Abstract:
Improved mechanisms for managing use of shared spectrum resources. A requesting element such as a base station requests authorization for use of shared spectrum resources for one or more base stations. The request suitably includes identification of the cell or cells and the requested resources. A granting element determines if authorization can be granted and sends an authorization acceptance message specifying a grant time or an authorization rejection message specifying a wait time. As an alternative, if no response is received by the requesting element, the requesting element may make further requests separated by a specified timeout time and if no response is received, be inhibited from subsequent requests for a specified response failure time. In addition, a request may be triggered based on the occurrence of specified events.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to wireless communication. More particularly, the invention relates to improved systems and techniques for managing control of and access to specified categories of wireless communication spectrum resources. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The increasing number of wireless network users and their continually increasing demands for service presents a constant threat of spectrum saturation and has led to constant efforts by network operators to increase the available wireless spectrum. Authorized shared access (ASA) (also referred to as licensed shared access (LSA)) spectrum resources are shared between operators under specified rules, and are available for access by wireless network base stations (such as those operating according to standards established under the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and its various manifestations, including long term evolution (LTE) and LTE-advanced (LTE-A). ASA/LSA spectrum resources supplement licensed and unlicensed spectrum resources. ASA/LSA spectrum resources typically owned by an incumbent (primary operator) who allows other licensed operators (secondary users) to use these spectrum resources for their own purposes. ASA/LSA allows support of different operators by using separated ASA/LSA resources. Each ASA/LSA resource allocation is defined by a specified spectrum band and a time interval and location in which the specified spectrum band may be used. The term “spectrum resource” or “ASA/LSA spectrum resource” may be used to designate a single ASA/LSA spectrum resource or a set of spectrum resources. ASA/LSA spectrum resources are not statically assigned, and must be vacated by a secondary operator upon request by the primary user. ASA/LSA provides for a nonexclusive spectrum allocation, which calls for the development of new management approaches. It will be recognized the present discussion primarily addresses ASA/LSA by way of example, but that the present invention is by no means limited to ASA/LSA and that embodiments of the invention may be employed to advantage in numerous different spectrum resource sharing scenarios. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    In one embodiment of the invention, a method comprises receiving an authorization request for use of shared spectrum resources by a node of a wireless network communication system, wherein the authorization request specifies at least an identifier which describes the spectrum resource requested. If use of an authorized shared access resource is allowed, a grant time is determined during which the spectrum resource is allowed to be used by the requesting node. An authorization request acceptance is sent, including the identifier of the shared spectrum resource, and specifying the grant time. 
         [0004]    In another embodiment of the invention, a method comprises sending an authorization request for use of shared spectrum resources for a node of a wireless communications network. The authorization request includes at least an identification of the shared spectrum resource. Upon receiving an authorization acceptance, Active timers relating to usage of the specified spectrum resource are stopped and use of the specified spectrum resource by the node is activated. A timer is activated, during pendency of which the authorized spectrum resource may be used. The timer runs during the duration of a grant time received in the authorization acceptance. 
         [0005]    In another embodiment of the invention, an apparatus comprises at least one processor and memory storing a program of instructions. Execution of the program of instructions by the at least one processor causes an apparatus to at least receive an authorization request for use of shared spectrum resources by a node of a wireless network communication system, wherein the authorization request specifies at least an identifier which describes the spectrum resource requested. If use of an authorized shared access resource is allowed, a grant time is determined during which the spectrum resource is allowed to be used by the requesting node. An authorization request acceptance is sent, including the identifier of the shared spectrum resource, and specifying the grant time. 
         [0006]    In another embodiment of the invention, an apparatus comprises at least one processor and memory storing a program of instructions. Execution of the program of instructions by the at least one processor causes an apparatus to at least send an authorization request for use of shared spectrum resources for a node of a wireless communications network. The authorization request includes at least an identification of the shared spectrum resource. Upon receiving an authorization acceptance, active timers relating to usage of the specified spectrum resource are stopped and use of the specified spectrum resource by the node is activated. A timer is activated, during pendency of which the authorized spectrum resource may be used. The timer runs during the duration of a grant time received in the authorization acceptance. 
         [0007]    In another embodiment of the invention, a computer readable medium stores a program of instructions. Execution of the program of instructions by a processor configures an apparatus to at least receive an authorization request for use of shared spectrum resources by a node of a wireless network communication system, wherein the authorization request specifies at least an identifier which describes the spectrum resource requested. If use of an authorized shared access resource is allowed, a grant time is determined during which the spectrum resource is allowed to be used by the requesting node. An authorization request acceptance is sent, including the identifier of the shared spectrum resource, and specifying the grant time. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment of the invention, a computer readable medium stores a program of instructions. Execution of the program of instructions a processor configures an apparatus to at least send an authorization request for use of shared spectrum resources for a node of a wireless communications network. The authorization request includes at least an identification of the shared spectrum resource. Upon receiving an authorization acceptance, active timers relating to usage of the specified spectrum resource are stopped and use of the specified spectrum resource by the node is activated. A timer is activated, during pendency of which the authorized spectrum resource may be used. The timer runs during the duration of a grant time received in the authorization acceptance. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  illustrates a network according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIGS. 2-5  illustrate signaling and operation diagrams according to embodiments of the present invention; and 
           [0011]      FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate elements that may be used in carrying out embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0012]    Embodiments of the present invention address the need to manage use of a shared spectrum resource by secondary users while taking into account the fact that a primary user may statically or dynamically allocate the spectrum resource for its own use. For example, a primary operator may define static rules specifying its own use (such as a defined zone or time where the spectrum is reserved to the primary user) or dynamic rules (such as vacating or re-offering of spectrum depending on the spectrum usage of the primary user, such as the incumbent in an ASA/LSA scenario). In both cases, zones where spectrum use under ASA/LSA is not allowed by one secondary operator or another are defined according to factors such as geographical area, time, and transmitter/receiver characteristics. In addition, vacating and activation lead time (time between issuing of a request to vacate or use ASA/LSA spectrum and acting on the request) may be defined as another input parameter to the mobile network operator (MNO). 
         [0013]    ASA/LSA uses two basic mechanisms in the radio access network (RAN): configuration of all necessary parameters at base stations; and activation and deactivation of ASA/LSA spectrum at base stations. Both mechanisms are typically based on operation and maintenance tasks using a push or pull mechanism between base stations and operations support system (OSS) infrastructure. 
         [0014]    As an ASA/LSA licensee, a secondary operator has to perform appropriate measures in the network (for example, reconfiguring or switching on and off the ASA/LSA spectrum usage of specific base stations) without violating the defined lead time in case of spectrum resource reservation actions triggered by the incumbent. Embodiments of the present invention provide a reliable, cost-effective solution. 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  illustrates a network configuration  100 , comprising elements associated with a mobile network operator receiving access to shared resources and with a primary user granting access to the shared resources. The network configuration comprises a radio access network  101  comprising sectors  102 ,  104 , and  106 , each of which comprises an independent cell, defined by a base station  108 A. Base stations  108 B, . . . ,  108 N are also present, defining their own cells, but these cells are not shown in  FIG. 1 , in order to simplify the illustration and discussion. These sectors make up a license zone  110 . If the primary user needs to use the ASA/LSA spectrum inside the license zone  110 , it is necessary to activate or deactivate use of the ASA/LSA spectrum based on directions from the primary user. Additional network infrastructure comprises an operations, administration, and management (OAM) structure  111 , including operation support services  112 . The operation support services  112  receive ASA/LSA spectrum configuration parameters  116  from network planning  114 . Planning input is received from an ASA/LSA control (ALC)  120  and ALR  122 , which exchange ASA spectrum usage rules and management information. The ALC  120  exchanges information with the OSS  112 . The ALC  120  receives offers of and requests for ASA/LSA resources from the primary operator, includes appropriate information and requests in its communications with the OSS based on the offers and requests. 
         [0016]    One or more embodiments of the present invention provide for a self management function for the OAM, implementing a protocol between base stations of a radio access network and a network controller. The protocol allows flexible triggering and configuration of self-management procedures. The self-management procedures provide mechanisms to direct usage of local ASA/LSA resources at each base station through the use of a grant time mechanism. The grant time mechanism is based on a periodic authorization function, supported by variable timers configured with information exchanged via the protocol. 
         [0017]    Base stations such as the base stations  108 A, . . . ,  108 N of the network  100  are preconfigured to use ASA/LSA spectrum in specified ways, and are also preconfigured so as to govern their reactions to requests initiated by the primary operator to vacate ASA/LSA spectrum or other requests or offers of ASA/LSA spectrum. The secondary operator may use parameters relating to the ASA/LSA spectrum of the data usage of the primary operator and the data of its own network  100  to start network planning for its usage of the ASA/LSA spectrum. This network planning involves determining configuration parameters for each base station. The cells using the ASA/LSA spectrum (the cells  102 ,  104 , and  106  in  FIG. 1 ) are configured with these parameters via the OAM system  111  of the secondary network operator. As a result the network  100  is ready to use the ASA/LSA spectrum, but the ASA/LSA spectrum use has not yet been activated. 
         [0018]    The ASA/LSA spectrum needs to be activated or deactivated according to the offer/request ASA/LSA resource input of the primary operator. Base stations such as the base stations  108 A- 108 N employ a local self management function that initiates an authorization request for the use of the ASA/LSA spectrum. The authorization request is sent to the ALC, which represents a network controller in the ASA/LSA architecture. Alternatively, a SON Server or a similar network element that connects to the ALC may be used as network controller. In the latter case the ALC is used as a network function whenever ASA/LSA related information that is stored at the ALR is needed. For simplicity the further description assumes that the ALC is used as network controller. The ALC checks either by querying the ALR or through the use of already available local data whether or not the ASA/LSA spectrum for the respective cell of the base station is available for use and, if the ASA/LSA spectrum is available, answers the Authorization Request with an Authorization Accept. If the ASA/LSA spectrum is not available, the ALC answers the Authorization Request with an Authorization Reject. Additionally a flexible lease function may be included in the self management function at the base station. The flexible lease function is directed by dynamic grant times that are calculated at the network controller/ALC. The grant times may be added as parameters to the Authorization Accept and Authorization Reject answers to inform the self management function at the base station about the authorized usage time for the ASA/LSA spectrum. 
         [0019]    Due to different ASA/LSA spectrum usage scenarios the grant times needs flexible realization options. Following time parameters are used to provide the required support:
       ta: grant time for each cell with activated ASA/LSA spectrum. The ASA/LSA spectrum can be used by the cell until the timer ta expires. In general the timer ta is related to the lead time: for example, the timer ta always has a lesser value than the lead time. To guarantee a seamless ASA/LSA usage for the cell, the BS must wait not longer than ta−n*tr, where n is a configured repeat factor and tr is the configured timeout parameter for an unanswered authorization request before a new authorization request for the ASA/LSA spectrum for the cell is initiated. The timer ta is restarted with the value ta received with the authorization accept for the cell and the ASA/LSA spectrum. In addition, the timer ta is reset when an authorization reject or a trigger event for reauthorization of the ASA/LSA spectrum is received.   td: wait time for each cell with deactivated ASA/LSA spectrum. The ASA/LSA spectrum is not available during this time for this cell. The BS must wait at least the time td before a new authorization request for the cell and the ASA/LSA spectrum is initiated. The timer td is restated with the value td received with the authorization reject for the cell and the ASA/LSA spectrum. In addition, the timer td is reset when an authorization accept or a trigger event for reauthorization of the ASA/LSA spectrum is received.   tr: supervision timer for an authorization request. When tr expires the authorization request is repeated n times, where n is a configured repeat factor, before either the grant time ta for the activated ASA/LSA spectrum is over and the cell must to deactivate the ASA/LSA spectrum or the wait time td for the deactivated ASA/LSA spectrum is over and the cell has to stay in deactivated ASA/LSA spectrum mode.   tt: wait time before a new authorization request is initiated for the ASA/LSA spectrum for the cell, when an authorization request has not been answered for n*tr.       
 
         [0024]    In addition, a requested grant time tg may be used as an optional parameter in an authorization request. This parameter provides guidance for the self management processes of the base station in optimizing grant time handling according to ASA/LSA spectrum usage conditions. When ASA/LSA spectrum is needed due to performance reasons, a longer requested grant time value may be set, and when performance does not require the ASA/LSA spectrum, a shorter value may be set. In addition, requested grant time could be set to zero (tg=0) to inform the ALC  120  that the ASA/LSA spectrum use has been deactivated. This is important for dynamic ASA/LSA spectrum allocation and de-allocation use cases to inform the ALC  120  that a cell of a base station (such as the base station  108 A) has ceased use of the ASA/LSA spectrum. The ALC may use the request grant time tg as a steering indicator to adjust the spectrum grant time ta and wait time td. 
         [0025]      FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  4  below illustrate detailed operation and message flows of the authorization procedure for ASA/LSA spectrum use in a cellular network. 
         [0026]      FIG. 2  illustrates the scenario when the ASA/LSA spectrum is available, showing the base station  108 A, the ALC  120 , and the ALR  122 . At the initial condition  210  at the base station  108 A, ASA/LSA spectrum is configured for use, but actual use is deactivated. The interface to the authorization server is ready to use. At the initial condition  220  of the ALR  120 , ASA spectrum availability for location areas are defined (suitably based on information from the primary operator), and lead time for offering or vacating ASA/LSA spectrum is defined, again, suitably based on information from the primary operator. 
         [0027]    The base station  108 A sends an authorize request  222  to the ALC, with the authorize request  222  specifying the cell identifier and the ASA/LSA spectrum requested. At operation  224 , the ALC  120  determines the location of the cell ID. The ALC  120  may optionally send a request  226  for ASA/LSA spectrum availability for the location area, with the ALR  122  returns this information in a message  228 . The ALC  120  may optionally send a request  230  for lead time for offers of or vacating from the ASA/LSA spectrum for the location area, with the ALR  124  returning this information in a message  234 . 
         [0028]    Whether or one or both of the messages  226  or  230  are sent and their responses  228  and  234  received may be based on a detailed definition of ASA/LSA spectrum usage rules agreed upon between the secondary operator and the primary operator. For example, a configuration may be used in which offering and vacating of ASA/LSA spectrum is known in advance: for example, the primary operator may provide in advance a schedule during a specified time period, with the schedule specifying time intervals during which the spectrum is unavailable. In another configuration, ASA/LSA spectrum may be used by the primary operator in urgent situations, and in such a configuration, it may be specified that the ASA/LSA spectrum should be made available within a given time (for example, 5 minutes) after the secondary operator is informed about the urgent situation. 
         [0029]    At operation  236 , the ALC  120  calculates a grant time ta, and prepares an accept response to the authorization request. The ALC  120  sends an authorize accept message  238 , providing the cell identifier, ASA/LSA spectrum information, and grant time. At operation  240 , the base station stops active timers ta, td, and tt for cell and ASA/LSA spectrum, activates use of the ASA/LSA spectrum for the cell, and waits for the duration of the grant time ta before initiating the next authorization request for the same cell. Upon expiration of the grant time ta, the base station is able to make a new authorization request  242 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 3  illustrates the scenario when the ASA/LSA spectrum is available, showing the base station  108 A, the ALC  120 , and the ALR  122 . At the initial condition  310  at the base station  108 A, ASA/LSA spectrum is configured for use, but actual use is deactivated. The interface to the authorization server is ready to use. At the initial condition  320  of the ALR  120 , ASA/LSA spectrum availability for location areas are defined (suitably based on information from the primary operator), and lead time for offering or vacating ASA/LSA spectrum is defined, again, suitably based on information from the primary operator. 
         [0031]    The base station  108 A sends an authorize request  322  to the ALC, with the authorize request  322  specifying the cell identifier and the ASA/LSA spectrum requested. At operation  324 , the ALC  120  determines the location of the cell ID. The ALC  120  sends a request  326  for ASA/LSA spectrum availability for the location area, and the ALR  122  returns this information in a message  328 . The ALC  120  may send a request  330  for lead time for offers of or vacating from the ASA/LSA spectrum for the location area, and the ALR  122  returns this information in a message  334 . When the ALC  120  detects that the requested spectrum for the cell is not available, so at operation  336 , the ALC  120  calculates a wait time td, and prepares a reject response to the authorization request. The ALC  120  sends an authorize rejection message  338 , providing the cell identifier, ASA/LSA spectrum information, and wait time td. At operation  340 , the base station stops active timers ta, td, and tt for cell and ASA/LSA spectrum, deactivates use of the ASA/LSA spectrum, and waits for the duration of the wait time td before initiating the next authorization request for the same cell identifier. Upon expiration of the wait time td, the base station is able to make a new authorization request  342 . 
         [0032]    In some cases, network communication to a base station may fail altogether. In this case, a base station requesting ASA/LSA allocation will not receive any response at all.  FIG. 4  illustrates such a scenario, showing the base station  108 A, the ALC  120 , and the ALR  122 . At the initial condition  410  at the base station  108 A, ASA/LSA spectrum is configured for use, but actual use is deactivated. The interface to the authorization server is ready to use. At the initial condition  420  of the ALR  120 , ASA spectrum availability for location areas are defined (suitably based on information from the primary operator), and lead time for offering or vacating ASA/LSA spectrum is defined, again, suitably based on information from the primary operator. 
         [0033]    The base station  108 A sends an authorize request message  422  to the ALC  120 , including Cell ID, and ASA/LSA spectrum request. No response is received, and the base station  108 A performs operation  424 , recognizing a timeout and sending another authorize request  426 . Once this process has been repeated a specified number of times, the base station recognizes a failure. Then, the base station  108 A performs operation  428 , deactivating the ASA/LSA spectrum for the specified cell ID and waiting for a specified time tt before initiating a new authorize request. Once time tt has elapsed, the base station  108 A sends a new authorize request  430 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 5  illustrates a further embodiment  500 , configured to optimize shared spectrum grant handling (for example, minimizing the signal traffic needed for requesting spectrum authorization and responding to the requests in sharing scenarios where the spectrum is only sporadically used by the primary operator. In the illustrated embodiment, the protocol between the base station  108 A and the ALC  120  uses a trigger mechanism to initiate a forced re-authentication for ASA/LSA spectrum. In such situations it is possible to introduce grant times ta that are even greater than the lead time. In any case  502 ,  504 , or  506  where a timer ta, td, or tt is already running, the ALR  122  may inform the ALC  120  via a push or pull mechanism  508  and  510  that the availability of a ASA/LSA spectrum resource has changed due to the reservation actions of the primary operator. The ALC  120  performs operation  512 , determining cell identifiers and their respective base stations for cells using the ASA/LSA spectrum for the location area, and preparing a trigger event for each cell in the location area. The ALC  120  sends an authorize request trigger message  5 . 14  to the base station  108 A, including cell identifier and spectrum information, and the base station  108 A returns an acknowledgement  516 . The base station  108 A performs operation  518 , stopping the active timers ta, td, and tt for the specified cell and ASA/LSA spectrum, and initiating the next authorize request for the cell identifier and the ASA/LSA spectrum. The base station  108 A then sends an authorize request message  520  to the ALC  120 , including the previously specified cell identifier and ASA/LSA spectrum indication. The authorize request trigger message  514  may include a single cell identifier or a list of cell identifiers that belong to a base station. 
         [0035]    In one or more embodiments of the invention, the time parameters ta, td, tg, and tt in the authorization messages may be used at a global level (with all cells receiving the same value) or at a cell-specific level (with each cell receiving an individually determined value). The grant time mechanism may also be used for dynamic ASA/LSA spectrum allocation and de-allocation to allow a base station to inform the ALC about unused ASA/LSA spectrum. The base station sends an Authorization Stop message for the cell identifier and specified ASA/LSA spectrum and the ALC answers with an Authorization Stop Accept message for the Cell-ID and ASA/LSA spectrum. A wait timer may be optionally used but is not necessary because the Base Station may initialize an Authorization Request whenever needed (for example, when a cell load violates a specified limit). 
         [0036]    In one or more embodiments of the invention, interactions between network elements may be performed using the IETF RADIUS protocol, with the base station acting as a Radius client and the ALC as a Radius server. Radius Access Request and Response messages may be used to achieve the authorization request and response messages, with the parameters may be mapped to vendor-specific attributes. The following table illustrates one example of relation between and usage of Radius messages: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 ASA/LSA Authorization 
                   
               
               
                 Radius message 
                 message 
                 Remark 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Access Request 
                 Authorize Request 
                 Access Request is used to 
               
               
                   
                   
                 authenticate the BS and to 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Request the ASA/LSA 
               
               
                   
                   
                 spectrum, timer tg may be 
               
               
                   
                   
                 used to actively inform the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 ALC about need for 
               
               
                   
                   
                 ASA/LSA spectrum 
               
               
                 Access Request 
                 Authorize Stop 
                 special message with tg = 0 
               
               
                 (tg = 0) 
                   
                 information to inform 
               
               
                   
                   
                 ALC that the ASA/LSA 
               
               
                   
                   
                 spectrum is deactivated 
               
               
                   
                   
                 for a specific cell, the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 message is especially used 
               
               
                   
                   
                 in dynamic ASA/LSA 
               
               
                   
                   
                 spectrum allocation and 
               
               
                   
                   
                 de-allocation use cases 
               
               
                 Access Accept 
                 Authorize Accept 
                 Authorize Accept, 
               
               
                 Access Reject 
                 Authorize Reject 
                 Authorize Reject and the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 optional Authorize Stop 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Accept are covered by the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Access Accept and Access 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Reject Radius messages 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0037]      FIG. 6  illustrates a base station  600  and a data processing element  650 , such as may be used in embodiments of the present invention. The base station  600  may be used, for example, in networks operated by the primary and secondary operators, and the data processing element  650  may be used in various elements of and to perform various functions a core network. The base station  600  comprises a data processor (DP)  602  and memory (MEM)  604 , with the memory storing data  606  and one or more programs (PROGS)  608 . The base station  600  may communicate using a transmitter  610  and receiver  612 , using an antenna  614 . The data processing element  650  comprises a data processor (DP)  652  and memory (MEM)  654 , with the memory storing data  656  and one or more programs (PROGS)  658 . At least one of the PROGs  608  in the base station  600  is assumed to include a set of program instructions that, when executed by the associated DP  602 , enable the device to operate in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of this invention, as detailed above. In these regards the exemplary embodiments of this invention may be implemented at least in part by computer software stored on the MEM  604 , which is executable by the DP  602  of the base station  600 , or by hardware, or by a combination of tangibly stored software and hardware (and tangibly stored firmware). Similarly, at least one of the PROGs  658  in the data processing element  650  is assumed to include a set of program instructions that, when executed by the associated DP  652 , enable the device to operate in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of this invention, as detailed above. In these regards the exemplary embodiments of this invention may be implemented at least in part by computer software stored on the MEM  654 , which is executable by the DP  652  of the data processing element  650 , or by hardware, or by a combination of tangibly stored software and hardware (and tangibly stored firmware). An electronic device implementing these aspects of the invention need not be the entire device as depicted at  FIG. 1  or  FIG. 6 , or may be one or more components of same such as the above described tangibly stored software, hardware, firmware and DP, or a system on a chip SOC or an application specific integrated circuit ASIC. It should be noted that the invention may be implemented with an application specific integrated circuit ASIC, a field programmable gated array FPGA, a digital signal processor or other suitable processor to carry out the intended function of the invention, including a central processor, a random access memory RAM, read only memory ROM, and communication ports 
         [0038]    The MEMs  604  and  654  may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The DPs  602  and  652  may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. 
         [0039]    In one or more embodiments of the invention, network nodes or base stations may be implemented as single local entities or a combination of local entities, as remote entities communicating with or controlling local entities, or in any appropriate combination of local and remote entities. Local or remote entities may be implemented in a distributed fashion, with functions being carried out through various processing elements allocated to particular tasks over a short or a long term. A network node such as a base station may be implemented as a data processing element, such as a server, host, or node, operationally coupled or otherwise connected to a remote radio head, and other data processing elements may be similarly implemented, without a connection to a remote radio head if wireless communication is not needed. It will also be recognized that data processing elements need not be operated as individual units, but may in some cases be implemented in the form of what may be thought of as virtual entities, with functions being distributed across multiple physical elements. Such physical elements may be organized under the control of software-based administrative entity serving as an interface to a user device or other element seeking service. The operations of any network node may be distributed in any desired fashion, whether by a single dedicated data processing element, through services allocated from a server which may provide services to a number of network nodes, or across servers or other data processing elements, with different functions being performed as needed based on any desired consideration. Some or all of the functions of a network node may be performed by one or more virtual machines, and a virtual machine may be commissioned or decommissioned based on various considerations relating to the operation of the data processing environment in which it is implemented, with all of these considerations being transparent to the network node. In some embodiments of the invention, virtual machines, data processing elements, and other entities carrying on the functions of a network node may be replaced by other elements as needed, without interrupting the operation of the network node. It will be recognized that in other embodiments a network node may be implemented as a single entity, and that different network elements may be implemented in different ways. 
         [0040]    A network node  700  according to one or more embodiments of the invention comprises a remote radio head  702  connected by an interface  704  to an administrative entity  706 . The administrative entity  706  may, be implemented in a local data processing device  708 , which may be part of a local area network  710 , and this local area network  710  may be part of or have access to a wide area network  712 , which may provide access to the public Internet  714 . The administrative entity  706  may enlist various data processing elements residing in various networks within or accessible to or through the local area network  710  and wide area network  712 , or through the public Internet  714 . For example, the Internet  714  may provide access to data processing servers  716 A- 716 C, one or more of which may be made available for public use (for example, under the terms of a lease). The administrative entity  706  may use the data servers  716 A- 716 C, servers  720  and  722  belonging to the local area network  710  and wide area network  712 , respectively, or any other available data processing resources. Elements may be chosen from local or more remote elements based on, for example, latency considerations, and the administrative entity  706  may operate so as to maintain operational similarity between the node  700  and other similar nodes. The freedom provided by distributed operation allows the administrative entity to choose elements based on the specific operational characteristics that are to be achieved, without being unnecessarily restricted by the operational characteristics of any particular hardware entity. The various elements may be similar to the data processing element  650  of  FIG. 6 , with similar data processors and memory elements, storing data and operating the control of programs, similarly to the data processing element  650 . The remote radio head  702  may include a transmitter  724 , receiver  726 , and antenna  728 , and may include its own data processor (DP)  730  and memory (MEM)  732 , with the MEM storing data  734  and at least one program (PROG)  736 . In one or more embodiments of the invention, the local data processing device  708  may not be needed, and the remote radio head  702  may connect to the local area network  710  directly. In other embodiments, and for some network nodes, such as core network elements, no remote radio head is needed, and various data processing elements may be enlisted to serve the functions of the network node, using whatever local physical elements are needed to give the node a local presence and provide connection to other nodes. 
         [0041]    While various exemplary embodiments have been described above it should be appreciated that the practice of the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and discussed here. Various modifications and adaptations to the foregoing exemplary embodiments of this invention may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description. 
         [0042]    Further, some of the various features of the above non-limiting embodiments may be used to advantage without the corresponding use of other described features. 
         [0043]    The foregoing description should therefore be considered as merely illustrative of the principles, teachings and exemplary embodiments of this invention, and not in limitation thereof.