is a CBRS network, which utilizes the CBRS radio band of 3550-3700 MHz, nominally divided into fifteen channels of 10 MHz each. In order to make this spectrum available, however, certain prior users (including the military) have been given a higher priority to access the spectrum. To implement this system and ensure that certain users are given higher priority, use of this radio band is subject to spectrum control by a Spectrum Access System (SAS). Any enterprise implementing a CBRS network must follow the directions given by the SAS, such as which channels it can use and how much power it can transmit. Networks described herein can be implemented as a CBRS network.
Various methods and apparatus are disclosed for determining spectrum availability in a radio band that is managed by a Spectrum Management Entity, and allocating the available spectrum, to a plurality of Base Station/Access Points (BS/APs). The BS/APs are located at an Enterprise Location and managed by an Enterprise Network (EN). Each of the BS/APs is capable of transmitting at a maximum Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) and a minimum EIRP. The spectrum of the radio band may be divided into a plurality of channels. One method includes iterative steps performed by the EN including (a) registering the plurality of BS/APs with the SME, at an indicated maximum EIRP, (b) sending a spectrum inquiry request to the SME that requests spectrum within the radio band managed by the SME, and (c) receiving a spectrum inquiry response from the SME that specifies available spectrum. If the spectrum inquiry indicates that less than the entire requested spectrum is available, then the indicated maximum EIRP is reduced, and a next iteration is performed including repeating the steps (a), (b) and (c). However, if the spectrum inquiry indicates that the entire requested spectrum is available, then spectrum is allocated to the BS/APs. In the initial iteration, a spectrum inquiry request may be made for all channels within the radio band. The registration and the spectrum inquiry steps may be performed by a Domain Proxy in the EN.
Initially, in the first iteration, the maximum EIRP indicated by the EN may be the maximum EIRP capable by some of the BS/APs, in subsequent iterations the indicated maximum EIRP may be less than the BS/APs are capable of. The method may include allocating the channels utilizing Self Organizing Network (SON) techniques. At each iteration, channel availability may be stored to provide stored channel availability results, and channels may be allocated by the SON responsive to the stored channel availability results. If the EIRP at which all requested channels first become available is T, the channels may be allocated to the BS/APs at a maximum power level corresponding to T. In some embodiments the step of allocating spectrum further includes identifying a primary group of BS/APs that collectively provide wireless coverage substantially over the entire area, identifying channels in the spectrum inquiry that are available at higher power than other available channels, and allocating the higher power available channels to the primary group of BS/APs.
Also disclosed herein is a networked apparatus (e.g., an operator network) for determining spectrum availability within a radio band that is managed by a Spectrum Management Entity (SME), and allocating at least one channel to each of a plurality of Base Station/Access Points (BS/APs) located in an area. The area may include an enterprise location of an enterprise network. Each of the BS/APs is capable of transmitting at a maximum Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) and a minimum EIRP. The networked apparatus includes a domain proxy connected to the BS/APs and the SME. The domain proxy includes a circuit configured to send a registration request for the plurality of the BS/APs to the SME, the registration request indicating to the SME a maximum EIRP for the plurality of BS/APs, a circuit configured to receive a registration message from the SME, a circuit configured to send a spectrum inquiry request to the SME that requests a spectrum within the allowed band, a circuit configured to receive and process a spectrum inquiry response from the SME, that indicates available spectrum. The domain proxy also includes a circuit, responsive to the indicated available spectrum, for iteratively reducing the maximum EIRP, registering the BS/APs at that lower EIRP, and sending a spectrum inquiry request and receiving and processing a spectrum inquiry response, until the entire requested spectrum is found to be available.
In one embodiment, the networked apparatus includes a Self-Organizing Network (SON) unit connected to the domain proxy, an Automatic Configuration Server (ACS) and the BS/APs. In this embodiment the SON unit may be configured to define a plurality of primary BS/APs that collectively provide wireless coverage substantially over the entire area, and further including a circuit for identifying channels in the spectrum inquiry that are available at higher power than other available channels; and a circuit for allocating the higher power available channels to said primary group of BS/APs. In some embodiments the domain proxy further comprises a circuit for receiving allocation data from the SON and responsive thereto sending a grant request message to the SME.
In some embodiments, the wireless Enterprise Network is configured to operate in the Citizen's Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) radio band, the BS/APs comprise CBRS Devices (CBSDs) that are located at an Enterprise Location and form part of the Enterprise Network. The area in which the BS/APs are installed may comprise a floor space or other location within an Enterprise Location, and the BS/APs may define part of an Enterprise Network.
The disclosed method and apparatus, in accordance with one or more various embodiments, is described with reference to the following figures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict examples of some embodiments of the disclosed method and apparatus. These drawings are provided to facilitate the reader's understanding of the disclosed method and apparatus. They should not be considered to limit the breadth, scope, or applicability of the claimed invention. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily made to scale.
The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claimed invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be understood that the disclosed method and apparatus can be practiced with modification and alteration, and that the invention should be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.
Communication networks and system components are described herein using terminology and components relating to CBRS systems and their approved (registered) interfaces including 4G (LTE) (IEEE 802.16e), 5G NR 3GPP TS 38.300, E_UTRA (3GPP TS 36.300) communication systems. For instance, the term “CBSD” is one implementation of a Base Station/Access Point (BS/AP), and is used herein for descriptive purposes in the context of a CBRS system. The principles of the communication network described herein more widely apply to other communication networks and systems, and particularly to any spectrum-controlled communication system and network.
An implementation in the context of an enterprise network is described herein. Although described in the context of an enterprise network, the principles disclosed can also apply to any private network and more generally public networks. An enterprise network is one type of private network. Private networks are operated for use within a limited area by a limited group of authorized users, whereas public networks generally cover a larger area and are open for use by anyone that subscribes to the service by the network operator. An enterprise network is created at an enterprise location such as a warehouse, factory, research center or other building, and is usually operated by an organization for its own use. Other types of private networks may be operated by a private network manager for use by more than one organization.
Reference is now made to
According to the IETF definition of OAM (RFC 6291 definition) the components of the “OAM” acronym are defined as follows:
Operations—Operation activities are undertaken to keep the network (and the services that the network provides) up and running. It includes monitoring the network and finding problems. Ideally these problems should be found before users are affected.
Administration—Administration activities involve keeping track of resources in the network and how they are used. It includes all the bookkeeping that is necessary to track networking resources and the network under control.
Maintenance—Maintenance activities are focused on facilitating repairs and upgrades—for example, when equipment must be replaced, when a router needs a patch for an operating system image, or when a new switch is added to a network. Maintenance also involves corrective and preventive measures to make the managed network run more effectively, e.g., adjusting device configuration and parameters.
A method of dimensioning a plurality of BS/APs is described herein. As used herein, “dimensioning” a plurality of BS/APs includes determining where to position the network BS/APs within a fixed area in order to effectively provide wireless network coverage throughout an area. In other words, dimensioning provides the UEs throughout the area with network access wirelessly to at least one BS/AP. Herein the area may be referred to as an enterprise location and the network may be referred to as an enterprise network, but the area can be at any location, and the network need not be specific to an enterprise.
The term EIRP (Effective Isotropic Radiated Power) is used herein. EIRP is the measured radiated power of an antenna in a specific direction. EIRP may be represented in a logarithmic scale. For purposes of description herein, a value (H) is the highest EIRP that a BS/AP is capable of transmitting, and a value (L) is the lowest EIRP that the BS/AP is capable of transmitting. The terms highest EIRP (H) and lowest EIRP (L) correspond to the limits defined by the class of each of the BS/APs and the choice of electronic components (such as the power amplifiers) used in each of the BS/APs.
Reference is made to
After operation begins (STEP 400), the first step (STEP 402) is to determine the minimum number (M) of BS/APs needed to wirelessly cover the entire area, assuming all BS/APs are transmitting at their highest EIRP (=H), which may be termed the “primary” BS/APs. For this first step at least the square footage of the area is taken into account. In addition, any obstacles or environmental factors (e.g., walls, or other barriers) and other factors that may affect wireless signals in the area may be taken into account. This first step may be done with a network planner such as iB-Wave (www.ibwave.com) or an empirical method, for example.
The next step (STEP 404) is to determine the maximum number of BS/APs (N) required to wirelessly cover the entire area if all N BS/APs are transmitting at lowest EIRP (=L). This group of BS/APs may be called the “supplemental” BS/APs. As above, this step may be performed with a network planner such as iB-Wave, or an empirical method, for example, considering at least the square footage of the area. Obstacles, environmental factors, and other factors that may affect wireless signals in the area may also be considered.
In the next (STEP 406), the M primary BS/APs determined previously (STEP 402) are positioned within the area to provide wireless coverage of the entire area. Preferably, the positioning of the primary BS/APs is selected so that these M BS/APs provide optimal coverage of the entire area. In this context, an optimal coverage may be a “best fit” placement of the M primary BS/APs, and may assume that each BS/AP is transmitting at its maximum (H) EIRP. The placement of the M primary BS/APs may be accomplished using any appropriate technique, such as simulations, and/or sound RF design principles, or by using an RF design tool. For example, a common deployment principle calls for more than 95% coverage at an RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) of −95 dBm or better. Using this design criteria as one example, the M primary BS/APs may be determined.
Reference is briefly made to
Referring back to
Now that all N BS/APs (primary and supplemental) are placed, we can observe that the enterprise location could be covered satisfactorily with only the M primary BS/APs 501 to 508. The remaining R supplemental BS/APs simply provide increased capacity once they are placed at appropriate locations. For example, supplemental BS/APs may be placed near the common areas such as a café or conference rooms where increased traffic may be expected.
Reference is briefly made to
Referring back to
In one embodiment, the wireless communication network comprises a plurality of BS/APs installed within an area such as an enterprise location or a floor space within an enterprise location. The wireless communication network may be a spectrum-controlled network such as a Citizen's Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) network, and the BS/APs comprise CBRS devices (CBSDs). In the CBRS network embodiment, a domain proxy may be connected to communicate with an SAS on behalf of the CBSDs.
Each of the BS/APs in the wireless communication network has a maximum EIRP and a minimum EIRP. The plurality of BS/APs includes a maximum number (N) of BS/APs required to provide wireless radio coverage substantially over the entire area at the minimum EIRP of the BS/APs. The N BS/APs include a primary group of BS/APs and a supplemental group of BS/APs. The primary group of BS/APs includes a minimum number (M) of BS/APs needed to provide wireless radio coverage over substantially the entire area at the maximum EIRP for the BS/APs. The M primary BS/APs are positioned within the area so that substantially the entire area is wirelessly covered by the primary group.
The supplemental group of BS/APs includes the remaining BS/APs of the plurality of N BS/APs; this remainder R is defined as the difference between the N BS/APs and the M primary BS/APs. The supplemental BS/APs are positioned responsive to the known placement of the primary BS/APs to provide additional coverage within the area.
Preferably, the primary group of BS/APs is installed at optimal locations using an appropriate dimensioning system, and the supplemental group of BS/APs is installed to provide additional coverage at locations requiring capacity.
A method of providing the wireless communication network is disclosed, including steps for dimensioning a plurality of BS/APs and placing them within an area of a wireless network. Each of the BS/APs has a maximum EIRP and a minimum EIRP, and the steps include first defining a primary group of BS/APs and determining their placement, and second defining a supplemental group of BS/APs and determining their placement. To define the primary group of BS/APs, a minimum number (M) of BS/APs needed to provide wireless radio coverage over substantially the entire area at the maximum EIRP for the BS/APs is determined. This, minimum number defines the M primary BS/APs. Placement locations are then determined for the primary BS/APs within the area, so that substantially the entire area is wirelessly covered by the primary BS/APs. The primary BS/APs may then be installed at the determined locations.
To define the supplemental group of BS/APs, a maximum number (N) of BS/APs required to provide wireless radio coverage substantially over the entire area at the minimum EIRP for the N BS/APs is determined. A remainder (R) of supplemental BS/APs is defined as the difference between the maximum number (N) and the number (M) of primary BS/APs. Responsive to the placement of the primary BS/APs at the determined locations, additional locations are determined, to place the R supplemental BS/APs to provide additional coverage.
In an embodiment in which the BS/APs comprise CBSDs, the wireless network is a spectrum-controlled (e.g., CBRS) network, and a domain proxy is connected to communicate with an SAS on behalf of the CBSDs, the N CBSDs are then registered by the domain proxy with the SAS.
Reference is now made to
After starting operations (STEP 700) the Domain Proxy performs an initial registration (STEP 702), during which the Domain Proxy registers N BS/APs, which may be the full complement (all) of the BS/APs in the enterprise location. In the registration process, the SAS is provided with all information required by the SAS regarding the BS/APs, which includes an indicated maximum EIRP for each BS/AP. In the initial registration, the indicated EIRP capability for each BS/AP may be provided at the highest (H) power, typically in dBm units. In alternative embodiments it may be useful to initially register one or more of the BS/APs at an indicated EIRP that is less than the actual maximum for the BS/AP. In other alternative embodiments it may be useful to initially register a number of BS/APs that is less than the full complement (i.e. less than all).
In the registration flow, the Domain Proxy also indicates to the SAS the location information for each of the BS/APs. This location information can be obtained in accordance with the BS/AP placement steps described herein, and with reference to
Following successful registration, the Domain Proxy invokes the initial spectrum inquiry procedure (STEP 704) to inquire regarding availability of the entire spectrum desired, which typically is the entire spectrum in a band. For example, 150 MHz has been approved in Band 48 currently for CBRS systems, and therefore the availability of the entire 150 MHz spectrum may be requested. However, in other embodiments, depending upon the implementation, the entire spectrum desired may be less than an entire band; particularly less than the entire spectrum may be requested for example if it is known that one or more channels have a lower channel quality or in a CBRS implementation one or more channels may be impacted by PAL, then those channels may be removed from the spectrum inquiry.
At the next step (STEP 706), the results of the spectrum inquiry (STEP 704) are reviewed, and in the unlikely event that the SAS indicates that the desired spectrum is available at the highest possible EIRP (H), then no further iterations are necessary, and operation moves to storing the results (STEP 716), allocating channels (STEP 718) and then ends (STEP 720), because the entire requested spectrum is available.
However, in the more likely event that the initial spectrum inquiry (STEP 704) from the SAS indicates that the available spectrum is less than what was requested (STEP 706), then generally the Domain Proxy begins an iterative procedure of re-registering the N BS/APs at a lower EIRP, and then making a spectrum inquiry to determine the channels at which the SAS might indicate increased availability of channels at the lower EIRP. The EIRP capability is progressively (iteratively) decreased from (H) to (L) dBm, in predetermined steps (1 dB equal steps, for example) until the SAS indicates that the entire spectrum is available at the re-registered EIRP value for that iteration, at which point no further iterations are necessary.
More specifically, if the initial spectrum inquiry (STEP 704) indicates that the entire requested spectrum is not available (STEP 706), then an iterative process begins in which the results of the previous spectrum inquiry are stored (STEP 708). In the next step (STEP 710), the EIRP is reduced for some or all of the BS/APs. For example the EIRP may be reduced 1 dB for all of the BS/APs or for some of the BS/APS, and then all N BS/APs will be re-registered with the SAS. In this process the previous registration will be overwritten whenever a new registration is requested, in accordance with current SAS operational rules for CBRS.
In alternative embodiments, if from STEP 706 the entire requested spectrum is not available, then the number or BS/APs may be reduced and the above process (STEPs 702, 704, 706) may be repeated with the reduced number of BS/APs at the same EIRP to determine if a higher EIRP may be available with fewer BS/APs. In other words, in this alternative N is reduced for example by two, and the process is repeated at the same EIRP after setting N=N−2. In other embodiments less than all BS/APs may be re-registered with a reduced EIRP.
From STEP 710, after registration with the reduced EIRP, the Domain Proxy makes a spectrum inquiry (STEP 712) on behalf of the N BS/APs, requesting the spectrum desired. The desired spectrum may be the same as in the initial spectrum inquiry (STEP 704); alternatively, the desired spectrum may be less than the initial spectrum inquiry, for example if it appears that one or more channels have a lower channel quality then those channels may be removed from subsequent inquiries.
The response from the SAS is reviewed (STEP 714), and if the entire requested spectrum is not yet available, then operation returns to store the results (STEP 708) and continues iteratively reducing the EIRP (STEP 710) and making a spectrum inquiry (STEP 712).
When the entire requested spectrum is available (STEP 714) or the current EIRP=L (i.e., the most recent EIRP is the lowest available transmission power L), then results are stored, and all the stored results are provided for spectrum mapping and channel allocation purposes (STEP 716). In the next step, (STEP 718) channels are allocated to the BS/APs by e.g., a Self-Organizing Network (SON) 308 (
Reference is now made to
First, we have devised a mechanism that is believed to extract the maximum availability of channels from the SAS for a given geography.
Secondly, we can also infer at this point that (T, shown in
Note that the actual system bandwidth (BW) in use at the BS/APs can be lower than the channel raster provided by the SAS. For example, in the CBRS example, the SAS indicates channel availability in steps of 10 MHz. SON algorithms in the SON unit 308 (
Thirdly, using the methods above, we can infer the EIRP levels at which specific channels become unavailable. Allowing the SON algorithms to perform channel selection with an increased spectrum availability simplifies the SON algorithm and provides better convergence. In exemplary scenario shown in
Referring again to
SON algorithms can make use of the RF terrain that was inferred previously using REM scans and/or GPS information obtained from each of the BS/APs. Particularly, the REM scans may be performed by allowing each BS/AP in the enterprise to transmit to each BS/AP in a round-robin manner one at a time to enable all the other BS/APs in the enterprise an opportunity to listen over the air, and then collect all the data and analyze to assess the RF terrain. Any appropriate method of determining the RF terrain may be used.
Any appropriate SON algorithms may be utilized; several methods can be used to determine the optimal channels for each BS/AP in the enterprise. For example, the SON algorithm may employ graph theory to determine an edge to exist (connection) between two BS/APs if at least one of them “heard” the other over the air during the REM scan phase. A map of the entire enterprise as a graph with edges between certain BS/APs can be formed this way. If an edge exists between two BS/APs, then an ideal channel allocation scheme will ensure those two BS/APs cannot be co-channels (i.e., the same channel will not be ideally allocated to two BS/APs that have an edge). SON algorithms may also subsequently determine other radio operational parameters for the enterprise such as PCI, RSI, transmit power etc.
In addition to the above, through the iterative schema described above, the SON can also infer the presence of other BS/APs not belonging to the enterprise in the vicinity. This can be explained using the chart in
The SME spectrum database 313 may contain useful information about power levels, channels, radio technology, TDD configuration in use in a given geography and hence this information can be shared by the SAS with the Domain Proxy to better examine its environment. To this extent, in a CBRS environment, if enterprise CBSDs cannot perform a REM scan accurately, the Domain Proxy can enquire with the SAS and request information corresponding to a geography by sending ASSISTANCE INFORMATION REQUEST message to request information such as transmit power/MHz of other nodes, antenna azimuth and locations. The Domain Proxy can also share information that its enterprise CBSDs were able to determine via REM scans by sending ASSISTANCE INFORMATION INDICATION. This information can include RSSI levels, RSRP levels, high interference indications on certain sections of the band, utilization rates of the frequency band and/or channels. This information may have been obtained by the Domain Proxy from the CBSDs via REM scans, information exchanged between CBSDs on X2 interface, ANR reports collected by the CBSDs from the various UEs that obtain service. In turn, such information can be sent as ASSISTANCE INFORMATION INDICATION to the SAS on demand, periodically or when an event occurs.
Generally, exchanging such information between the SAS and the Domain Proxy enables better co-existence of CBSDs belonging to multiple/different operators, by avoiding interference from nearby CBSDs. For example, with knowledge of presence of other operator CBSDs, the enterprise can deploy a PAL license at the interior (or) periphery of the enterprise, as appropriate, to protect itself and/or another operator's CBSDs.
As described below, a further advantage of the design methodology described above is that it allows channel reconfiguration and/or rotation of the channels assigned to the CBSDs in the enterprise network without service disruption to the mobiles within the enterprise.
Disclosed herein is a networked apparatus (e.g., such as the Operator Network 322 shown in
The apparatus comprises a domain proxy connected to the BS/APs and the SME, including a circuit configured to send a registration request for the plurality of the BS/APs to the SME, the registration request indicating to the SME a maximum EIRP for the plurality of BS/APs, a circuit configured to receive a registration message from the SME, a circuit configured to send a spectrum inquiry request to the SME that requests a spectrum within the allowed band, a circuit configured to receive and process a spectrum inquiry response from the SME, that indicates available spectrum and a circuit, responsive to the indicated available spectrum, for iteratively sending a spectrum inquiry request and receiving and processing a spectrum inquiry response until the entire requested spectrum is available.
The apparatus also includes a Self-Organizing Network (SON) device connected to the domain proxy to receive the available spectrum information from the domain proxy, and responsive thereto, allocating the available spectrum to BS/APs.
The domain proxy further comprises a circuit configured to receive allocation data from the SON and responsive thereto, sending a grant request message to the SME.
In some embodiment the SON stores data identifying a primary group of the BS/APs that collectively provide wireless coverage substantially over the entire area. This data may be provided as elsewhere described herein. The SON also further comprises a circuit configured to identify channels in the spectrum inquiry that are available at higher power than other available channels and a circuit configured to allocate the higher power available channels to the primary group of BS/APs.
In some embodiments of the apparatus, the radio band is a Citizen's Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) band, the BS/APs comprise CBRS Devices (CBSDs) that are located at an enterprise location and form part of an enterprise network, the SME comprises an SAS, and the domain proxy is connected to the SAS.
In a CBRS network, the spectrum is managed by an SAS, and accordingly the CBSDs within the CBRS network must follow directions from the SAS. Following are some of the CBSD requirements (from WINNF-TS-0112, RO-DEV-04: CBSD technical operation [Ref-2, 96.39]):
“a. All CBSDs must be capable of two-way operation on any authorized frequency assigned by an SAS. Equipment deployed by Grandfathered Wireless Broadband Licensees during their license term will be exempt from this requirement.
b. A CBSD must operate at or below the maximum power level authorized by an SAS, consistent with its FCC equipment authorization, and within geographic areas permitted by an SAS on the channels or frequencies authorized by an SAS.
c. A CBSD must receive and comply with any incoming commands from its associated SAS about any changes to power limits and frequency assignments. A CBSD must cease transmission, move to another frequency range, or change its power level within 60 seconds as instructed by an SAS.
d. A CBSD must report to an SAS regarding received signal strength in its occupied frequencies and adjacent frequencies, received packet error rates or other common standard metrics of interference for itself and associated End User Devices as directed by an SAS [Note: See R2-SGN-01].”
During normal network operation, the CBSDs in a CBRS system are broadcasting and receiving on channels assigned by the SAS. In a typical configuration in which a Domain Proxy is implemented, the Domain Proxy handles all messaging and communications between the CBSDs and the SAS. During normal operation, the SAS and Domain Proxy exchange heartbeat messages so that the SAS can remain informed regarding the channels that are in use within the network. The messaging is performed in accordance with standards, such as those set by the Wireless Innovation Forum (CBRS WlnnForumStandards, Document-T-0016, Version 1.2.4, 26 Jun. 2019).
“
As discussed, the Domain Proxy typically handles messaging and communication between the CBSDs and the SAS. The Domain Proxy may be connected to a SON unit, which helps manage network operations, and an ACS unit 310, which manages operations of the CBSDs.
In this disclosure, dimensioning the enterprise with N CBSDs was described although only a minimum number (M) CBSDs are required. Consequently, up to (R=N-M) supplemental CBSDs are dimensioned. While this dimensioning is still held as the basis, during the “spectrum extraction” procedure between the Domain Proxy and SAS, in an alternative embodiment the Domain Proxy may in addition run an inner-loop of the same procedure several times, decrementing the total number of CBSDs on each look to determine spectrum availability with fewer CBSDs.
This procedure is explained in pseudo code and explained below:
Initialize P=N CBSDs
Start Loop
In this method, we are able to have an inner loop for (M), (M+1), (M+2), . . . (N) CBSDs and the associated channel availability if they were registered as a group of (M), (M+1), (M+2), . . . (N) CBSDs. Based on the maximum extractable spectrum, the algorithms can then determine an optimal number of CBSDs with which to operate; particularly whether to operate with (M) or up to (N) CBSDs. An appropriate unit, such as the ACS, using this number, chooses which CBSDs to operate, and controls the CBSDs so that only that number operates.
Following is an overview of network operations to configure and reconfigure a network in response to a suspension or termination order from a spectrum access system (SAS). In one implementation, a wireless communication network uses a spectrum-controlled radio band such as CBRS. The wireless communication network includes a plurality of Base Stations/Access Points (BS/APs) located within an area, and the BS/APs communicate with a number of User Equipment devices (UEs) within the coverage area over a plurality of wireless channels. A channel termination order from the SAS is received by a domain proxy, and the order identifies a prohibited channel, and therefore all communications over this prohibited channel must be terminated within a time period. The apparatus includes a domain proxy connected to the SAS and the BS/APs and is configured to communicate with the SAS and the BS/APs and particularly receive the channel termination order. The apparatus also includes an Automatic Configuration Server (ACS) connected to the domain proxy and the BS/APs. The ACS is configured to manage operations of the BS/APs. The ACS is also configured to identify at least one BS/AP that is communicating on the prohibited channel and therefore is impacted by the channel termination order, designate at least one of the BS/APs that is not transmitting on the prohibited channel, and is allowed to increase transmission power, gradually reduce the transmission power on the at least one impacted BS/AP during the time period to induce impacted UEs connected to the impacted BS/AP to handoff to a non-impacted BS/AP, and gradually increase the transmission power of the at least one designated BS/AP to receive a handoff from at least one of the impacted UEs. Therefore, during this time period and before all transmission on the prohibited channel must cease, the impacted UEs previously communicating with the impacted BS/AP can change communication from the impacted BS/AP to the designated BS/AP.
In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a Self-Organizing Network (SON) unit connected to the domain proxy, the ACS and the BS/APs In this embodiment the SON unit is configured to define a plurality of primary BS/APs that collectively provide wireless coverage substantially over the entire area, and that are authorized to transmit at higher power than other available channels. In this embodiment the ACS is configured to designate at least one of the primary BS/APs to gradually increase the transmission power on a non-impacted channel.
In some embodiments, power can be brought back up on the previously-impacted BS/AP to resume normal operation. In this embodiment the domain proxy is configured to receive authorization for transmission on a channel, and the ACS is configured, subsequent to handoff of impacted UEs, to direct the previously impacted BS/AP to transmit on the authorized channel and increase the transmission power of the authorized channel, and to direct the primary BS/AP to decrease transmission power, to induce UEs to handoff from the primary BS/AP to the previously impacted BS/AP which is currently transmitting on the authorized channel.
In some embodiments, the wireless network is configured to operate in the Citizen's Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) radio band, the BS/APs comprise CBRS Devices (CBSDs) that are located at an enterprise location and form part of an enterprise network. The area in which the BS/APs are installed may comprise a floor space within an enterprise location, and the BS/APs define at least part of an enterprise network.
A method is disclosed to respond to a channel termination order received by a wireless communication network that includes a plurality of Base Stations/Access Points (BS/APs) located within an area, and the BS/APs communicate with a plurality of User Equipment devices (UEs) on a plurality of wireless channels. The method includes the steps of receiving a termination order that identifies a prohibited channel, thereby requiring the wireless network to terminate communication on the prohibited channel within a time period, identifying at least one BS/AP that is communicating on the prohibited channel and therefore is impacted by the channel termination order, designating at least one of the BS/APs that is not transmitting on the prohibited channel, and is allowed to increase transmission power, gradually reducing the transmission power on the at least one impacted BS/AP during the time period to induce impacted UEs connected to the impacted BS/AP to handoff to a non-impacted BS/AP; and gradually increasing the transmission power of the at least one designated BS/AP to receive a handoff from at least one of the impacted UEs. Therefore at least one impacted UEs previously communicating with the impacted BS/AP changes communication from the impacted BS/AP to the designated BS/AP.
In some embodiments the step of designating at least one BS/AP that is not transmitting on a prohibited channel further comprises designating at least one of a plurality of primary BS/APs that collectively provides wireless coverage substantially over the entire area, and that are authorized to transmit at higher power than other available channels; and the step of gradually increasing the transmission power includes increasing the transmission power of at least one of the primary BS/APs. Designating a primary BS/AP to receive handoffs can be advantageous for system performance in this situation.
A method is also disclosed to bring power back up on the previously impacted BS/AP, and down on the primary BS/AP to resume normal operation. In one embodiment of this method, subsequent to handoff of the impacted UEs, the system receives authorization for transmission on a channel, and directs the previously-impacted BS/AP to transmit on the authorized channel. The transmission power on the authorized channel on the previously impacted BS/AP is gradually increased while gradually decreasing the transmission power of the at least one primary BS/AP. As a result, the previously-impacted UEs are induced to handoff from the primary BS/AP to the previously impacted BS/AP, which is now transmitting on the newly-authorized channel.
In embodiments in which the wireless network operates on the Citizen's Broadband Radio Service (CBRS band), the BS/APs comprise CBRS Devices (CBSDs), a Spectrum Access System (SAS) provides the channel termination order, and the channel termination order is one of a suspension order and a termination order. In the CBRS embodiment the time period is predetermined, and at least one of the UEs previously connected to the impacted BS/AP transfers communications to the designated BS/AP during the predetermined time period substantially without interruption in service.
As can be seen from the state diagram of
In the CBRS system the termination order may be called a “suspension” order or a “termination” order; regardless the result is that communications on the channel must be terminated within a time period. Therefore, the term “termination” may be used broadly, and includes what is technically called a suspension or termination order in a CBRS system. Also, in the CBRS system, the external entity controlling the spectrum may be called the SAS or SME, in other contexts, the entity controlling the spectrum may have a different name and may be external or internal to the enterprise wireless network.
During normal operation, it is expected that one or more UEs will be wirelessly connected to each CBSD. Suppose an enterprise as exemplified earlier has commenced operation with up to N CBSDs as shown for example in
Now suppose the SAS sends a suspend order for one of the channels that is in use within the enterprise (e.g., channel f1), and this impacts two CBSDs, for example the S6 CBSD and the S11 CBSD shown respectively in
Specifically speaking, the SAS in the CBRS system sends a suspension order for one or more grants rather than the channel itself. For simplicity, we may indicate that a channel is suspended, meaning one or more grants are suspended, and those grants map to that channel. Per current CBRS regulations, once a suspend/terminate order is issued for a channel (more specifically, a grant ID), the CBSDs must cease transmission on that channel within 60 seconds.
As will be described, a further advantage of the design methodology described herein in which the CBSDs are deployed in a primary and supplemental configuration, is that it facilitates channel reconfiguration and channel rotation within an enterprise network substantially without service disruption to the mobiles (UEs) within the enterprise.
The response to the suspension/termination order is described herein in the context of a CBRS system; however, it has wide applicability in any wireless multi-channel communication system that may be subject to loss (termination) of a channel due to any of a variety of reasons, and any system that is spectrum-controlled.
In general terms, the response to an ST (termination) order as described herein in the context of a CBRS system, includes: (1) requesting a new grant of spectrum, and receiving a new channel authorization from the SAS; (2) in parallel, ceasing all transmissions on the prohibited channel by gradually reducing the power transmissions of the impacted CBSDs and eventually shutting down the impacted CBSDs; (3) in parallel, designating CBSDs and reconfiguring the network so that the UEs previously connected to the impacted CBSDs are efficiently handed over to the designated CBSDs; (4) assigning the new channel to the impacted CBSDs; and (5) re-introducing the previously-impacted CBSDs to the network using the newly-assigned channel. Each of these general steps will be addressed below, with reference to
Reference is made to
Referring now to
Referring back to
As shown in
After receiving a response of available spectrum, the Domain Proxy 1104 runs the SON unit (as shown at 1118) and determines that a new channel f2 will be used to replace channel f1 for the impacted CBSDs. The SON unit 1118 is connected to a SON database 1119, which stores data and other information that is useful to the SON unit 1118, and accessible to it.
Next, at 1120, the Domain Proxy 1104 applies for a grant of channel f2 for all impacted CBSDs. After the Domain Proxy receives an approval of the grant from the SAS 1106 that identifies the new channel f2 on which the impacted CBSDs are authorized to transmit, at 1122 the Domain Proxy notifies the ACS of the new grant.
In addition to requesting a new spectrum as described above, the impacted BS/APs are required to stop transmitting. Particularly, in one example, after the Domain Proxy 1104 receives the suspension message 1112, it identifies the channels that have been suspended/terminated (channel f1 in this example) and determines the BS/APs that have been impacted. The Domain Proxy 1104 then sends the Stop TX command 1114 to the ACS 1106, which instructs it to stop all transmit functions on channel f1 and the impacted BS/APs. The ACS 1106 then confirms the identities of the impacted BS/APs.
After the stop TX command 1114 is received by ACS 1106, the ACS will have a limited time (possibly 55-60 seconds) to stop the impacted BS/APs from transmitting. During this time, the ACS attempts a graceful reconfiguration of the enterprise network as will be described.
Reference is now made to
Generally, the ACS 1106 gradually steps down the transmit power on the impacted CBSDs while simultaneously gradually stepping up the transmit power on designated CBSDs (which is described with reference to
To illustrate this, reference is now made to
In the next time interval t0+n, and all subsequent intervals, the process repeats to gradually decrease the power transmitted by the impacted BS/ASPs and increase the power to the designated BS/APs. The process continues until the available time runs out (for K intervals), or until all UEs have successfully handed off to the designated BS/APs.
In some embodiments, the step-up and step-down intervals may be managed by the BS/APs themselves. In these embodiments the ACS can inform the CBSDs to perform the step-down (or) step-up in certain increments (or) decrements every 1 second (as an example) for K seconds in one singular command. Note here that K is time bound and has an upper limit of approximately 60 seconds. In reality, K is likely to be 10-20 seconds since a corresponding decrease/increase of 10-20 dB at the impacted & designated CBSDs will change the dynamics in the enterprise sufficient enough to coax mobiles to be handed over to the stronger cell (or) reselect to a stronger cell. This way, all the mobiles that are under the impacted CBSDs are gracefully moved to designated CBSDs.
Reference is now made to
Note that the ACS can determine the designated CBSDs by SON functions and this algorithm may be implemented inside any unit (module) in the system, such as in the ACS. Also, in this example, the ACS designates a primary CBSDs (the “designated CBSDs”) that will compensate for the radio coverage, which is advantageous.
After the graceful method of reconfiguring the UE(s) is completed (which may be approximately K seconds), the ACS sets the new channel=f2 on the impacted CBSDs and sets the same transmit power as it was previously prior to the impact.
Reference is now made to
Although the disclosed method and apparatus is described above in terms of various examples of embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the particular features, aspects, and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described. Thus, the breadth and scope of the claimed invention should not be limited by any of the examples provided in describing the above disclosed embodiments.
Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term “example” is used to provide examples of instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or the like; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.
A group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although items, elements or components of the disclosed method and apparatus may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated.
The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of the term “module” does not imply that the components or functionality described or claimed as part of the module are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of a module, whether control logic or other components, can be combined in a single package or separately maintained and can further be distributed in multiple groupings or packages or across multiple locations.
Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described with the aid of block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives can be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture or configuration.
The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent No. 62/986,589, filed Mar. 6, 2020 entitled: “Method and Apparatus for Determining and Utilizing Available Spectrum in a Spectrum Controlled Network, and Handling Suspension Orders”, and is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/872,984, filed May 12, 2020 entitled: “Method and Apparatus for Dimensioning Base Stations and Determining Spectrum Availability in a Spectrum Controlled Network Method”, a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/898,263, filed Jun. 10, 2020, entitled “Apparatus for Handling Suspension Orders in a Spectrum-Controlled Network”, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/218,228, filed Jul. 2, 2021, entitled: “Method and Apparatus for Determining Spectrum Availability and Allocating Spectrum in a Spectrum Controlled Network” all of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63218228 | Jul 2021 | US | |
| 62986589 | Mar 2020 | US | |
| 62986589 | Mar 2020 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16898263 | Jun 2020 | US |
| Child | 17394151 | US | |
| Parent | 16872984 | May 2020 | US |
| Child | 16898263 | US |
