System and method for switching frequencies in a wireless access solution based on dynamic spectrum allocation

The disclosed embodiments include methods, systems, articles of manufacture, and access devices configured to switch frequencies in a wireless access network. The techniques described in the disclosed embodiments may be used to facilitate efficient switching of frequencies in a dynamic spectrum environment. In one aspect, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in a Long Term Evolution access network. The disclosed embodiments receive, by an access device, information allocating at least one frequency channel to be used by the access device. The disclosed embodiments also transmit, to one or more user equipment connected to the access device, an instruction for directing the one or more user equipment to look a first frequency channel. As a result, the disclosed embodiments allow efficient switching of frequencies even if the spectrum may be allocated dynamically.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to wireless access systems having dynamic spectrum allocation, and more particularly to systems, methods, and apparatuses for switching frequencies in a wireless access infrastructure.

BACKGROUND

The proliferation of smartphones and other wireless devices has led to ever-increasing demand for wireless spectrum. In an effort to ameliorate this problem, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has established a shared-spectrum service in the 3550 to 3700 MHz band (i.e., 3.5 GHz band). This band has been traditionally reserved by the U.S. Department of Defense for military use, for example, by military radars on navy ships. The FCC has recently made the 3.5 GHz band available for a commercial radio service called Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS). Because the spectrum is shared, some mechanism must be adopted to ensure users within the same spectrum do not interfere with each other, and that users with higher priorities have guaranteed access to the spectrum in a situation of a conflict.

Using the 3.5 GHz band as an example, a three-tiered model has been proposed and adopted by the FCC in an effort to protect existing users of the band, as illustrated inFIG. 1. As shown in the figure, the top tier belongs to incumbent access (IA) users, such as federal and non-federal incumbent systems, who have the highest priority to use the 3.5 GHz band. Between the incumbent users and non-incumbent users (typically public users) are one or more Spectrum Access Systems (SAS), which coordinate and facilitate spectrum sharing among all of the users in the band. Then among the public users, some may obtain higher Priority Access (PA) under a Priority Access License (PAL), while others may operate without a license under General Authorized Access (GAA), GAA users have the lowest priority within the allocation.

The SAS may facilitate efficient spectrum allocation among the three tiers shown inFIG. 1by ensuring that communications from wireless devices (“user equipment” or “UE”) in a lower-priority access tier do not interfere with communications of those in a higher-priority tier. The SAS may accomplish this by monitoring interference and frequency usage in the shared spectrum, and dynamically allocate frequencies for devices to use within the spectrum.

In this context, a “frequency” broadly refers to a frequency band, a frequency channel, a frequency within a band or channel, or a signal at a particular frequency (such as a carrier signal), and unless otherwise noted these terms may be used interchangeably. A “connection” broadly refers to any communication of information, such as voice and/or data, between devices using one or more frequencies. “Spectrum” broadly refers to frequencies that may be used to establish connections.

The SAS coordinates and manages spectrum sharing among the incumbents, PAL systems, and GAA systems, by dynamically allocating spectrum to the PAL and GAA user-equipment devices. However, current PAL and GAA devices are not designed to dynamically switch frequency channels during an ongoing connection in the wireless access system. Thus, anytime the SAS allocates new frequency channels for the PAL or GAA devices to use in the shared spectrum, these devices may not be able to switch frequency channels efficiently, quickly, or smoothly with minimal disruption to the end user's experience. Moreover, the three-tiered model may pose significant challenges to lower-priority users when they must discontinue using a frequency so it may be used by higher-priority users, for example during emergencies, or in other situations of conflict with higher-priority users, with little to no warnings.

SUMMARY

The disclosed embodiments include methods, systems, and apparatuses, including access devices, configured to switch frequencies in a wireless access system. The techniques in the disclosed embodiments may be used to facilitate efficient switching of frequencies in a dynamic spectrum environment, such as a wireless access network comprising one or more SASs. In some disclosed embodiments, the wireless access system may comprise a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network.

In accordance with the disclosed embodiments, an access device, such as a wireless access point, wireless router, base station, or integrated access point, may receive information, for example from a SAS, allocating at least one frequency channel over which the access device may communicate with one or more user equipments (UEs). In some disclosed embodiments, the access device may determine one or more of its allocated frequency channels to use in establishing connections with the UEs.

Further to the disclosed embodiments, the access device may transmit a message to the one or more UEs indicating the at least one allocated frequency channel. The access device also may configure a radio to operate using one or more of the allocated frequency channels. For example, the access device may configure both a transmitter and a receiver in the radio to operate using the at least one allocated frequency channel. In some disclosed embodiments, the access device may transmit a message indicating the at least one allocated frequency channel to the one or more UEs before configuring a radio to operate at the allocated frequency channel(s). In some embodiments, the message may direct the one or more UEs to temporarily discontinue at least one existing connection with the access device during a time period when the access device's radio is being configured. In some disclosed embodiments, the access device may transmit to the one or more UEs a message indicating at least one allocated frequency channel using a RRC-Reconfiguration message from the LTE standard. In yet other disclosed embodiments, the RRC-Reconfiguration message may indicate the one or more allocated frequency channels and also include other information related to the frequency channels. In yet other disclosed embodiments, the access device may transmit to the one or more UEs a message using a RRC-Connection-Release message from the LTE standard. The disclosed embodiments may establish a connection between the access device and the one or more UEs based on the at least one allocated frequency channel.

While the disclosed embodiments are described in the context of an access device in communication with one or more UEs in a wireless access system, persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the invention is not limited to the illustrative embodiments and may be performed using other wireless access systems and devices that facilitate switching of frequencies in accordance with the teachings herein. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not restrictive of the disclosed embodiments as defined in the claims.

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary disclosed embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and disclosed herein. Where convenient, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed embodiments provide systems, methods, and apparatuses for switching frequencies in a wireless access solution using a dynamic spectrum allocation scheme. The disclosed embodiments allow efficient switching of frequencies in the shared spectrum with minimal disruption to end users using the shared spectrum.

FIG. 2is a schematic diagram of an exemplary shared-spectrum system200in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The system200may comprise one or more UEs230,232, and234. The UEs may include, for example, smartphones, laptops, tablets, and any other computer systems or devices that support wireless communications. Each UE may be an incumbent access (“IA”), PA, or GAA device depending on whether its end user is an incumbent-access, priority-access, or general-authorized-access user.

The system200also may include one or more SASs202that allocate frequencies in a shared spectrum for use by IA, PA, and GAA devices. The SASs may dynamically assign frequencies for use by each of the UEs230,232, and234, for example, based on their relative priority levels and/or frequency usages in system200.

In some embodiments, the system200may include an Environmental Sensing Capability system (ESC)204configured to detect the presence and/or frequency usage of higher-priority IA devices. The ESC communicates information relating to IA devices to the SASs202, thereby facilitating the SASs with allocating frequencies based on priority levels. In some aspects, the system200may also implement exclusion and/or protection zones in which the IA devices may operate with reduced interference. In some embodiments, the system200may include one or more FCC databases206configured to store information related to PAL devices. The SASs202may access the database(s)206to ensure PAL devices within a specific geographic service area experience less interference from GAA devices.

As shown inFIG. 2, the shared-spectrum system200may include one or more access points (AP)212and one or more access systems (AS)214. Each AP and AS may communicate with the SASs202via a network220. In some embodiments, the AP212and AS214may be deployed by PAL and GAA operators or licensees within their respective communications systems. The AP212may be used to enable UEs to communicate with other UEs within the system200, and also may serve as a gateway for communications to other UE devices in network220and UE devices in other networks accessible through network220. Each AP212may serve multiple end users and their respective UEs230,232, and234. The AS214generally describes any access networking system, and may include one or more of its own APs212(not shown in AS214). The AP212and AS214may communicate with UEs configured for use as one or more of IA, PA, and/or GAA priority-level devices.

In a further aspect of the disclosed embodiments, the AP212and AS214may include one or more transmitters and receivers configured to send and receive signals in a predetermined frequency band, such as the CBRS band. In another aspect, the AP212and AS214may utilize any suitable wireless communication technologies or protocols, including but not limited to LTE, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), among others, to communicate with UEs230,232,234.

Network220may comprise one or more interconnected wired or wireless networks, including public and/or private networks, and generally may comprise any type of computer networking arrangement. For example, the network220may be implemented using the Internet, a wired Wide Area Network (WAN), a wired Local Area Network (LAN), a wireless WAN (e.g., WiMAX), a wireless LAN (WLAN) (e.g., IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, etc.), a private data network, a virtual private network using a public network, and/or other suitable connection (e.g., Near Field Communications (NFC), infrared, optical, etc.) that enables the system200to send and receive information between components in the system200.

In accordance with the disclosed embodiments, the SASs202may dynamically allocate frequency channels to the AP212and/or AS214. The frequency allocation for an AP or AS, for instance, may be a contiguous span of frequency channels (e.g., f1, f2, f3), or alternatively may be non-contiguous set of frequency channels (e.g., f1, f2, f4), as shown inFIG. 2. In some cases, the SASs202may allocate one or more of the same frequency channels to different APs212and/or ASs214, Each AP212and AS214may select from among its allocated channels the most-suitable frequency channel to use with a UE, for example, based on environmental conditions, load balancing, interference levels, resource usage, or any other optimization criteria.

For example, if the one or more SASs202allocate a frequency channel to both the AP212and AS214, the AP and AS may choose to use that frequency channel at the same time, which may improve UE mobility within the system200. In other embodiments, the AP212and AS214may use different frequency channels. While this type of deployment may create challenges for UE mobility, it may allow redundancy and graceful transition of frequency channels. Redundant deployment occurs when different frequency channels simultaneously cover the same deployment area. In yet another aspect, the SASs202may allocate different frequency channels.

In some disclosed embodiments, such as in a LTE deployment in the system200, the AP212and AS214may simultaneously use multiple frequency channels. In the context of LTE, this is referred to as “carrier aggregation.” Using a carrier-aggregation mode, the AP212and AS214may select specific frequency carriers and a number of carriers to aggregate based on their frequency-channel assignments from the one or more SASs202.

FIG. 3is a schematic diagram of an exemplary shared-spectrum system300in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The system300, or variations thereof, may be used to implement components in the system200, including for example at least one of the AP212and AS214. The system300may include at least one AP310including one or more processors320, one or more memories322, and one or more I/O devices328. The AP310may be a mobile computing device, general-purpose computer, a mainframe computer, or any other wireless computing device. In some embodiments, the AP310may be implemented in a macrocell base station or tower, or alternatively, may be implemented in a small cell base station including but not limited to microcells, picocells, femtocells, or the like. In yet other embodiments, the AP310may be implemented as a stand-alone device or as a system-on-a-chip (SoC). Thus, the AP310may be a stand-alone system, or it may be implemented as a subsystem in a larger system, where one or more operations in the system300are performed using parts of the larger system.

Processor320may include one or more known processing devices. For example, the processor may be from the family of processors manufactured by Intel, Broadcom, Cavium, Freescale, TI, Qualcomm, or the like. In some embodiments, the processor may be based on the ARM architecture, MIPS architecture, or may employ any other processor architecture. In some embodiments, the processor may be a mobile processor or may be implemented in an SoC. The disclosed embodiments are not limited to any type of processor configured in AP310.

Memory322may include one or more storage devices configured to store software instructions used by the processor320to perform functions related to the disclosed embodiments. For example, the memory322may be configured to store software instructions, such as program(s)324, that perform one or more operations when executed by the processor(s)320. The disclosed embodiments are not limited to software programs or devices configured to perform dedicated tasks. For example, the memory322may include a single program324, such as a SAS-client application, that performs the functions of the disclosed embodiments, or may comprise multiple software programs. Additionally, the processor320may execute one or more programs (or portions thereof) remotely located from the AP310. For example, the AP310may access one or more remote software applications via the network340, such that, when executed, the remote applications perform at least some of the functions related to the disclosed embodiments. Furthermore, the memory322also may be configured to store data326, for example, for use by the software program(s)324.

The I/O devices328include one or more radio-frequency (RF) transmitters and one or more RF receivers configured to send and receive wireless communications. The transmitter and receiver may be implemented as a single transceiver, or alternatively may be separately implemented in the AP310. The AP may use a “radio” comprising an RF transmitter and receiver to communicate with the one or more UEs230,232, and234, for example, using any suitable wireless communication technologies or protocols, including but not limited to WiFi (IEEE 802.11), WiMAX (IEEE 802.16), LTE, WCDMA, GSM, among others. Each of the transmitters and receivers in the AP310may be tunable, programmable, and/or reconfigurable to communicate over one or more desired frequency channels. For example, the I/O devices328may include a RF transmitter that transmits wireless signals over a first frequency channel and a RF receiver that receives wireless signals over a second frequency channel, which may be the same or different than the first frequency channel.

AP310also may be communicatively coupled to one or more databases330. The database330may include one or more memory devices that store information and are accessed and/or managed through the AP310. The disclosed embodiments, however, are not limited to separate databases. In one aspect of the disclosed embodiments, the AP310may implement the database330. In another aspect, the database330may be located remotely from the AP310. Moreover, the database330may include various computing components (e.g., database management system, database server, etc.) configured to receive and process requests for data stored in the memory devices of the database330and provide data retrieved from the database330. In some embodiments, the AP310may be configured to access an Operation, Administration & Management (OA&M) server, a Network Management Server (NMS), an Element Management Server (EMS), or the like, which in turn may be configured to have access to the database330.

In some embodiments, the AP310may maintain a list of neighbor relations, for example, which may be stored as data326or in the database330. In one aspect of the disclosed embodiments, the list of neighbor relations may include information related to other APs and/or ASs (“neighbors”) in the system200, and may also identify frequency channels used by or allocated to those other APs or ASs, for example, to use in a potential hand-off process. In another aspect, the neighbor relations list may contain all the different frequency channels allocated in the shared spectrum system200. The AP310may obtain the list of frequencies allocated to neighboring APs and ASs, for example, by direct communications with the SAS350or by using the UEs230,232,234to assess which frequency channels they are configured to communicate in the system200.

It is to be understood that the configurations and boundaries of the functional building blocks shown for exemplary systems200and300have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternative implementations may be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed and fall within the scope and spirit of the invention.

FIG. 4is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary sequence of steps that may be performed during initialization of an AP in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The process ofFIG. 4may be implemented in software, hardware, or any combination thereof. For purposes of explanation and not limitation, the process400will be described in the context of system200, such that the disclosed process may be performed by software executing in the SAS202, AP212, and/or AS214.

In some embodiments, the AP212during startup may determine an initial frequency channel for transmission before receiving its first channel assignment from the SAS202. For example, the AP212may perform an optional startup provisioning process402to select an initial frequency channel. In such an embodiment, the initially-selected channel may be predetermined as a default channel within the shared spectrum. Alternatively, the AP212may assess the allocated channels of the neighboring APs to determine a suitable frequency channel to select.

Once the AP212has selected an initial frequency channel, the AP212may establish a connection404with a UE. In one aspect of the disclosed embodiments, this initial connection404may permit only limited transmissions between the AP and UE (e.g., basic signaling). In another aspect, the initial connection404may be used for communicating emergency services, for example, including but not limited to government alerts such as AMBER alerts, weather alerts, crime alerts, or other emergency alerts, or other emergency services such as providing emergency channel allocations to IA or PAL devices. The AP212may establish the limited connection404before transmitting a grant request406for a channel assignment to the SAS202. In other embodiments where the AP212does not perform such an optional startup provisioning, AP212may proceed directly to transmitting the request406to SAS202.

In one embodiment, the AP212may further provide a status indication408to the UEs as it awaits receiving its frequency allocations from the SAS202. For example, the status indication408may enable the AP212to provide channel assignment state to the UEs. In some embodiments, the AP212may implement one or more timers410to trigger further actions if it does not received its channel allocations before a timer410expires. After expiration of the one or more timers410, the AP212, for example, may flag or otherwise record the unavailability of channel assignments from the SAS202and log the event. Then, the AP212may re-request channel assignments from the SAS202, switch to a standby mode, maintain its current channel, or perform other actions.

FIG. 5is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary sequence of steps that may be performed in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The process ofFIG. 5may be implemented in software, hardware, or any combination thereof. For purposes of explanation and not limitation, the process500will be described in the context of system200, such that the disclosed process may be performed by software executing in the SAS202, AP212, and/or AS214.

In some embodiments, the AP212may send a grant request502to the SAS202. Specifically, an SAS client program executing in the AP212may send the grant request502to the SAS202to request a channel allocation. As discussed relative to exemplary process400, the AP212may initiate one or more timers504to determine whether to re-send the grant request502or perform any other actions.

In response to the grant request502, the SAS202may grant a channel assignment506to the AP212based on, for example, the availability of frequency channels in system200, the usage requirements of IA, PA, and GAA devices in the system, and/or quality of service (QoS) or other priority-access determinations. The channel-assignment grant may specify, for example, the start time for the grant, the duration for which the grant is valid, and a list of one or more channel frequencies to be used during the grant period, among other things. Depending on the availability of the channels, the one or more channel frequencies identified in the grant506may be a set of contiguous or non-contiguous channels. In some embodiments where the shared spectrum comprises multiple frequency bands, the assignment may be intra-band, inter-band, or any combination of available channels within the shared spectrum.

After the AP212receives the channel assignment506, it may terminate any unexpired timers504or may simply ignore the timers504because the grant request has led to a successful channel assignment from the SAS202. In a further aspect of the disclosed embodiments, the AP212may initiate one or more new timers to track the start of the grant period, the duration of the grant period, and/or the expiration of the grant period, etc.

At the start of the grant period identified with the channel assignment506, the AP212may configure its radio according to the channel assignment as shown in step508. Because the channel assignment506may contain multiple channels, the AP212may have the ability to select the most suitable frequency channel for its QoS needs and/or other optimization criteria. For example, the SAS202may have allocated channels f1, f3, f5to the AP212. In this example, the AP212may select the most suitable channel based its current QoS needs. For example, the AP212may compare its transmission channel for the existing grant period and the channels allocated for the next grant period. In the situation where the current transmission channel overlaps with the new channel allocation, the AP212may maintain the current transmission channel to avoid having to switch frequencies.

In another aspect, the AP212may select the most suitable channel based on various optimization criteria. Further to the above example, the neighbor relations list for AP212may indicate that AS214has been allocated frequency channels f1, f3, f6and is currently transmitting using channel f3. By way of further example, in a redundant deployment scheme the AP212may have information that the entire deployment area can be simultaneously covered by the frequency channels f1and f3. Thus, the AP212may select to use frequency channel f1as the most suitable channel for purposes of providing redundancy within the system200. Additional details related to an exemplary redundant deployment are illustrated inFIG. 14a. As shown inFIG. 14a, the entire deployment area simultaneously may be covered by channels fAand fB. Thus, the AP1and AP2inFIG. 14amay select different channels to provide redundancy.

In another aspect of the disclosed embodiments, the optimization criteria implemented in AP212may be used to prevent gaps in the coverage areas as illustrated inFIG. 14b. In such an aspect, AP3ofFIG. 14bmay select the same frequency channel fAas the other access points AP1and AP2to fill the coverage gap with the same operating frequency and ensure that UE mobility is not affected, e.g., should the UE move out of the coverage range of AP1and into the coverage range of AP3. Other optimization criteria may be possible, and the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the examples discussed above or shown inFIGS. 14aand14b.

In some embodiments where the AP212may simultaneously use multiple frequency channels, such as in carrier aggregation mode in LTE, the AP212may select which channels to aggregate and how many channels to aggregate from the channel assignment it receives in the channel assignment grant506. In some embodiments, the AP212may be able to use all of the allocated frequency channels for transmitting over a carrier-aggregated connection.

In order to dynamically allocate the spectrum, the SAS202generally may wait for the AP212to initiate the grant request as described in exemplary process500. However, in some embodiments, the SAS202may also initiate the channel assignment without having received a grant request from the AP212. Additional details related to such embodiments are illustrated inFIG. 13.

FIG. 6is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary sequence of steps that may be performed in the disclosed embodiments. The process ofFIG. 6may be implemented in software, hardware, or any combination thereof. For purposes of explanation and not limitation, the process600will be described in the context of system200, such that the disclosed process may be performed by software executing in the SAS202, AP212, and/or AS214.

As shown inFIG. 6, the AP212and the UEs may have existing active connections602. These active connections602may continue until the expiration of the existing grant at step610. In order to facilitate a smooth transition to the next channel assignment, in some embodiments the AP212may send a new grant request604to the SAS202before the existing grant period expires for the AP's currently-allocated channels. In such embodiments, the AP212may determine the amount of time the SAS102needs to assign a new frequency-channel grant and the amount of time the AP212needs to transition to a new frequency channel after receiving a new grant. To minimize any disruption to the active connections602, the AP212may send the grant request604to ensure adequate time for both the SAS202and AP212.

In a dynamic spectrum allocation system, however, the SAS202may not be able to process an AP's request for new frequency-channel allocations too much in advance of the expiration of the existing channel grant. Because the SAS202dynamically assigns frequency channels, the SAS202may need to wait until closer to the end of the existing grant before assessing which frequency channels may be available to grant to the AP212. For example, the period between the AP212sending the new grant request604and the beginning of its transition period at step610may be relatively short. Alternatively, there may be situations where the SAS202can determine the new frequency-channel allocations well in advance of the existing grant expiring, for example, if the deployment has a preferential scheme such as discussed above. In such an example, the SAS202may be able to determine the new frequency assignment based on the scheme. Yet other deployments of system200may have a more static nature for channel assignments. For example, if the deployment area is not crowded with IA, PA, or GAA devices, the SAS202may not need to reassign frequencies often.

After receiving the new grant request604, the SAS202may return a new channel assignment606to the AP212. The AP212, after receiving the new channel assignment606, may select a suitable frequency channel from among the channels in channel assignment606to use during the next grant period in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. In preparation for the transition to the new frequency channel, the AP212may preemptively send frequency redirect messages608to the UEs (e.g., one for each UE) before the start of a transition period620. The transition period is the period where the AP212performs steps to switch to the new frequency channel, such as configuring one or more radio transmitters and receivers to communicate over the new frequency channel. During this transition period620, the current grant may expire (step610) before the AP212configures its radio to the new frequency channel, or vice versa. In some embodiments, the AP212may send the frequency redirect messages608to UEs with active connections602and to any UEs in idle mode.

In some disclosed embodiments using LTE, the AP212may send the frequency redirect message using a RRC-Reconfiguration message. In LTE, the RRC-Reconfiguration message may be used for connection establishment and release functions as well as in a handover procedure. In such embodiments, the RRC-Reconfiguration message may contain an indicator of the new channel assignment606. In some exemplary embodiments, the AP212may use the Mobility Control Information Element in the RRC-Reconfiguration message to indicate the new channel assignment606. Thus, the AP212, while terminating the active connection at step610, may use the RRC-Reconfiguration message to notify the UEs to start searching for the new frequency. Similar steps can also be taken for UEs in idle mode.

In some disclosed embodiments using LTE, the AP212may also send the frequency redirect message using a RRC-Connection-Release message. In such embodiments, the RRC-Connection-Release message may contain an indicator of the new channel assignment606. Furthermore, the RRC-Connection-Release message may also enable the frequencies be provided based on a determined priority list. The disclosed embodiments are not limited to the exemplary techniques or messages described herein, and other suitable messages may also be used consistent with the disclosed embodiments.

In a further aspect of the disclosed embodiments, the AP212may determine the timing for sending out the frequency redirect messages608by estimating the amount of time it needs for the transition620. In this manner, the AP212may send the frequency redirect messages608prior to the transition period620to ensure that the UEs have sufficient time to find the new frequency quickly and smoothly. During the transition period620, the AP212may configure its radio to the new frequency at step612. The exact timing may depend on the new channel assignment608from the SAS102. In some embodiments, the new grant may coincide with the expiration of the current grant. In some embodiments, the SAS202may stagger the transition based on the existing needs of the system200and/or potential conflicts between IA, PA, and GAA devices. During the transition period, the UEs may be looking for transmissions from the AP212over the new frequency channel. Thus, after the AP212configures its radio to the new frequency channel, new connections614using the new frequency channel may be immediately established with each UE and the previous connections602may be discontinued.

In some embodiments, the frequency redirect messages608may also include a set of one or more timers with different epochs to indicate when the UEs should use the new frequency channel. In such embodiments, each timer or epoch may be associated with a frequency channel to enable the UEs to establish the new connections614at the appropriate time.

FIG. 7is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary sequence of steps that may be performed in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The process ofFIG. 7may be implemented in software, hardware, or any combination thereof. For purposes of explanation and not limitation, the process700will be described in the context of system200, such that the disclosed process may be performed by software executing in the SAS202, AP212, and/or AS214.

In some embodiments, the system200may have one or more access points. In such embodiments, the SAS202may use the multi-AP deployment to ensure a smooth transition of frequency channels used for connections between APs and ASs and UEs. For example, after the SAS assigns a new frequency channel to an AP, such that the UEs communicating with that AP need to change to a different frequency channel, the AP's connections to one or more of the UEs may be handed off to another AP that uses a different frequency channel.

FIG. 7illustrates an exemplary system including at least AP1and AP2, SAS202, and multiple UEs. For purposes of explanation and not limitation,FIG. 7shows active connections702between the UEs and AP1; however, AP2may also have active connections with one or more UEs in the system200.

In this exemplary embodiment, AP1and AP2respectively may send new grant requests704a,704bto the SAS202before the existing grant of AP1expires at step714. The SAS202may recognize that AP2may be available to help transition the UEs connected to AP1to a new channel allocation. For example, AP2may be covering the same coverage area as AP1. As part of its channel allocation, the SAS202may choose to stagger the frequencies used on AP1and AP2to ensure the new frequency channel may be available on AP2at step710(when AP2configures its radio for the new frequency channel) before the current grant of AP1expires at step714.

In another aspect, the SAS202may monitor the activities of the APs in the system200. For example, AP1may be loaded with a large number of active connections to UEs, and other APs in the system200, such as AP2, may be less loaded with fewer active connections. In such an example, the SAS202may minimize the number of UEs affected by the transition by ensuring the UEs on the highly-loaded AP1may transition to the new frequency channel on AP2. Thus, when AP1sends a new grant request704ato the SAS202seeking a new frequency-channel allocation, the SAS202may send a new channel assignment706ato AP1and also send a new channel assignments to the less-heavily loaded AP2. For example, the SAS202may send a new channel assignment706bto AP2without having received a new grant request704bfrom AP2. Similar channel transitions between APs may be made for APs that need to quickly change frequencies because of emergency or high-priority calls.

Using the new channel assignments706a,706b, the SAS202may stagger the frequency switching on the two APs. For example, the SAS202may transmit to AP1a new channel assignment706a. The new channel assignment706afor AP1may include the new frequency allocation, and it may also indicate that the new grant will begin after the expiration of the existing grant. By setting the new grant to begin after the current grant expires, AP1may continue to transmit using its current channel all the way up to the expiration point714. To AP2, the SAS202may transmit a new channel assignment706b. In order to stagger the transition, the new channel assignment706bfor AP2, for example, may include the same frequency allocation but indicate a start time for using the new frequency channel before AP1's current grant expires. Thus, AP2may configure its radio at step710before the expiration of AP1's current grant at step714.

In a further aspect of the disclosed embodiments, AP1may transmit frequency redirect messages708to the UEs. The frequency redirect messages708may include information relating to the new frequency channel. The messages708may also include information related to the neighbor relations. The UEs, after receiving the frequency redirect messages708, may start searching for whether the new frequency is currently being used on any of the other APs in the system200. If the UEs find the new frequency at a different AP, for example AP2, they may establish a new active connection712with AP2and terminate their connection702with AP1before the grant for the current frequency channel expires at step714. Although not shown inFIG. 7, AP2also may use frequency redirect messages to notify its active UEs to switch frequency, such as shown inFIG. 6.

FIG. 8is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary sequence of steps that may be performed for switching frequency channels using multiple radios in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The process ofFIG. 8may be implemented in software, hardware, or any combination thereof. For purposes of explanation and not limitation, the process800will be described in the context of system200, such that the disclosed process may be performed by software executing in the SAS202, AP212, and/or AS214.

In some embodiments, the AP212and/or the AS214may comprise APs that have multiple radios that can transmit and receive different frequencies at the same time. In such embodiments, the APs may use the multiple radios to ensure a smooth transition of frequencies. For example, the new frequency channel may be made available on one of the radios before the transition period, so that the new frequency channel may be available without any delay to the UEs. As shown inFIG. 8, the AP212may have multiple radios (e.g., each vertical line below “AP” represents use of a different radio in the same AP), For purposes of explanation and not limitation,FIG. 8shows the UEs having active connections802with one of the radios in the AP212. It is to be understood that the AP212may also have active connections with one or more UEs on the other radio as well.

Similar to exemplary process700, the AP212may stagger the frequency switching on one of its radios to ensure that a new frequency channel may be available before the expiration of the SAS's channel grant for an existing frequency channel, at step812. The process may begin with AP212sending a new grant request804to the SAS202. Based on the needs of the system200and/or various optimization criteria, the SAS202may send a new channel assignment806to the AP212.

In this illustrative embodiment, the AP212may determine the most suitable method to transition the UEs to the new frequency. In one embodiment, the AP212may determine that one of its radios may be lightly loaded. The AP212may send frequency redirect messages808to the UEs communicating with the AP on its higher loaded radio, so those UEs may temporary switch their connections to the other radio in the AP. The AP transitions the connections802from the higher-loaded radio to connections810on the more lightly loaded radio, and may further reconfigure the higher-loaded radio to the new frequency at step814. Then the AP212may follow the same process to redirect the UEs back to the original radio, thereby transitioning the UE connections810back to the original radio and establishing new connections816on the original radio using a new frequency allocation.

In another exemplary embodiment, the transition from one radio to the other radio may be nearly simultaneous. In such an embodiment, the AP212may stop transmitting on one of its radios and attempt to simultaneously (or nearly simultaneously) activate the new frequency channel on another radio. Thus, the AP212may be able to switch to the new frequency without any substantial gap in time.

In some embodiments, the AP212may have multiple radios for different wireless communication technologies. For example, the AP212may have separate radios for CBRS (e.g., 3.5 GHz) and MAN (e.g., 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) communications. In such embodiments, the AP212may preemptively transition the UEs on active connections802from a frequency on a CBRS-configured radio to a different radio configured to communicate using a WLAN frequency, or vice versa. Thus, from a user-experience perspective, there is no substantial disruption or intermission in transitioning the UE connections between different radios configured to communicate using different wireless technologies. Other coordinated deployments may also be possible. For example, the AP may have integrated small cell capabilities, Bluetooth, NFC, or the like.

FIG. 9is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary sequence of steps that may be performed for switching frequencies with dual-context UEs in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. A dual-context UE may establish concurrent connections with different types of wireless systems, such as with APs configured to communicate using CBRS and WLAN or other non-CBRS frequencies. The process ofFIG. 9may be implemented in software, hardware, or any combination thereof. For purposes of explanation and not limitation, the process900will be described in the context of system200, such that the disclosed process may be performed by software executing in the SAS202, AP212, and/or AS214.

In some embodiments, the UEs may have the capability to maintain one or more communication contexts, including for example state information, associated with concurrent connections with APs in different types of wireless networks. For example, the UEs may have multiple radios to simultaneously establish connections to multiple wireless networks and can maintain separate contexts for each of those networks. As shown inFIG. 9, for example, the UEs may be able to maintain a connection902awith a non-CBRS wireless access point and a connection902bwith the AP212. For purposes of explanation and not limitation,FIG. 9shows the UEs maintaining an active connection with a non-CBRS. It is to be understood that the UEs may maintain multiple active connections with any wireless networks and any wireless technologies.

In the disclosed embodiments ofFIG. 9, the AP212may leverage use of the UE's non-CBRS connection to coordinate the transition to a new frequency channel. In one aspect, for example, the AP212may use frequency redirect messages908to preemptively transition the UEs to direct all their data flows to the non-CBRS connections910. In one example, the UEs may be connected simultaneously to the AP over a frequency channel in the 3.5 GHz CBRS band and also connected to a base station in a macro cellular network or otherwise may have access to macro cellular network coverage. In this example, the AP212may redirect the UE connections902bto the macro cellular network during its transition period. In this manner, the UEs may maintain a connection910, which combines the connections902aand connections902b, before and/or during the transition period of AP212to a new frequency channel, which the AP begins when its existing frequency-channel grant expires at step912. The AP212configures its radio to the new frequency channel at step914. The AP may send another frequency redirect message (not shown) so the UEs may be redirected back to the AP212to establish a connection916over the new frequency channel, after which the UEs again maintain separate connections to the AP and non-CBRS access points. In this way, the AP212may be able to switch frequencies without creating any significant disruption from a user-experience perspective.

FIG. 10is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary sequence of steps that may be performed using call admission control in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The process ofFIG. 10may be implemented in software, hardware, or any combination thereof. For purposes of explanation and not limitation, the process1000will be described in the context of system200, such that the disclosed process may be performed by software executing in the SAS202, AP212, and/or AS214.

In these disclosed embodiments, the AP212may use call admission control to selectively establish connections with UEs before and after the transition period. As shown inFIG. 10, the AP may have established UE connections1002and may send a grant request1004to request an updated set of frequency assignments from the SAS. In response, the SAS returns a new channel assignment message1006and the AP may send frequency redirect messages to the UEs as previous discussed.

The system200also may include at least one “new” UE that is not currently connected to any APs. If the new UEs attempts to establish a connection with the AP close in time to when the AP's existing grant expires at step1014, for example, the AP's call admission control may reject the requested new connection if the frequency redirect messages1008were sent to existing UEs before the new UE attempted to establish a new connection. The AP212may use call admission control prior to the transition period (starting at step1014) to prevent the attempted new connection1010from being established.

For example, the new UE may send a new connection request to the AP212at step1012. But because the AP212may be transitioning to the new frequency channel, the AP's call admission control may deny the new connection request. In some aspects, the call admission control1012may allow such new connection request under certain circumstances. For example, the new connection request may be a high priority connection request, an emergency connection request, or the like, which the call admission control procedure would permit the AP to establish at step1012.

In a further aspect, the call admission control may be used after the transition period, e.g., after the radio is configured to the new frequency at step1016. As shown inFIG. 10, the AP212may be highly loaded with multiple active connections1002. After the transition period at step1016, the AP212may receive multiple connection requests from the UEs. The AP212may use call admission control during this period1020to selectively establish new connections1018with the UEs using the new frequency. In some aspects, the AP212may use its call admission control procedure to ensure that the connections1018are made based on priority. For example, the AP212may establish the connections1018so that high-priority requests are connected first. Alternatively, the connections may be established based on the QoS requirements of the AP212and/or UEs.

FIGS. 11 and 12are flow diagrams illustrating exemplary sequences of steps that may be performed for switching frequencies using carrier aggregated connections in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The exemplary processes shown inFIGS. 11 and 12may be implemented in software, hardware, or any combination thereof. For purposes of explanation and not limitation, the processes1100and1200will be described in the context of system200, such that the disclosed processes may be performed by software executing in the SAS202, AP212, and/or AS214.

In some embodiments, the APs in the system200may have the capability to simultaneously use multiple frequency channels for communicating with UEs. For example, in LTE, the APs may be able to aggregate one or more carriers during transmission. As shown inFIGS. 11 and 12, the connections1102,1202between the AP212and the UEs may comprise multiple carrier channels, each at a different frequency. Furthermore, these “aggregated” frequency channels within a single connection may be separated into primary channels and secondary channels.

In some instances, the SAS202may request the AP212to switch only a subset of the frequencies that are currently active. In such instances, the AP212may have different options depending on which channels should be switched.FIG. 11shows an exemplary sequence of steps that may be performed to switch the frequencies of secondary channels in the connections1102,1202. InFIG. 11, the SAS202may send a new channel assignment1106in response to a new grant request1104. The new channel assignment may include a list of available frequencies for the next grant period. The AP212may determine that only a subset of the frequencies that are currently active needs to be switched. Further, the AP212may determine that only the secondary channels should have their frequencies changed. During the transition period starting when the existing channel grant expires at step1108, the AP212may maintain the primary channels in connection1110, but discontinue at least one secondary channel in the connection. At step1112, the AP212may configure the radio to transmit using the new frequency for the secondary channels. After the secondary channels are reestablished at the new frequency, the connection1114may again comprise both primary and secondary channels. Thus any disruption to the transmission may be limited to only the secondary channels.

FIG. 12shows an exemplary sequence of steps that may be performed to switch the frequencies of the primary channels in a connection. Similar toFIG. 11, the SAS202may send a new channel assignment1206in response to a new grant request1204. The new channel assignment, however, may require the primary channels to be switched to a different frequency. In such a case, the AP212may have multiple options to switch the primary channels. In some embodiments, the AP212may send a frequency redirect message1208to the UEs in accordance with the disclosed embodiments discussed previously, so the UEs may redirect their transmissions using a new frequency. The frequency redirect message may redirect the UEs based on any of the disclosed embodiments depending on the specific deployment within the system200. In some embodiment, for example in LTE, the AP212may use load balancing techniques to temporary transfer the UEs on the primary channels to the secondary channels. This may allow the AP212to transition the frequency for the primary channels with minimal disruptions to the transmission. After the transition is complete, the connection1214may be established for all the affected UEs.

FIG. 13is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary sequence of steps that may be performed for switching spectrum based on specific events in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The process ofFIG. 13may be implemented in software, hardware, or any combination thereof. For purposes of explanation and not limitation, the process1300will be described in the context of system200, such that the disclosed process may be performed by software executing in the SAS202, AP212, and/or AS214.

In the foregoing disclosed embodiments, the SAS202generally may wait for a grant request message before transmitting a new channel assignment message to the AP212. In some embodiments, however, the SAS202may transmit a new channel assignment without having previously received a grant request message from the AP. As shown inFIG. 13, the UEs and AP212may have active connections1302, but an event may arise at step1304. The event, for example, may be an emergency due to sudden needs of IA and/or PAL users. For example, the military (e.g., a Federal incumbent user), commercial satellite services (e.g. a non-Federal incumbent user), and/or the emergency response services (e.g., PAL users) may suddenly require additional bandwidth. Alternatively, the SAS202may dynamically allocate additional resources to certain APs based on the overall load of the system200, the current needs of the APs, QoS requirements, and/or other optimization reasons. In such embodiments, the SAS202may transmit a new channel assignment1306to the AP112without having received a prior grant request from the AP112. The AP112, after receiving the new grant assignment1306, may transmit frequency redirect messages1308to the UEs, reconfigure its radio (step1310), and establish new connections1312using the newly granted frequency, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the exemplary process1300described herein may be applicable to any of the disclosed embodiments.

Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments being indicated by the following claims. It is to be understood that the examples and descriptions in this disclosure have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. The disclosed systems and methods are not limited to these simplified examples, and other features and characteristics may be considered so long as the specified functions are appropriately performed.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been discussed with respect to CBRS and/or LTE for purposes of discussion and explanation, persons skilled in the art will appreciate the useful applications of the disclosed methods, systems, and apparatuses for switching frequencies in a dynamic spectrum allocation system. Moreover, although aspects of the disclosed embodiments are described as being associated with data stored in memory and other tangible computer-readable storage mediums, one skilled in the art will appreciate that these aspects can be stored on and executed from many types of tangible computer-readable media. Further, certain processes and steps of the disclosed embodiments are described in a particular order, one skilled in the art will appreciate that practice of the disclosed embodiments are not so limited and could be accomplished in many ways. Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the above-described examples, but instead are defined by the appended claims in light of their full scope of equivalents.