SHARED SPECTRUM COORDINATION

Various arrangements for coordinating shared spectrum usage between fixed communication systems and flexible communication systems are provided. A network interference management system can detect signal interference events at satellite receivers configured to receive data from satellites utilizing predefined frequency bands. The network interference management system can determine a plurality of characteristics for the satellite receivers including a geographic location where the satellite receiver is located and an alignment for the satellite receiver. Based on the plurality of characteristics, an interference source can be identified and an indication of the signal interference event can be transmitted to the interference source by the network interference management system to cause the interference source to modify one or more operations.

BACKGROUND

As radio spectrum becomes more heavily used, it can be possible to reuse particular frequencies. A first entity may have the senior rights to a frequency band (or particular frequency). A second entity may be permitted to operate within the same frequency band as long as little or no interference with the first entity results. Such an arrangement may be possible if interference caused by the second entity is detected and the second entity takes corrective action to avoid further interference.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments are described related to a method for coordinating shared spectrum usage between fixed communication systems and flexible communication systems. The method may comprise detecting, by a network interference management system, a signal interference event at a satellite receiver. The satellite receiver may be configured to receive data from a satellite utilizing a predefined frequency band. The method may further comprise determining, by the network interference management system, a plurality of characteristics of the satellite receiver. The plurality of characteristics may comprise a geographic location where the satellite receiver is located and an alignment for the satellite receiver wherein the alignment is indicative of a field of view of the satellite receiver, and the satellite is within the field of view. The method may further comprise identifying, by the network interference management system and based at least in part on the plurality of characteristics, an interference source, wherein the interference source emits electromagnetic radiation within the predefined frequency band. The method may further comprise transmitting, by the network interference management system, an indication of the signal interference event to the interference source wherein the transmitted indication of the signal interference event causes the interference source to modify an operation of the interference source.

Embodiments of such a method may include on or more of the following features: wherein identifying the interference source comprises identifying, from a plurality of cellular network base stations configured to transmit cellular network data, an interfering base station located within the field of view of the satellite receiver. The method may further comprise receiving network activity data for the interfering base station, wherein the network activity data is indicative of times and frequencies at which the interfering base station transmitted the cellular network data to devices connected to a cellular network. The method may further comprise determining that the network activity data coincides with the signal interference event. The method may further comprise detecting a plurality of signal interference events comprising the signal interference event at a plurality of satellite receivers comprising the satellite receiver. The method may further comprise determining, for each of the plurality of satellite receivers, the plurality of characteristics. Identifying the interference source may further comprise identifying, from a plurality of cellular network base stations, an interfering base station located within the field of view of the satellite receiver and the fields of view of at least two other satellite receivers of the plurality of satellite receivers.

In some embodiments, the satellite receiver comprises a plurality of antenna feeds and identifying the interference source further comprises determining an amount of signal interference detected by each antenna feed of the plurality of antenna feeds. The method may further comprise receiving, at an active detector coupled with the satellite receiver, the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the interference source. The method may further comprise generating, by the active detector and based on the electromagnetic radiation received at the active detector, the signal interference event, wherein the signal interference event comprises at least one of an identification of the interference source, a frequency at which the electromagnetic radiation was received; or an angle of arrival of the electromagnetic radiation at the active detector. The method may further comprise transmitting the signal interference event to a satellite communication system coupled with the satellite.

In some embodiments the signal interference event is transmitted to the satellite communication system from the satellite receiver via the satellite. In some embodiments, the signal interference event is transmitted to the satellite communication system from the active detector via the interference source. In some embodiments, determining the alignment for the satellite receiver comprises determining an orbital location of the satellite. Determining the alignment for the satellite receiver may further comprise determining, based on the geographic location where the satellite receiver is located and the orbital location of the satellite, an elevation and an azimuth that positions the satellite within the field of view of the satellite receiver.

The method may further comprise determining, based on the signal interference event, a sub-band of the predefined frequency band at which the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the interference source causes interference at the satellite receiver. The method may further comprise disabling emissions by the interference source at the sub-band of the predefined frequency band. The method may further comprise determining, based on the geographic location for the satellite receiver and a location of the interference source, an emission angle from the interference source at which the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the interference source causes interference at the satellite receiver. The method may further comprise spatially filtering emission of the electromagnetic radiation at the emission angle. In some embodiments, the satellite is controlled by a satellite communication system. In some embodiments, the satellite communication system comprises the network interference management system. In some embodiments, the satellite is controlled by a satellite communication system communicatively coupled with the network interference management system and the method further comprises transmitting, by the satellite communication system, the signal interference event and the plurality of characteristics of the satellite receiver to the network interference management system.

In some embodiments, a shared spectrum communication system is described. The system may comprise a satellite configured to transmit data utilizing a predefined frequency band. The system may further comprise a satellite receiver configured to receive the data from the satellite. The system may further comprise a cellular network system comprising a plurality of base stations, wherein each base station of the plurality of base stations is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation within the predefined frequency band. The system may further comprise a network interference management system. The network interference management system may be configured to detect a signal interference event at the satellite receiver. The network interference management system may be further configured to determine a plurality of characteristics for the satellite receiver. The plurality of characteristics may comprise a geographic location where the satellite receiver is located and an alignment for the satellite receiver, wherein the alignment is indicative of a field of view of the satellite receiver, and the satellite is within the field of view. The network interference management system may be further configured to identify, based at least in part on the plurality of characteristics, an interfering base station of the plurality of base stations. The network interference management system may be further configured to transmit an indication of the signal interference event to the cellular network system wherein the transmitted indication of the signal interference event causes the interfering base station to modify an operation of the interfering base station.

Embodiments of such a system may include one or more of the following features: wherein identifying the interfering base station comprises identifying a base station of the plurality of base stations located within the field of view of the satellite receiver. The system may further comprise a plurality of satellite receivers comprising the satellite receiver, wherein the network interference management system is further configured to detect a plurality of signal interference events at the plurality of satellite receivers, the plurality of signal interference events comprising the signal interference event. The network interference management system may be further configured to determine, for each of the plurality of satellite receivers, the plurality of characteristics. The network interference management system may be further configured to identify, from a plurality of cellular network base stations, an interfering base station located within the fields of view of at least two other satellite receivers of the plurality of satellite receivers. The system may further comprise a satellite communication system comprising the satellite, the satellite receiver, and the network interference management system.

In some embodiments, a network interference management system is described. The network interference management system may be configured to perform operations including detecting a signal interference event at a satellite receiver, wherein the satellite receiver is configured to receive data from a satellite utilizing a predefined frequency band. The network interference management system may be further configured to perform operations including determining a plurality of characteristics of the satellite receiver. The plurality of characteristics may comprise a geographic location where the satellite receiver is located and an alignment for the satellite receiver, wherein the alignment is indicative of a field of view of the satellite receiver, and the satellite is within the field of view. The network interference management system may be further configured to perform operations including identifying an interference source, wherein the interference source emits electromagnetic radiation within the predefined frequency band. The network interference management system may be further configured to perform operations including transmitting an indication of the signal interference event to the interference source wherein the transmitted indication of the signal interference event causes the interference source to modify an operation of the interference source.

Embodiments of such a network interference management system may include one or more of the following features: wherein identifying the interference source comprises identifying, from a plurality of cellular network base stations configured to transmit cellular network data, an interfering base station located within the field of view of the satellite receiver. In some embodiments, the satellite is controlled by a satellite communication system and the satellite communication system comprises the network interference management system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A situation where multiple entities may have the rights to the same frequency band can involve a senior satellite-based user and a junior cellular network user. The senior satellite user may be an entity that operates on a particular frequency band and has senior rights to the frequency band. The junior cellular network user may be permitted to use the same frequency band as long as little or no interference occurs with the senior satellite-based user’s use of the frequency band.

Such an arrangement poses several unique challenges. First, cellular networks involve the use of many base stations transmitting at various frequencies within the particular frequency band. Even when interference is detected, there may be many possible base stations from which to choose as the source of the interference. Second, the satellite-based user and the cellular network user may be controlled and operated by separate entities. Once interference is detected by the satellite-based user, reducing or eliminating the interference by the cellular network user may include coordination between the separate entities.

Embodiments detailed herein can deal with these challenges and others. A feedback arrangement between a satellite operator and the cellular network may be established. Using the location of satellite receivers experiencing interference, an interfering base station of the many possible base stations may be identified based on the relative locations of the base station and the satellite receivers. After identifying the interfering base station, corrective action may be taken at the interfering base station to avoid further interference by the base station.

Further detail regarding these and other embodiments is provided in relation to the figures.FIG.1illustrates a block diagram of spectrum sharing system100for multiple communication systems according to some embodiments. Spectrum sharing system100can include cellular network communication system110, satellite communication system130, and interference management system150. Each subsystem of spectrum sharing system100may be controlled by a single entity. For example, a single entity may control the operations of cellular network communication system110and satellite communication system130. In this example, the entity may use a system, such as interference management system150to coordinate the activities of cellular network communication system110and satellite communication system130. In some embodiments, each subsystem of spectrum sharing system100is controlled by a separate entity. For example, a first entity may control cellular network communication system110, a second entity may control satellite communication system130, and a third entity may utilize interference management system150to coordinate between the first and second entities.

Cellular network communication system110may be a telecommunication system configured to provide wireless voice and/or data transmission between multiple nodes. For example, cellular network communication system110may provide a voice communication connection between User Equipment (UE)120-1and UE120-2. Cellular network communication system110may also provide a wireless connection between a plurality of nodes and the public switched telephone network and/or the Internet. For example, cellular network communication system110may provide a connection between UE120and the Internet.

Cellular Network communication system110may utilize one or more base stations115to transmit data between UE120and cellular network communication system110. One or more base stations115may be distributed across a geographic area to create a cellular network for voice and/or data communications. Each base station115may provide services from cellular network communication system110to one or more UE120located within a region of the geographic area. The geographic area may be divided into multiple cells, or coverage areas, serviced by one or more base stations, such as base station115. Base station115may be a structure with a fixed terrestrial location. Alternatively, base station115may be a satellite. For example, base station115may be a satellite in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) or Mid Earth Orbit (MEO). In some embodiments, base station115is one of a plurality of base stations comprising other satellites and/or other terrestrial structures.

Base station115may include one or more antennas and/or electronic communications equipment. The one or more antennas may configure base station115to emit electromagnetic radiation within a predefined frequency band. The predefined frequency band may include one or more electromagnetic frequency bands suitable for wireless communication, such as 12.2-12.7 GHz. The electromagnetic radiation may be used to wirelessly transmit data to UE120within a geographic proximity to base station115. In some embodiments, base station115selects from a plurality of frequency sub-bands within the predefined frequency band on which to transmit and/or receive data. For example, base station115may select one or more sub-bands within the predefined frequency band to avoid using other sub-bands currently in use by adjacent base stations.

UE120can represent various types of end-user devices, such as smartphones, cellular modems, cellular-enabled computerized devices, sensor devices, gaming devices, access points (Aps), any computerized device capable of communicating via electromagnetic radiation at predefined frequency bands, etc. Depending on the location, UE120may receive data from base station115at one of a plurality of frequency sub-bands within a predefined frequency band. For example, UE120may receive data from base station115within a first frequency sub-band when UE120is located within a first sector extending from base station115and receive data from base station115within a second frequency sub-band when UE120is located within a second sector extending from base station115.

Satellite communication system130may be a telecommunication system configured to distribute information via satellite transmissions. Satellite communication system130may distribute various types of data such as television, telephone, radio, data, and any information capable of wireless transmission. Satellite communication system130may distribute data using one or more satellites140. Satellites140may relay uplinked data received from satellite communication system130to one or more satellite receivers135. In some embodiments, satellite communication system130, satellites140, and satellite receivers135make up a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) system such as a satellite television system.

Satellites140may transmit data to satellite receivers135utilizing a predefined frequency band, such as 12.2-12.7 GHz. Each satellite receiver135may be configured to receive the data as a wireless transmission within the predefined frequency band from one or more satellites140via direct line of sight transmission. Each satellite receiver135may include a parabolic antenna configured to reflect electromagnetic radiation from a dish into one or more antenna feeds. In some embodiments, each satellite receiver135is configured to receive data from a single satellite140. For example, a parabolic antenna of satellite receiver135-1may be aligned with satellite140while a parabolic antenna of satellite receiver135-2is aligned with a different satellite.

Each satellite receiver135may be associated with a plurality of characteristics including a geographic location where each respective satellite receiver135is located. Additionally, or alternatively, the plurality of characteristics may include an alignment for the satellite receiver and/or a parabolic antenna of the satellite receiver. The alignment may include an elevation angle and an azimuth angle. The elevation angle may be the angle of separation between a beam pointing direction of a parabolic antenna and a horizontal plane. The azimuth angle may be a rotational angle around a vertical axis with respect to a fixed heading. For example, a satellite receiver with an alignment including an elevation angle of 45 degrees and an azimuth angle of 180 degrees may indicate that a parabolic antenna of the satellite receiver is pointing due south at an angle of 45 degrees above the horizon.

In some embodiments, the alignment for a satellite receiver is indicative of a field of view of the satellite receiver. For example, based on the alignment and the radiation pattern of a particular parabolic antenna, a field of view within which electromagnetic radiation may be received by the parabolic antenna may be determined. Each satellite receiver135may be configured such that at least one satellite140is within the field of view. For example, satellite receiver135-1and satellite receiver135-2may each be aligned such that satellite140is in the field of view of each respective satellite receiver135.

In some embodiments, the electromagnetic radiation emitted by a base station causes interference at one or more satellite receivers. For example, if base station115is within the field of view of satellite receiver135-1and emitting electromagnetic radiation within the same predefined frequency band as satellite140, interference can result in satellite receiver135-1being unable to receive data transmissions from satellite140. In the embodiments detailed herein, the operator of satellite communication system130and/or satellites140is the senior user of the predefined frequency band. Accordingly, cellular network communication system110is required to not interfere with the operations of satellites140and/or satellite communication system130.

Interference management system150may be one or more computer servers or a process hosted on a cloud-based computing platform. Interference management system150may be in communication with cellular network communication system110and/or satellite communication system130. In some embodiments, satellite communication system130includes interference management system150. Alternatively, interference management system150may be controlled by an independent entity separate from cellular network communication system110and/or satellite communication system130.

Interference management system150may be configured to coordinate the use of the predefined frequency band by cellular network communication system110and satellite communication system130. For example, interference management system150may receive indications of interference by cellular network communication system110with communications between satellites140and satellite receivers135and cause cellular network communication system110to modify one or more operations to avoid further interference. Further detail regarding interference management system150is provided in relation toFIG.3.

FIG.2illustrates a geographical region200within which multiple communication systems operate according to some embodiments. Geographical region200may correspond to one or more cells, or coverage areas, within which a cellular network communication system, such as cellular network communication system110as described above, provides cellular network services. Geographical region200may also be within a coverage area of a satellite communication system, such as satellite communication system130as described above. For example, a satellite communication system may operate one or more satellites, such as satellite240, above geographical region200in order to provide one or more types of services, such as satellite television.

As illustrated, geographical region200includes a plurality of satellite receivers235. The plurality of satellite receivers235may be the same or operate in a similar manner as satellite receivers135as described above. For example, each of the plurality of satellite receivers235may be configured to receive data from satellite240. Satellite240may transmit data utilizing a predefined frequency band. In some embodiments, satellite240is in a fixed position relative to each of the plurality of satellite receivers235. For example, satellite240may be in a geostationary, or geosynchronous, orbit above the earth’s equator at a predefined longitude. Depending on its position in geostationary orbit, one or more antennas coupled with satellite240may transmit data to satellite receivers within a particular coverage area of the earth’s surface. For example, if satellite240were positioned at a longitude in the western hemisphere, satellite240might provide coverage to parts of North, Central, or South America.

Each of the plurality of satellite receivers235may include a respective alignment that achieves a direct line of sight between the satellite receiver and satellite240. Achieving a direct line of sight between the satellite receiver and satellite240may include aligning the satellite receiver in order to position satellite240within a field of view of the satellite receiver. As illustrated, satellite240is within the respective fields of view238of each of the plurality of satellite receivers235.

The alignment for each of the plurality of satellite receivers235that positions the satellite within the field of view may be determined based on the geographic location of the respective satellite receiver as well as the orbital location of satellite240. As described above, the alignment may include an elevation angle and an azimuth angle. The elevation angle of a satellite receiver may be determined based on the latitude of the satellite receiver. For example, satellite receivers located closer to the equator, such as satellite receiver235-5, may have a greater elevation angle compared with satellite receivers located further away from the equator, such as satellite receiver235-2. The azimuth angle of a satellite receiver may be determined based on the relative longitudes of the satellite and the satellite receiver. For example, satellite receivers east of satellite240, such as satellite receiver235-1, may have a greater azimuth angle compared with satellite receivers west of satellite240, such as satellite receiver235-4.

As illustrated, geographical region200includes a plurality of base stations215configured to transmit cellular network data to multiple UE220within geographical region200. Each base station of the plurality of base stations215may be the same or operate in a similar manner as base station115as described above. For example, each of the plurality of base stations215may transmit cellular network data by emitting electromagnetic radiation from one or more antennas of the respective base station.

Each of the plurality of base stations215may transmit cellular network data to UE within a coverage area. For example, base station215-1may transmit cellular network data to UE220-1, UE220-2, and UE220-3located within coverage area250while base station215-2transmits cellular network data to UE220-4outside coverage area250. Coverage area250may be a geographic area within which electromagnetic radiation emitted by base station215-1is strong enough to be received by UE220. Depending on the number, type, and power available to the antennas of base station215-1, coverage area250may be any size and shape, such as circular, elliptical, or triangular. In some embodiments, the coverage area of one base station may overlap with the coverage areas of one or more adjacent base stations. For example, coverage area250may overlap with a coverage area for base station215-2. In this case, UE located within the overlapping coverage areas may be able to receive cellular network data from either base station215-1or base station215-2.

Each of the plurality of base stations215may transmit cellular network data within a predefined frequency band and/or at a plurality of sub-bands within a predefined frequency band. For example, base station215-1may transmit using a first subset of the plurality of sub-bands while base station215-2may transmit using a second subset of the plurality of sub-bands. Adjacent base stations of the plurality of base stations215may use non-overlapping subsets of the plurality of sub-bands to avoid interfering with each other. Additionally or alternatively, each of the plurality of base stations215may utilize subsets of the plurality of sub-bands that do not overlap with other subsets used by other applications, such as satellite communications, as further described below.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of base stations215are capable of dynamically altering the shape and size of their respective coverage areas. For example, each of the plurality of base stations215may spatially filter the electromagnetic radiation produced by one or more antennas of the base station. Using spatial filtering, base stations may greatly reduce or eliminate electromagnetic radiation emitted by the base station at specific angles and/or across specific sectors of the available coverage area. For example, base station215-1may use spatial filtering to avoid emitting electromagnetic radiation across sector255extending away from base station215-1while still emitting electromagnetic radiation across the remainder of coverage area250.

One or more of the plurality of satellite receivers235within geographical region200may experience interference events due to other electromagnetic radiation within geographical region200. An interference event may include any event that results in the reduced ability of a satellite receiver to receive data from a satellite. Interference events may occur as a result of electromagnetic radiation within the predefined frequency band used by a satellite to communicate with satellite receivers, from a source within the field of view of a satellite receiver other than the satellite. For example, as illustrated, because base station215-1is within field of view238-1of satellite receiver235-1, electromagnetic radiation produced by base station215-1within the same predefined frequency band utilized by satellite240may cause an interference event at satellite receiver235-1.

Interference events may include a transitory or prolonged inability to receive data from a satellite. For example, satellite receiver235-3may experience a transitory interference event as a result of a single transmission from base station215-1to UE220-1. As another example, satellite receiver235-3may experience a prolonged interference event as a result of continuous transmission from base station215-1to UE220-1.

In some embodiments, identifying an interference source, or cause of an interference event at a satellite receiver, is based on a plurality of characteristics of the satellite receiver. For example, based on the location and alignment of satellite receiver235-2, it may be determined that base station215-1is the interference source, as opposed to base station215-2, because base station215-1is within field of view238-2, while base station215-2is not. In some embodiments, interference events detected at a plurality of satellite receivers are correlated to identify an interference source. For example, interference events detected at satellite receiver235-1, satellite receiver235-2, and satellite receiver235-3may be used to determine that base station215-1is the interference source because it is the only base station within field of view238-1, field of view238-2, and field of view238-3.

In some embodiments, interference events detected at a satellite receiver may be used to reduce or eliminate future interference events at the satellite receiver. For example, after determining that base station215-1is an interference source, or has caused interference events at multiple satellite receivers within coverage area250, one or more operations of base station215-1may be modified to avoid additional interference events caused by base station215-1. The modified operations may include disabling subsequent electromagnetic emissions at one or more sub-bands within the predefined frequency band utilized by satellite240. Subsequent emissions at the one or more sub-bands may be disabled based on a determination that emissions at those sub-bands were the cause of the interference at the satellite receiver. In this case, other sub-bands within the predefined frequency band may be used for subsequent transmissions.

Additionally or alternatively, the modified operations may include spatially filtering electromagnetic emissions. After identifying an interference source, it may be determined, based on the location of the satellite receiver and the interference source, an emission angle from the interference source at which the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the interference source causes interference at the satellite receiver. For example, the emission angle from base station215-1to satellite receiver235-1may be at approximately 270 degrees. As another example, the emission angle from base station215-1to satellite receiver235-2may be at approximately 220 degrees. Based on the determined emission angle, the interference source may spatially filter electromagnetic radiation at the emission angle. In some cases, the interference source may spatially filter electromagnetic radiation at a range of emission angles. For example, base station215-1may spatially filter emissions within sector255between 220 degrees and 270 degrees to avoid further interference at satellite receiver235-1, satellite receiver235-2, and satellite receiver235-3.

FIG.3illustrates an embodiment of a shared spectrum coordination system300(“system300”). System300can include cellular network communication system310, satellite communication system330, and interference management system350. Network320may be used for communication between any of cellular network communication system310, satellite communication system330, and/or interference management system350. Network320may include one or more public and/or private networks. Network320can include the Internet, over which data is routed.

Satellite communication system330may be the same, or function in a similar manner, as satellite communication system130as described above. For example, satellite communication system330may control one or more satellites configured to distribute information to a plurality of satellite receivers. Satellite communication system330includes interference monitor332and satellite receiver database334. Satellite communication system330may also include other components configured to monitor and control the operations of one or more satellites. Satellite communication system330may include one or more special-purpose or general-purpose processors. Such special-purpose processors may include processors that are specifically designed to perform the functions of the components detailed herein. Such special-purpose processor may be ASICs or FPGAs, which are general-purpose components that are electronically and programmatically configured to perform the functions detailed herein. Such general-purpose processors may execute special-purpose software that is stored using one or more non-transitory processor-readable mediums, such as random access memory (RAM), flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD). Further, the functions of the components of satellite communication system330can be hosted on a cloud-computing platform, which is managed by a separate cloud-service provider that provides computing and storage resources for clients.

Interference monitor332may serve to process interference data detected at satellite receivers. Interference data301received by interference monitor332may be analyzed to determine a source of the interference detected at one or more satellite receivers. Interference data301may include various types of information such as an identification of the satellite receiver at which interference was detected, the frequency or frequencies at which the interference was detected, and/or an angle of arrival of the interference at the detecting satellite receiver. Interference data301may be transmitted to satellite communication system330via the one or more satellites controlled by satellite communication system330. Additionally or alternatively, interference data301may be received directly via a network connection from a satellite receiver.

After receiving interference data301, interference monitor332may access records related to the satellite receiver at which the interference was detected. For example, interference monitor332may access satellite receiver database334to determine a plurality of characteristics of the satellite receiver. The plurality of characteristics may include: the geographic location where the satellite receiver is located, one or more satellites from which the satellite receiver is configured to receive data, and/or an alignment of the satellite receiver.

In some embodiments, interference monitor332correlates interference data301received from a plurality of satellite receivers. Based on the information included in interference data301and the records related to each satellite receiver at which interference was detected, interference monitor332may determine that the interference detected at each satellite receiver should be correlated. For example, interference data301received from a plurality of satellite receivers in close proximity may indicate that the interference detected at each satellite receiver is as a result of a single interference source.

In some embodiments, interference monitor332analyzes interference data301to determine whether the interference detected at a satellite receiver is as a result of interfering electromagnetic emissions or some other cause. For example, interference monitor332may determine that interference data301indicating periodic and/or gradual increases and decreases is as a result of a physical obstruction between the satellite receiver and the satellite. As another example, interference monitor332may determine, based on a lack of interference data301from other satellite receivers within close proximity to the satellite receiver detecting the interference, that the interference is not associated with interfering electromagnetic emissions.

After analyzing interference data301and the records related to the one or more satellite receivers at which interference was detected, interference monitor332may generate a signal interference event. A signal interference event may include information from interference data301as well as information from satellite receiver database334. In some embodiments, interference monitor330may transmit the signal interference event to another service or component for additional processing and/or action. For example, interference monitor332may transmit the signal interference event, or an indication of the signal interference event to interference management system350.

Cellular network communication system310may be the same, or function in a similar manner, as cellular network communication system110as described above. For example, cellular network communication system310may control one or more cellular base stations configured to provide cellular network services. Cellular network communication system310can include various components. Such components can include: network activity monitor312, base station manager314, and base station database316. Cellular network communication system310may include one or more special-purpose or general-purpose processors. Such special-purpose processors may include processors that are specifically designed to perform the functions of the components detailed herein. Such special-purpose processors may be ASICs or FPGAs which are general-purpose components that are physically and electrically configured to perform the functions detailed herein. Such general-purpose processors may execute special-purpose software that is stored using one or more non-transitory processor-readable mediums, such as random access memory (RAM), flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD). Further, the functions of the components of cellular network communication system310can be implemented using a cloud-computing platform, which is operated by a separate cloud-service provider that executes code and provides storage for clients.

Base station manager314may serve to control operations at each base station of a cellular network. Operations controlled by base station manager314may include the frequency sub-bands used by each base station and/or the directionality of the electromagnetic radiation produced by each base station. For example, base station manager314may cause a particular base station to disable subsequent emissions at one or more sub-bands within a predefined frequency band and transition to one or more other sub-bands within the predefined frequency band. As another example, base station manager314may cause a particular base station to use spatial filtering to avoid emitting electromagnetic radiation at one or more emission angles and/or across a sector of the possible coverage area provided by the particular base station. Base station manager314may control the operations of each base station by transmitting network control data302to each respective base station.

Base station manager314may read and write information related to the operating parameters of each base station to base station database316. For example, base station manager314may access base station database316to identify available base stations within a geographic region. After identifying the available base stations, base station manager314may proceed to define the operating parameters for each base station within the geographic region. After defining the operating parameters, base station manager314may store the operating parameters for each base station in base station database316in a record associated with the respective base station. As subsequent changes to the operating parameters of a base station are made, base station manager314may proceed to update the record in base station database316.

Network activity monitor312may serve to monitor and/or record the network activity at each base station. The network activity may include information related to transmissions from each base station. For example, the network activity may indicate at what times and at which frequencies a particular base station was transmitting to UE. As base stations transmit data to UE, network activity monitor312may store the network activity in base station database316in association with the respective base station that transmitted the data.

In some embodiments, network activity monitor312transmits network activity to satellite communication system330and/or interference management system350. Network activity monitor312may transmit the network activity data in response to a request for specific network activity data. For example, after receiving a request for network activity within a specific region and/or within a specified timeframe, network activity monitor312may access the stored network activity data in base station database316related to the requested region and/or timeframe. After identifying the relevant information in base station database316, network activity monitor312may proceed to transmit the network activity data to the requesting entity.

Interference management system330may include one or more special-purpose or general-purpose processors. Such special-purpose processors may include processors that are specifically designed to perform the functions of the components detailed herein. Such special-purpose processors may be ASICs or FPGAs which are general-purpose components that are physically and electrically configured to perform the functions detailed herein. Such general-purpose processors may execute special-purpose software that is stored using one or more non-transitory processor-readable mediums, such as random access memory (RAM), flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD). Further, the functions of interference management system350can be implemented using a cloud-computing platform, which is operated by a separate cloud-service provider that executes code and provides storage for clients.

In some embodiments, interference management system is incorporated as a part of satellite communication system330. For example, interference management system350may be a separate process controlled by satellite communication system330. In some embodiments, interference management system350is controlled by an entity separate from either satellite communication system330and/or cellular network communication system310.

Interference management system350may coordinate between the respective operations of satellite communication system330and cellular network communication system310in order to reduce interference caused by the activities of cellular network communication system310. For example, interference management system350may detect signal interference events at satellite receivers of satellite communication system330, identify a base station from cellular network communication system310that is the cause of the interference, and cause cellular network communication system310to modify one or more operations of the interfering base station.

In some embodiments, interference management system350detects signal interference events at satellite receivers. For example, interference management system350may receive interference data related to a satellite receiver from satellite communication system330. Based on the interference data, interference management system350may detect a signal interference event at the satellite receiver. Additionally, or alternatively, interference management system350may receive the signal interference events generated by satellite communication system330. Based on the interference data and/or the signal interference event received from satellite communication system330, interference management system350may determine a plurality of characteristics of the satellite receiver associated with the interference data and/or signal interference event.

In some embodiments, interference management system350uses the plurality of characteristics of the satellite receiver to identify the source of the interference. For example, interference management system350may identify a base station within the field of view of a satellite as the potential source of the interference. Additionally, or alternatively, interference management system350may analyze network activity data received from cellular network communication system310to determine that the signal interference event coincides with network activity at the identified base station.

In some embodiments, after identifying an interference source as the cause of a signal interference event, interference management system350may transmit an indication of the signal interference event to the interference source. For example, interference management system350may transmit an indication of the signal interference event to cellular network communication system310. Transmitting the indication of the signal interference event to the interference source may cause the interference source to modify an operation of the interference source. For example, after transmitting the indication of the signal interference event to cellular network communication system310, base station manager314may transmit network control data302to the identified base station to modify the operating parameters of the base station to avoid subsequent signal interference events.

FIG.4illustrates an embodiment of a satellite system400that can be integrated with a cellular network communication system. Satellite system400can include satellite communication system330, satellites440, and satellite receiver410. Satellite communication system330may be the same, and/or function in a similar manner, as described above. For example, satellite communication system330may transmit information to satellite receiver410via satellites440. As another example, interference monitor332may receive interference data from satellite receiver410.

Satellite receiver410may include communication interface412and interference detector414. Satellite receiver410may include one or more special-purpose or general-purpose processors. Such special-purpose processors may include processors that are specifically designed to perform the functions of the components detailed herein. Such special-purpose processors may be ASICs or FPGAs which are general-purpose components that are electronically and programmatically configured to perform the functions detailed herein. Such general-purpose processors may execute special-purpose software that is stored using one or more non-transitory processor-readable mediums, such as random access memory (RAM), flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD).

Satellite receiver410may also include, and/or be coupled with, parabolic antenna416, antenna feeds418, and active detector420. Parabolic antenna416may be a directional antenna configured to receive data transmitted within a predefined frequency band from satellites440. Data transmitted by satellites440towards parabolic antenna416may be reflected into one or more antenna feeds418. Antenna feeds418may each be configured to receive data at particular frequencies, polarizations, and/or angles. For example, antenna feed418-1may be configured to receive data transmitted within a first sub-band of a predefined frequency band while antenna feed418-2may be configured to receive data transmitted within a second sub-band of the predefined frequency band.

Additionally, or alternatively, antenna feeds418may each be configured to receive data from a respective satellite of satellites440. For example, antenna feed418-1may have a first alignment to receive data from satellite440-1located at a first orbital location. Similarly, antenna feed418-2may have a second alignment to receive data from satellite440-2located at a second orbital location. Each alignment may be configured such that a respective satellite of satellites440is within a field of view of a respective antenna feed of antenna feeds418. The field of view of satellite receiver410may include the combined fields of view of each respective antenna feed.

Active detector420may include one or more directional antennas configured to detect electromagnetic radiation from sources other than satellites440. Other sources of electromagnetic radiation detectable by active detector420may include cellular network base stations, such as interfering base station415, controlled by a cellular network communication system, such as cellular network communication system310as described above. Active detector420may be configured to determine one or more characteristics associated with the electromagnetic radiation received at active detector420from an interference source. The one or more characteristics may include the frequencies at which the electromagnetic radiation was received and/or an angle of arrival of the electromagnetic radiation.

In some embodiments, active detector420generates signal interference data based on the received electromagnetic radiation from the interference source. The signal interference data generated by active detector420may include an identification of the interference source, a frequency at which the electromagnetic radiation was received, and/or the angle of arrival of the electromagnetic radiation. In some embodiments, active detector420transmits the generated signal interference data to satellite communication system330via the interference source.

Interference detector414may detect signal interference at satellite receiver410. For example, interference detector414may monitor the received signal strength of the data transmission from satellites440at each of the one or more antenna feeds418. Interference detector414may then determine an amount of signal interference at each feed based on the signal strength received by each feed. In some embodiments, when interference detector414detects that the signal strength of the data transmission is below a predefined signal strength threshold, interference detector414may determine that there is signal interference. As another example, interference detector414may receive data generated by active detector420related to electromagnetic radiation received by active detector420and determine that the electromagnetic radiation is interfering with the data transmission from satellites440.

In some embodiments, interference detector414determines a localized angle of arrival of the interference based on the particular antenna feed experiencing the interference. For example, interference detector414may determine that antenna feed418-2is receiving less interfering electromagnetic radiation compared with the amount of interference received by antenna feed418-1. Based on the relative alignments of antenna feed418-1to receive data from satellite440-1and antenna feed418-2to receive data from satellite440-2, interference detector414may determine that the angle of arrival from the source of the interference is closer to the center of the field of view of antenna feed418-1compared to the center of the field of view of antenna feed418-2.

After detecting and/or determining that satellite receiver410is experiencing signal interference, interference detector414may generate interference data. The interference data may include various types of information such as an identification of satellite receiver410, the frequency or frequencies at which the interference was detected, and/or an indication of the angle of arrival of the interference at the detecting satellite receiver. After generating the interference data, interference detector420may proceed to transmit the interference data to interference monitor332of satellite communication system330, as described above.

Communication interface412may be used to transmit the interference data to satellite communication system330. Communication interface412may transmit interference data to satellite communication system330via satellites440. Additionally, or alternatively, communication interface412may transmit interference data to satellite communication system330via a network, such as network320as described above.

Various methods may be performed using the systems and arrangements detailed in relation toFIGS.1-4.FIG.5illustrates an embodiment of a method500for coordinating shared spectrum usage between fixed communication systems and flexible communication systems. The blocks of method500can be performed by one or more combinations of the systems and components described in relation toFIGS.1-4. For example, interference management system350as described above may perform one or more blocks of method500. Additionally, or alternatively, satellite communication system330as described above may perform one or more blocks of method500.

At block505, a signal interference event may be detected at a satellite receiver. The satellite receiver may be configured to receive data from a satellite utilizing a predefined frequency band. The satellite may be controlled by a satellite communication system, such as satellite communication system330as described above. In some embodiments, the satellite receiver, the satellite, and the satellite communication system are part of a direct broadcast system configured to broadcast satellite television from one or more satellites to a plurality of satellite receivers. The signal interference event may be detected as a result of the satellite receiver no longer being able to receive data from the satellite. The signal interference event may be one of a plurality of signal interference events detected at a plurality of satellite receivers.

At block510, a plurality of characteristics for the satellite receiver can be determined. The plurality of characteristics may include a geographic location where the satellite receiver is located and an alignment for the satellite receiver. The alignment for the satellite receiver may be determined by using the orbital location of the satellite and the geographic location where the satellite receiver is located to calculate the elevation and azimuth angles that position the satellite within the field of view of the satellite receiver. In some embodiments, determining the plurality of characteristics is performed by accessing a record in a database associated with the satellite receiver. An interference management system, such as interference management system350as described above, may determine the plurality of characteristics for the satellite receiver by requesting the plurality of characteristics from a satellite communication system, such as satellite communication system330as described above.

At block515, an interference source can be identified based in part on the plurality of characteristics. The interference source may be a cellular network base station configured to transmit cellular network data by emitting electromagnetic radiation within the predefined frequency band utilized by the satellite. The cellular network base station may be identified from a plurality of base stations by identifying a base station within the field of view of the satellite receiver. Network activity data for the identified base station may be analyzed to confirm that the identified base station is the cause of the signal interference event. In some embodiments, other signal interference events detected at a plurality of other satellite receivers within the proximity of the satellite receiver are used in conjunction with the signal interference event to identify the interference source. For example, the interfering base station may be identified based on its location within the field of view of a plurality of satellite receivers.

Additionally, or alternatively, the interference source of the satellite receiver may be identified based on a lack of signal interference at one or more other satellite receivers. For example, after detecting an interference event at the first satellite receiver, it may be determined that a signal interference event has not been detected at a second satellite receiver within a predefined proximity to the first satellite receiver. Accordingly, it may be determined that a potential interference source within the fields of view of both satellite receivers is not the source of the interference at the first satellite receiver. This may be the case, for example, when there is a physical obstruction, such as foliage, or cloud cover, affecting one, or a limited number of satellite receivers. Alternatively, this may be the case when there are two potential interference sources within the field of view of the first satellite receiver, but only one of the two potential interference sources is within the field of view of the second satellite receiver. In this case, the potential interference source that is not within the field of view of the second satellite receiver may be identified as the interference source from the two potential interference sources within the field of view of the first satellite receiver.

In some embodiments, the interference source of the satellite receiver is identified based on a comparison of signal strength between two or more antenna feeds of the satellite receiver. For example, after detecting a signal interference event at a satellite receiver, it may be determined that the satellite receiver has two or more antenna feeds configured to receive data from multiple respective satellites at different orbital locations. Based on the location of the respective satellites, respective fields of view for each antenna feed may be determined. Based on the relative signal strength received by each antenna feed and the respective fields of view, it may be determined that an interference source that is more central in a field of view of one antenna feed compared to the fields of view for one or more other antenna feeds is the interference source.

At block520, an indication of the signal interference event may be transmitted to the interference source. In some embodiments, after identifying the source of a signal interference event as a cellular network base station, the satellite communication system sends an indication of the signal interference event to the interference source. The indication of the signal interference event may include information that can be used to take corrective action by the interference source. For example, the indication may include the frequencies at which the interference was detected and/or the location of the satellite receiver experiencing the interference.

At block525, an operation of the interference source can be modified. Modifying the operation of the interference source can include causing the interference source to operate on other frequencies. For example, based on the signal interference event, it may be determined that the sub-band within which the interference source was operating overlapped with the frequencies currently in use by the satellite. After making such a determination, the interference source may disable subsequent emissions within that particular sub-band and switch to a different sub-band. Modifying the operation of the interference source can also include causing the interference source to spatially filter transmissions in the direction of the satellite receiver. For example, based on the geographic location where the satellite receiver is located and the location of the interference source, an emission angle from the interference source to the satellite receiver may be determined. After determining the emission angle, the interference source may spatially filter emissions of electromagnetic radiation at the emission angle. Modifying the operation of the interference source may include causing the interference source to alter multiple operating parameters. For example, the operating source may be caused to spatially filter electromagnetic radiation within a particular sub-band at a particular emission angle while still emitting electromagnetic radiation within other sub-bands at the particular emission angle.