Patent Publication Number: US-2023144939-A1

Title: Methods and apparatus for reducing downlink transmission power in a wireless system

Description:
The present application relates to wireless communications, and more specifically, to reducing base station downlink transmission power, e.g., in response to a power reduction command from a control device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In various systems base stations may be subject to transmission power restrictions with another device in the system determining when a particular base station must reduce its transmission power or stop transmitting on some or all frequencies the base station is using due to interference concerns. This is particularly the case where incumbent device may have communications priority over other devices. 
     A Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) is one type of system in which a base station, e.g., a Citizens Broadband radio Service Device (CBSD), may be, and sometimes is, ordered to reduce transmission power, e.g., to stop DL data transmissions. In a CBRS system a Spectrum Access System (SAS) is responsible for managing interference between devices. A SAS grants spectrum to CBSDs in the CBRS network, e.g., a network which uses 3.5 GHz spectrum. In some such systems a TDD version of the 5G is used in 3.5 GHz. If the interference in the granted spectrum increases, it is expected that the SAS will instruct a CBSD which is a source of interference to reduce its downlink transmission power, e.g., by sending a power down command to the CBSD. In some cases, the power down command may require the CBSD to reduce power to the point where downlink data transmission to devices can no longer be supported. 
     When CBSD power is reduced, the power impact will be a function of the frame configuration/timing structure in use by the CBSD instructed to power down. It is desirable that power down instructions be implemented in a graceful manner so that devices being serviced by a CBSD are not cut off immediately despite the CBSD having to implement the power down command. 
     Regardless of the of the particular frame structure in use at the time a base station, e.g., CBSD, is instructed to power down, it would be desirable if service was not immediately cut off and one or more wireless devices were allowed some time to complete a communications session and/or find another network or device to connect to. While not necessary for all embodiments, it would be desirable if in at least some embodiment devices receiving service from a CBSD were provided with reduced downlink service for some period of time before being forced to use another device, e.g., base station, as the connection point for data supplied to the wireless device. In addition, it is desirable that in at least some embodiments a wireless device might be able to continue to use a CBSD subject to downlink transmission constraints for uplink signaling for at least some time after which downlink data transmission is no longer supported by the CBSD. 
     SUMMARY 
     Methods and apparatus for reducing base station downlink transmission power in a manner that provides one or more devices being serviced by the base station time to establish or switch to another connection are described. The methods and apparatus are particularly well suited for systems, e.g., CBRS networks, where base stations such as CBSDs, may be instructed by a control device, e.g., SAS, to reduce or stop downlink power to a point where downlink data transmission are not supportable or supported. 
     In various embodiments a base station, e.g., CBSD, responds to a downlink power reduction instruction, e.g., command from an SAS requiring a reduction in overall, e.g., average, downlink transmission power, by reducing downlink transmission power in downlink frames in a serious of power reduction steps. In cases where the required power reduction is to a point where downlink data transmission can not be supported, the base station signals that it is switching to an uplink frame mode of operation in which downlink frames are not supported until the base station sends an indication that downlink frames are once again supported. 
     In some, but not necessarily all, embodiments the power reduction to be implemented is achieved over a period of several minutes with the base station reducing the original downlink power in steps. The power reduction may be, and sometimes is, implemented in fixed step sizes with the reduction from the original power level being implemented in several steps, e.g., 4, 5 or 16 steps in some embodiments. A 4 step reduction in DL transmission power corresponds to a 25% reduction in overall DL transmission power per step which a 5 step reduction in DL transmission power corresponds to a 20% per step reduction in transmission power based on the transmission power level at the time the command was received. 
     The overall downlink transmission power reduction is achieved in some embodiments by reducing the transmission power per frame and/or by allowing some frames to go unused. Which DL frames are allowed to go unused, in embodiments where at least some frames are left unused, is determined in some embodiments randomly or pseudo randomly. The random or pseudo random selection of which downlink slots go unused reduces the risk that during a power measurement interval a control device such as SAS will measure a power level that would correspond to full use of all available downlink transmission slots. The random selection of which DL slots go unused can also spread out the impact of the DL data transmission reductions on devices since different devices may be using different DL transmission slots. 
     In some embodiments when reducing power or changing the frame structure the base station will be using, as part of the power reduction process, the base station signals, e.g., announces, the upcoming change or changes to devices, e.g., stations (STAs) or user equipment devices (UEs) it is serving. The change information is transmitted in some embodiments in a flexible frame in the timing structure being used. Following the indication of the change the base station switches to the reduced power level and/or new frame timing structure. The power reduction announcement puts devices which were receiving downlink service from the base station on notice that they should take steps to compensate for the reduction in downlink transmission power, e.g., by increasing the number of antennas being used to receive signals if possible, and/or to put the devices on notice that they should start looking for other connections as downlink reliability and/or availability will be reduced due to the reduction in downlink transmission power being implemented. 
     After each step size reduction in downlink transmission power level being used the base station operates for multiple frame times at the new reduced power level, e.g., for more than a minute but in several embodiments for multiple minutes. This provides devices the opportunity to continue operating for some time and is likely to encourage at least some devices to switch to another base station while giving them some time to make the switch. As the power level is reduced with each step size reduction in power the number of devices deciding to switch is likely to increase. In this way, in at least some embodiments, neighboring base stations are not overwhelmed by all the devices being serviced by the base station being dropped at once allowing for a more graceful sequence of handover of devices than might otherwise be possible. 
     In some embodiments as the amount of downlink transmission power used in a period of time is reduced to the point where a number of downlink slots are being intentionally left unused, the base station may, and sometimes does, signal a switch from a downlink dominant frame timing structure to an uplink dominant frame timing structure. Thus, as the base station reduces the number of slots being used for downlink transmissions for power reduction reasons, some or all of the unused slots can start being used for uplink transmissions. Such a change is particularly well suited in CBRS systems where the SAS controls transmission power of CBSD devices but UE devices/STAs are not subject to SAS transmission power control. 
     When a base station is going to switch to zero downlink transmission power for downlink data transmissions, it signals that the timing structure used by the base station is being switched to a timing structure which does not include downlink slots. This information can be and sometimes is communicated in a flexible frame. The frame in which devices are notified that DL data transmission slots are not being supported going forward until further notice from the base station is sometimes referred to a freeze frame since the operation is frozen in a mode in which downlink slots are not present until further notice. 
     Depending on the embodiment, after the switch to zero downlink transmission power for downlink data slots, in some but not necessarily all embodiments, the timing structure will include uplink slots only or a combination of uplink and flexible slots. Such slots are well suited for devices which predominately send uplink traffic, e.g., meters, sensors or other devices which frequently report information, but which do not require or rarely require the use of downlink slots for the communication of data to the devices. 
     Thus, in some embodiments UEs and STAs will be able to continue to perform uplink transmissions after downlink slots are eliminated from the timing structure being used with the number of uplink slots available for use being increased since uplink slots will replace the downlink slots that were previously in use prior to the change to the mode of operation where downlink slots are not supported. 
     In various embodiments, while the base station may be precluded from transmitting power in downlink slots, it may be, and sometimes is, allowed to transmit a small amount of power for timing and/or other control signals. In this way devices using uplink slots can continue to maintain timing synchronization with the base station. 
     A base station can signal support for downlink slots in a message sent in a flexible slot or via another control signal. Receipt of a signal indicating use of a timing structure which includes downlink transmission slots will trigger UEs and/or other devices to switch to the indicated timing structure. Thus, after a period of time, e.g., several minutes, hours, or days, the base station that switched to the no downlink slots mode of operation may signal to devices that it is once again supporting downlink mode of operation. The announcement may simply be in the form of a base station signal indicating the timing structure to be used going forward with the indicated timing structure including downlink slots. 
     All of the features discussed in the above summary are not included in all embodiments and it should be appreciated that various embodiments include different combinations of features. 
     Numerous features and variations on the above described methods and apparatus are possible. Various embodiments, features and variations are described in more detail in the detailed description which follows. 
     The detailed description which follows describes additional features, details and embodiments which can be used alone or in combination. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG.  1    is a drawing of an exemplary communications system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    is a drawing of an exemplary base station, e.g., a Citizens Broadband Radio Services Device (CBSD), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates two different timing structures supporting different uplink slot to downlink slot ratios that can be, and sometimes are, used by a base station, such as the base station shown in  FIG.  2   , at different times. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a first sequence of power reduction steps and a corresponding pattern of uplink and downlink slots with overall downlink transmission power being reduced in the illustrated sequence of power reduction steps. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a second sequence of power reduction steps, performed in some embodiments, and a corresponding pattern of uplink and downlink slots with overall downlink transmission power being reduced and with a change in the downlink to uplink slot ratio being used before switching to use of a timing structure which does not include downlink slots. 
         FIG.  6 A  is a first part of a flow chart showing steps performed by a base station in accordance with one exemplary method. 
         FIG.  6 B  is a second part of a flow chart showing steps performed by a base station in accordance with one exemplary method. 
         FIG.  6 C  is a third part of a flow chart showing steps performed by a base station in accordance with one exemplary method. 
         FIG.  6 D  is a fourth part of a flow chart showing steps performed by a base station in accordance with one exemplary method. 
         FIG.  6    is a diagram showing how  FIGS.  6 A,  6 B,  6 C and  6 D  are to be combined to form a complete flow chart showing the steps of an exemplary method implemented by a base station in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  7 A  is a first part of an exemplary assembly of components which may be included in an exemplary base station, e.g. a CBSD, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  7 B  is a second part of an exemplary assembly of components which may be included in an exemplary base station, e.g. a CBSD, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  7 C  is a third part of an exemplary assembly of components which may be included in an exemplary base station, e.g. a CBSD, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  7 D  is a fourth part of an exemplary assembly of components which may be included in an exemplary base station, e.g. a CBSD, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  7    comprises the combination of  FIG.  7 A ,  FIG.  7 B ,  FIG.  7 C  and  FIG.  7 D . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG.  1    is a drawing of an exemplary communications system  100  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Exemplary communications system  100  includes a plurality of base stations (Citizens Broadband Radio Services Device  1  (CBSD  1 )  102 , . . . , CBSD M  152 ), a plurality of cable modems (cable modem  1  (CM 1 )  104 , . . . , CM M  154 ), a cable modem termination system (CMTS)  106 , a spectrum access system (SAS)  180 , and a plurality of user equipment devices (UE  1   108 , . . . , UE N  110 , UE  1 B  168 , . . . UENB  170 ) coupled together as shown. CMTS  106  is coupled to CM 1   104  and CM M  154 , via communications links ( 112 ,  162 ), respectively. Communication links ( 112 , . . . ,  162 ) are, e.g., cables, e.g. coaxial cables or fiber optic cables. CM  1   104  is coupled to CBSD  1   102  via communications link  114 . CM M  154  is coupled to CBSD M  152  via communications link  164 . SAS  180  is coupled to CBSD  1   102  and CBSD M  152  via communications links  182 ,  184 , respectively. CBSD  1   102  is coupled to UE  1   108  and UE N  110  via wireless communications links  116 ,  118 , respectively. CBSD M  152  is coupled to UE  1 B  168  and UE NB  170  via wireless communications links  176 ,  178 , respectively. In some embodiments, the cable modems (CM  1   104 , . . . , CM M  154 ) are Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) cable modems. 
     As will be discussed below, in some embodiments the SAS  180  will detect an unacceptable level of interference, e.g., to an incumbent device, and send a power down command to one or more of the base stations, e.g., CBSDs  102  and/or  152 . In response to the received power down command, in various embodiments, the CBSD  102  and/or  152  will take steps to reduce downlink transmission power. In various embodiments overall downlink transmission power reduction occurs in a serious of steps, e.g., with each step corresponding to a reduction from the overall, e.g., average, amount of downlink transmission power transmission power that was being used at the time the power down command was received. At the end of implementation of the power down command the base station may, and in some embodiments will, send a notification to devices it was providing service to indicating that the base station is switching to a mode of operation in the timing structure used that does not include slots for downlink frames, e.g., that a switch to a timing structure including uplink frames and no downlink frames is being implemented. In some embodiments the timing structure may also include flexible frames. The notification of the switch to using a timing structure without downlink frames is sometimes referred to as a freeze frame notification and may be, and sometimes is, transmitted in a flexible frame. 
       FIG.  2    is a drawing of an exemplary base station  200 , e.g. a Citizens Broadband Radio Services Device (CBSD), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, which can be used as any one of the base stations  102 ,  152  shown in  FIG.  1    and/or a base station implementing the method of flowchart  600  of  FIG.  6   . 
     Exemplary base station  200  includes a processor  202 , e.g. a CPU, a network interface  204 , e.g., a wired of optical interface, a cable modem (CM) interface  206 , a wireless interface  208 , an assembly of hardware components  210 , e.g. assembly of circuits, and memory  212 , coupled together via a bus  213  over which the various elements may interchange data and information. 
     Network interface  204  includes a receiver  214  and a transmitter  216 . Receiver  214  and transmitter  216  are coupled to connector  218 , via which the base station is coupled to a SAS  180 , networks nodes and/or the Internet. Cable modem interface  206  includes a receiver  220  and transmitter  222 . Receiver  220  and transmitter  222  are coupled to connector  224 , via which the base station  200  is coupled via a cable connection, e.g., a fiber optic or coaxial cable, to a cable modem, e.g., a DOCSIS CM. Wireless interface  208  supports communications with wireless devices, e.g. user equipment (UE) devices also sometimes referred to as stations (STAs). Wireless interface  208  includes a wireless receiver  226  and a wireless transmitter  228 . Wireless receiver  226  is coupled to one or more receive antennas (receive antenna  1   230 , . . . , receive antenna N  232 ) via which the base station  200  receives uplink signals from one or more wireless devices. Wireless transmitter  228  is coupled to one or more transmit antennas (transmit antenna  1   234 , . . . , transmit antenna N  236 ) via which the base station  200  transmits downlink signals to one or more wireless devices. 
     Memory  212  includes a control routine  238  for controlling basic operations of the base station, e.g., initialization, CPU control, memory load, memory read, interfaces settings and control, downlink transmission power control, selection of which UL/DL schedule to use at a given time, etc., an assembly of components  240 , e.g., an assembly of software components, and data/information  242 . In some embodiments, the assembly of components  240  includes software modules, routines, and/or applications for performing one of more steps of an exemplary method, e.g., steps of the methods of flowchart  600  of  FIG.  6    which are performed by a base station, e.g., a CBSD. 
     Data information  242  includes a received spectrum grant  244  from a SAS, measured data transmission latency  246  between CM and the base station, e.g., the CBSD, a downlink data buffer  254 , and determined information  256 . The determined information  356  relating to buffering DL data received via the CM. Data/information  242  further includes a received power down command from the SAS  262 , a determined number of steps and/r step size to be used for DL power down  264 , a generated signal, e.g. to be communicated in a flexible frame, notifying devise of a change in DL transmission power and/or a switch in timing structure being used  266 , a determined number of DL frames to which a determined power reduction is to applied  268 , information identifying randomly or pseudo-randomly selected DL frames to apply power reduction  270 , a generated freeze frame signal, e.g., to be communicated in a flexible frame  272 , a detected power increase authorization signal  274 , e.g. from the SAS, a generated notification signal indicating that DL data transmissions are being re-activated  276 , a number of devices being serviced by the base station  278 , a first timing structure (e.g., with a 2:7 UL/DL ratio)  280 , and a second timing structure (e.g., with a 4:5 UL/DL ratio)  282 . 
       FIG.  3    shows a chart  300  illustrating two different timings structures that can be, and sometimes are, used by a base station  102  or  152 . The first column  301  shows the UL/DL slot ratio in the timing structure corresponding to the horizontal row. Row  302  shows the number of the slots in the timing structure listed below row  302 . Note that the series of dots, . . . , indicates that the pattern of slots can repeated and continue as the base station operates, e.g., for minutes or days. 
     Row  304  shows a first timing structure, i.e., slot pattern, which includes downlink slots indicated by a D, flexible slots indicated by an F, and uplink slots indicated by a U. The ratio of uplink to downlink slots for the first pattern  304  is 2:7. An uplink frame can be transmitted in an uplink slot while a downlink frame can be transmitted in a downlink slot. Downlink frames are normally used to transmit data from the base station to a device receiving service from the base station. This first timing structure including a slot pattern that includes a high number of downlink slots relative to uplink slots is well suited where downlink data traffic dominates the traffic being supported by the base station supports more downlink traffic than uplink traffic. 
     The last row  306  of  FIG.  3    shows a second timing structure, i.e., slot pattern, which includes downlink slots indicated by a D, flexible slots indicated by an F, and uplink slots indicated by a U. The ratio of uplink to downlink slots for the second pattern  306  is 4:5. The second timing structure  306  is well suited when uplink and downlink loads on a base station are similar or nearly equal. Depending on the embodiment, at a given time the base station may use either timing structure  304  or timing structure  306  with UE devices being informed or detecting what timing structure is to be used based on signals transmitted by the base station. 
       FIG.  4    is a diagram  400  illustrating a first sequence of power reduction steps  420  and a corresponding pattern of uplink and downlink slots. Overall downlink transmission power is reduced in the illustrated sequence of power reduction steps. In the example shown in diagram  400  of  FIG.  4    a power down command is received by a base station, e.g., CBSD  102  in step  402  from an SAS. This occurs in step ST 0  which in which the base station  102  is operating at a normal overall downlink transmission power level. The dot is used to indicate where the reception of the command occurs, i.e., during the normal operation indicated as ST 0 . Note that during the first step, ST 0 , the base station  102  is operating using the first timing schedule, e.g., sequence shown in  FIG.  3   . Thus during the time interval in which the power down command is received, the base station  102  is operating at a normal downlink power level as represented by the shading in the downlink slots D of the first row  422  of the chart shown in  FIG.  4    being fully shaded to represent that they are used at a normal or full overall downlink transmission power level. 
     In response to the receipt of the power down command in step  402 , the base station  102  determines that it is required to reduce its downlink transmission power level to a level where downlink slots can no longer be supported. To achieve this the base station  102  begins implementing downlink transmission power reductions in a serious of steps. The number of power reduction steps may be, and sometimes is, predetermined but with the power reduction process normally being implemented in accordance with the invention in a serious of steps. In the  FIG.  4    example, power reduction from the downlink power level being used at the time the power reduction command is received from an SAS in step  402  is implemented in 4 steps, e.g., with the overall downlink transmission power level allocated and used in downlink slots being reduced by 25% in each power reduction step. In other embodiments a larger number of power reduction steps are used, e.g., 5, 8 or 16 steps depending on the embodiment. In some cases the number of power reduction steps is a function of the number of UEs being served by the base station  102  with the base station using a larger number of power reduction steps when the number of UEs obtaining service from the base station is larger, e.g., over a first threshold, than when the number of UEs is smaller, e.g., equal to or below the first threshold. In this way when there are a large number of UEs obtaining service from the base station the number of UEs being forced to use other base stations for service or being voluntarily being handed off to other base stations at a given time due to the power reduction can be somewhat limited allowing for other base stations to take over responsibility for the UEs affected by the power reduction. 
     For example, if there are 16 UEs receiving service, e.g., downlink service, from the base station at the time the power reduction command is received, the power reduction may be implemented in 16 steps. In such a case if one UE is handed off with each power reduction step the handoff rate would be one UE per power reduction step. If there is a lower number of UEs receiving service, e.g, downlink service, from the base station, e.g., 4 UEs, the base station may determine based on the number of UEs that power reduction is to be implemented in fewer steps, e.g., 4 steps. Assuming a similar handoff rate of 1 UE handoff per power reduction step at the end of the 4 steps the UEs receiving downlink service would be handed off. 
     Controlling the number of power reduction steps as a function of the number of devices receiving service from the base station, e.g., all devices receiving service and/or only the number of devices using downlink slots and thus using downlink service is an optional feature and in some embodiments the number of power reduction steps is a predetermined number, e.g., preconfigured at the base station, or a number specified by the SAS which issued the power reduction command with the number of steps being signaled with the power reduction command in some cases. 
     Operation at each of the overall reduced downlink power levels will normally occur for a minute or more. In some cases the operation at a reduced power level corresponding to a step lasts at least two minutes but often longer. During each period of time the timing schedule, e.g., uplink/flexible/downlink slot pattern, will normally remain fixed. 
     In the  FIG.  4    example power reduction occurs in 4 steps with the DL power being reduced by 25% in each reduction step implemented from the time the power reduction command was received. 
     The power reduction command was received by the base station  102  from the SAS  180  in step ST 0  which corresponds to row  422 . During ST 0   422  the base station  102  signals to UEs that it will be reducing transmission power and optionally indicates the amount of power reduction being implemented, e.g., by signaling a new reduced transmission power level or indicating a portion of power reduction 25% that will be implemented. The signaling that DL power reduction is being implemented occurs in some embodiments in a flexible frame that is included in ST 0 , e.g., at the end of ST 0 . 
     In  FIG.  4    in step  404  which occurs at the end of ST 0   422 , the base station notifies UEs that it is switching to 75% of the downlink transmission power level that was previously used in step  422 . This notification in some embodiments is sent in a flexible frame included in the timing sequence of step ST 0 . The UEs can, and sometimes do, take this information into consideration when deciding on the number of antennas to allocate to signals being received from the base station  102  during downlink slots. For example, UEs with multiple antennas may, and sometimes do, increase the number of antennas allocated to receiving DL signals BS  102  in response to receiving the DL power reduction notification sent in step  404 . By increasing the number of antennas used to receive DL signals the UEs can, at least partially, compensate for the reduction in DL transmission power. 
     Downlink transmission power reduction is achieved by the base station by reducing transmission power in one or more DL slots, allowing some DL slots to go unused and/or by a combination of DL slot transmission power reduction and allowing DL slots to go unused. In step ST 1   424  downlink power reduction of 25% is achieved by the base station  102  intentionally allowing ¼ of the downlink slots in the timing structure being used to go unused. The downlink slots which are unused, e.g., the slots which the base station intentionally does not transmit in, are in some embodiments randomly or pseudo randomly selected. In step ST 1  downlink slots numbered 1, 9 and 19 are left unused while the transmission power transmitted in DL slot 16 is half of what it was in step ST 0 . The difference in transmission power is shown using a change in shading between ST 0  and ST 1  with white being used to indicate a lack of transmission power and shading being used to show transmission power. Slot 16 is half shaded to indicate that the transmission power in DL slot 16 is 50% of what it was in step ST 0   422 . 
     Note that by leaving some DL slots unused and/or using them at reduced power, and other DL slots at full power, overall DL power reduction is achieved since average DL power is reduced. The SAS  180  when measuring interference over a period of time will detect an overall reduced power level even though DL transmission may still be at the same level used in the previous step. This approach to DL power reduction allows communication with the UEs which were being serviced but reduces the number of slots available to transmit DL data. Thus UEs will perceive a reduction in the amount of DL data they receive. Thus even if the UEs are not notified of the power reduction they will detect the loss of downlink frames due to the failure in transmission and/or may assume that the failure to receive data is due to interference. By randomizing the downlink frames which are left unused the same UEs will not be repeatedly subject to data loss and multiple UEs will be encouraged to initiate handoffs to other base stations as their downlink connections become less reliable. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that while power reduction notifications are provided in some embodiments they are not necessary in all embodiments and in some embodiments are not used with the base station  102  simply implementing the power reductions without notifying the UEs of its plan to reduce DL transmission power. 
     At the end of ST 1   424  the base station in the  FIG.  4    example notifies, in step  406  via a transmitted signal, UEs that it is going to switch to a power level corresponding to 50% of the original DL transmission power used in step  422 . This notification in some embodiments is sent in a flexible frame included in the timing sequence of step ST 1 . 
     In ST 2   426  the base station reduces DL transmission power to 50% of what was used in step ST 0   422 . This is done by allowing DL slots 0, 2, 7, 8, 10, 16 and 18 to go unused. Thus, no power is transmitted in these slots. Since half the DL slots go unused in step ST 2   426  the overall DL transmission power will be 50% of that of step ST 0   422 . Note that because of the random or psudo random selection of downlink slots to go unused, in step ST 2  some DL slots which were previously unused will be used. For example, DL slot 1 which was unused in ST 1   424  is used in ST 2   426 . 
     At the end of ST 2   426  the base station  102  notifies, in step  408  via a transmitted signal, UEs that the base station  102  is going to switch to a power level corresponding to 25% of the original DL transmission power used in step  422 . This notification in some embodiments is sent in a flexible frame included in the timing sequence of step ST 2   426 . 
     In ST 3   428  the base station  102  operates using 25% of the DL transmission power used in step  422 . To do this the base station  102  allows DL slots numbered 2, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18 and 19 to go unused. Thus in step ST 3   428  ¾ of the DL slots are left unused. 
     At the end of ST 3   428  the base station  102  notifies, in step  410  via a transmitted signal, UEs that the base station  102  is going to switch to a timing structure that does not include downlink (DL) slots. The signal notifies the UEs of the timing structure switch and based on the notification signal the UEs are informed that the base station will continue to use the timing structure without DL slots until it informs the UEs of a change to a timing structure including UL slots. The signal is sometimes referred to as a freeze frame signal because it indicates to the UEs that the base station  102  intends to switch and remain in, e.g., freeze in, a mode of operation in which a timing structure which does not include DL slots is used. Since DL slots are not supported the signal indicates to the UEs that the base station will not be allocating power to DL slot transmissions after the switch is made. Thus, this switch in timing structure represents a switch of zero transmission power being used for DL slots since the timing structure being used will not include DL slots. The freeze frame signal notifying UEs of the switch to a timing structure with no DL slots may be, and sometimes is, sent in a flexible frame slot in the timing structure being used. 
     In step ST 4   430  the base station  102  operates in a mode of operation which uses a timing structure that does not include any DL slots. In the  FIG.  4    example the DL slots previously present in the timing structure used in the other steps are shown replaced with uplink slots (U) which can be used to send signals to the base station  102 . UE devices such as sensors which report data or information but do not expect to receive downlink data for extended periods of time can use the UL slots available during the time period of step ST 4  to send data up to the base station  102  for delivery to other devices coupled to the base station  102 , e.g., to a UE at another base station or to a server in a network which is connected to the base station  102 . Optionally the base station may continue to include flexible slots in the timing structure being used but such slots in some embodiments will not be used to transmit user data and will not be treated as slots which are available to support ordinary DL data transmissions. 
     While the timing structure in use does not include DL slots, the BS  102  can still send timing control signals and/or command to switch between timing structures. Thus, UEs can remain in timing synchronization with the base station in some embodiments. The base station  102  can, and sometimes does, send a signal to UEs, e.g., in a flexible frame, to signal when the UEs are to switch to a timing structure which includes DL slots. Such a switch notification signal can be sent in a flexible frame following a grant from the SAS  180  indicating to the base station  102  that it can resume DL transmission and thus can once again transmit power in DL slots of a timing structure including such slots. 
       FIG.  5    is a diagram  500  illustrating a second sequence of power reduction steps, performed in some embodiments, and a corresponding pattern of uplink and downlink slots with overall downlink transmission power being reduced. However, in the  FIG.  5    example a change in the downlink to uplink slot ratio is implemented before the base station switches to using a timing structure which does not include downlink slots. 
       FIG.  5    example is similar to the one shown in  FIG.  4    in that power reduction is achieved in 4 steps. In step  522 , during which the base station  102  is operating using the first timing structure  304  shown in  FIG.  3    with an UL to DL ratio of 2:7, the base station receives a power down command in step  402 . Then in step  504 , the base station transmits a notification in step  504  indicating that it is reducing DL power to 75% of what was being used in step  522  in which the DL power command was received. In the first reduced step of DL power operation ST 1   524  the base station  102  continues to use the first timing structure but allows several DL slots to go unused and reduces DL transmission power in at least some slots to achieve the desired 25% reduction in transmission power. In step  506 , before transitioning to the 50% step ST 2   526  of DL power operation the base station  102  signals that it is switching to using the second timing structure  306  with a 4:5 UL/DL ratio. By making this switch the base station  102  eliminates some DL slots which it frees up for use by UEs as UL slots. To achieve the desired reduction in DL power the base station  102  also selects some of the DL slots in the timing structure to be used to go unused or to be used at reduced transmission power. Optionally, in addition to notifying the UEs of the switch in timing structure the base station  102  may, and sometimes does, indicate that it is switching to using 50% of the DL transmission power that was in use in step  522  during which the power reduction command was received. 
     Note that in step ST 2   526  downlink slots with slot numbers 0, 2, 10, 16 and 18 are left unused with no DL transmission power being transmitted in them. Note also that DL transmission power is not transmitted in slots 6 and 7 since these slots were switched to UL slots given the change in the timing structure being used. Thus, while achieving the desired step of power reduction in ST 2   526 , the base station  102  also increases the number of UL slots as compared to the number which were available in step ST 1   524 . This can be an efficient use of what would otherwise be unused DL slots. 
     A third power reduction is announced in optional step  508  with UEs being notified by BS  102  that the DL power is being reduced to 25% of what it was in step ST 0 . Note that in ST 3   528  the same timing structure used in step ST 2  is used but a larger number of DL frames are left unused or are subject to a partial power reduction to achieve the desired overall, e.g., average DL transmission power level of 25% the original DL transmission power used in step ST 0   522 . 
     At or near the end of step ST 3   528 , the base station announces in step  510  to the UEs that it is switching to using a timing structure that does not include DL slots. In step ST 4   530  the timing structure that does not include DL slots is used. 
     ST 4   530  may, and sometimes does, continue being implemented by the base station  102  until the base station  102  is given a DL authorization by the SAS, e.g., receives an SAS grant allowing the bae station to transmit sufficient DL power that allows it to support DL slots. 
     From the examples of  FIGS.  4  and  5    it should be appreciated that the base stations  102 ,  152  may, and sometimes do, implement a power down process in multiple steps in response to a power down command from an SAS  180 . The gradual power reduction may extend over a period of several minutes, e.g., 8 or more minutes in some but not all embodiments assuming at least 2 minutes per power reduction step and 4 power reduction steps. As part of the power reduction process the base station will signal a change in the timing structure being used, e.g., signaling at the end use of a timing structure which does not include any fixed DL slots, includes a majority of UL slots, and may include one or more flexible slots. In some cases, as part of the power reduction process before switching to the timing structure which does not include DL slots, the base station may, and sometimes does, switch between timing structures being used with the base station switching, in some embodiments, to a timing structure that includes more UL slots and less downlink slots as the amount of power reduction increases. 
     The steps of an exemplary method  600  of operating a base station in accordance with the invention will now be discussed with reference to  FIG.  6   .  FIG.  6    comprises the combination of  FIG.  6 A ,  FIG.  6 B ,  FIG.  6 C  and  FIG.  6 D . 
     The method  600  beings in step  602 , e.g., with a base station such as exemplary CBSD  102  being operated on and beginning operation. Operation proceeds from start step to registration step  604  in which the base station  102  registers with a control device, e.g., SAS  180 , to obtain a grant allowing the base station to use resources for communication including, e.g., downlink transmissions. In step  606  the base station  102  receives a grant of resources authorizing the base station to use spectrum and thus to begin transmitting. In step  608  the base station determines the timing structure to be used. The selection is between a first timing structure which is a downlink dominant timing structure, such as the one shown in row  304  of  FIG.  3   , or a second more balanced timing structure such as the one shown in row  306  of  FIG.  3   . The first timing structure may be and sometimes is selected when the base station expects a large amount of downlink traffic as opposed to uplink traffic which may be the case when supporting video downloads for example. 
     With the timing structure for communication having been selected in step  608  operation proceeds to step  610  in which the base station  102  supports communication, e.g., uplink and downlink communication, with one or more UEs using the supported timing structure. This involves in some embodiments receiving uplink frames in uplink slots and transmitting data to UEs in downlink frames in downlink slots. 
     Communications using the selected timing structure continues to an event such as a power down command occurs. In step  612  the base station  102  receives a power down command from the SAS  180 . The power down command in the example requires the base station  102  to reduce downlink transmission power, e.g., to a level at which DL slots in which DL frames are transmitted can no longer be supported by the base station  102 . The base station maybe given a predetermined amount of time to implement the power down command, e.g., several minutes. This time may correspond to a time period between SAS interference power measurements and/or some other interval of time. In some embodiments the SAS instructs, at the time of providing the power down command, the base station  102  to complete the power down in a particular amount of time signaled by the SAS to the base station. The SAS may and also does sometimes also the base station as to the number of power reduction steps and/or amount of power to be reduced in each of the power reduction steps. Such information may be included in information sent with the power down command. The duration the base station is to operate at each reduced power step involved in implementing the power down command can and sometimes is specified by the SAS. Thus. in some embodiments the SAS can control the rate at which the power down command is implemented and the time over which it will be implemented. This allows the SAS to influence and/or control what impact in terms of handoffs to other base stations, the power down command may have since handoffs of UEs are likely to be a function of the rate at which the power is reduced. By triggering a somewhat gradual power down the SAS can reduce the risk of neighbor base stations such as base station  152  being overwhelmed with a large number of handoff requests all at once and thus allowing for a more graceful handoff of UE communications sessions to neighboring base stations. SAS communication of power down step information and/or the period of time or times over which power down steps are to be implemented is optional and does not happen in all embodiments. 
     Operation proceeds from step  612  in which the power down command is received and proceeds to step  613  in which the base station determines the number of power down (power reduction) steps to use in the multi-step power reduction operation implemented in response to the power down command and/or the size (e.g., amount of power reduction) of each the steps. 
     Steps  612  may be implemented in a number of ways using information from the SAS, prestored information and/or based on information on the number of users being serviced by the SAS. Depending on the embodiment the base station may implemented one more or all of sub steps  614 ,  615 ,  616  as part of step  613 . 
     In some embodiments the base station  102  is programed, e.g., preconfigured, to use a predetermined number of steps, e.g., 4, 8, 16, etc., in implementing a power down command. In some such embodiments the amount, size of downlink power reduction, is also preconfigured. The size of the power reduction may be specified as a percent or fraction of the average, e.g., overall, DL power being used for DL slot transmissions at the time the power down command is received and/or a size or percentage of the amount of power in use after the most recent power reduction was implemented. In the case where power reduction is a fraction of the amount used in the last step, upon reaching some predetermined power level the next step is a zero thereby making a potential infinite number of steps into a finite number of steps. 
     In sub step  614 , when it is used as part of step  613 , the base station determines the number of steps and/or step sizes based on SAS provided information, e.g., information specified or provided with the power down command or at some other time. In sub step  615  the base station determines the number of power reduction steps and/or power reduction step sizes (amount of power reduction to be performed in individual steps) from stored information, e.g., preprogramed information that specifies the number of steps and/or percentage or fraction of power reduction to be performed in individual steps. This information maybe programed or stored in the base station at start up or at another point in time during which the base station is loaded with configuration information. 
     In sub step  615 , when it is used as part of step  613 , the base station determines the number of steps and/or step sizes from stored information, e.g., preconfigured information specifying the number of steps or percent power reduction to be implemented per step of the multi-step DL power reduction process. This information can include a stored number of steps and/or per step power reduction information stored in the base station  102  when it is configured. 
     In sub step  616 , when it is used as part of step  613 , the base station determines the number of steps and/or step sizes based on a threshold number of devices, e.g., UEs/STAs, being serviced. For example, the threshold may be, and sometimes is, a number such as 4 or 16. The number of power reduction steps is larger in at least some embodiments when the number of devices receiving service from the base station  102  is greater than when the number is lower or equal to the threshold. Thus, when the BS  102  is servicing a large number of UEs the power reduction will occur over a larger number of steps and increase the chance that the handoffs of all or some of the UEs will be spread out over a longer period of time than if only a few UEs, e.g., a number below the threshold number, were receiving service from the BS at the time the power reduction command was received. For purposes of making comparisons to the threshold the BS may consider the total number of UEs receiving service from the BS or, in some cases, considers the number of UEs to those which are using the DL slots, i.e., receiving downlink data delivery vis the BS  102 . 
     With the number of power reduction steps and power reduction step sizes having been determined in step  613 , operation proceeds to step  617  in which a power reduction step counter (PRSC) is initialized to 0. This counter will be incremented and used in determining when the last power reduction step has been reached and the BS  102  is to switch to a no downlink slot mode of operation, e.g., a mode in which uplink slots/uplink frames are only supported or a mode in which a combination of uplink and flexible slots and corresponding frames are supported by including slots for such frames in the timing structure being used. 
     Operation proceeds from step  617  to step  623  (see  FIG.  6 B ) either directly via connecting node  619  or in embodiments where step  618  is used via step  618  and then connecting node  619 . Step  618  is an optional step and involves determining if a switch is to be made in the timing structure used prior to the switch to use of the timing structure which does not include DL slots. Step  618  is particularly useful where a downlink dominant frame format is initially used and the number of power reduction steps will result in a large number of DL frames being left unused. In such a case it can be useful to switch from a DL dominant format to a format with more UL slots/frames so that UE&#39;s can begin using the slots that were previously used as downlink slots four uplink signaling rather than allow them to go completely unused. In step  618  the base station determines if a switch is to be made from using a first downlink dominant timing structure such as the one shown in row  304  of  FIG.  3    to a second timing structure with amore balanced uplink to downlink slot ratio such as the one shown in row  306 . If it is determined that such a switch is to be made, e.g., because it is determined that there will be a sufficient number of unused DL slots which could be used as UL slots to support the second timing structure, a determination is also made as to at what point, e.g., step, of the power reduction process the switch is to be made so that the switch in timing structure can be communicated to UEs in time for it to be used in a particular power reduction step.  FIG.  5    shows an example of an embodiment in which optional step  618  is used. 
       FIG.  6 B  shows a second part  620  of the flow chart of  FIG.  6    which is reached via connecting node A  619 . Portion  620  shows a first part of a multi-step overall DL transmission power reduction step  623  with the second part of this step being shown in  FIG.  6 C  in diagram  650 . In step  623  overall, e.g., average, power for downlink transmission is reduced in a serious of iterative steps. The step  623  begins in step  622  in which the power reduction step counter (PRSC) is incremented by one. Then operation proceeds to step  624  in which a check is made to determine if this the last power reduction step to be implemented as part of switching to a no DL time structure format. In some embodiments in step  624  the step counter value PRSC is compared to the number of steps determined in step  613  and if the numbers match it is the last power reduction step and operation proceeds to step  636  which will be discussed below. Otherwise it is not the last power reduction step and operation proceeds from step  624  to step  626 . 
     In step  626  a check is made to determine if a switch is to be made from using one transmission timing schedule, e.g., the first downlink dominant timing structure to another timing structure which include DL slots, i.e., the second timing structure which is more balanced in terms of DL and UL slots. This decision is made based on the determination of whether or not to switch and when that was made in step  618 . If a switch is not supported steps  618 ,  626  and  630  can be omitted with operation proceeding directly from step  624  N output to step  631 . 
     If in step  626  it is determined that a switch is to be made from the first downlink dominant format timing structure to the second timing structure, e.g., because the transmission reduction step counter matches the step at which it was determined the switch was to be made in step  618 , operation proceeds to step  630  where the switch to the second timing structure is made. While the switch is implemented at the base station in step  630  it becomes effective after the UEs are notified of the switch in step  631  to which operation proceeds after step  630 . 
     If in step  626  it is determined that a switch to the second timing structure is not to be made, operation proceeds to step  628  in which the BS  102  continues using the first timing structure or whatever timing structure was being used at the time the power reduction command was received. For example, if the second timing structure was in use at the time the power reduction command was received there would be no reason to switch to the second timing structure since it was already in use and would continue to be used. 
     Operation proceeds from step  628  to device notification step  631 . Thus step  631  is reached regardless of whether the power reduction step being implemented involves a change in timing structure format or not. In step  631  the base station  102  sends a signal, e.g., a notification, command or control message, to UEs/STAs signaling the planned decrease in DL transmission power and/or the change in timing structure which will be implemented as part of the upcoming power reduction step. Step  631  in some embodiments includes decrease in DL transmission power notification step  632  and/or timing structure change notification  633 . The timing structure change notification  633  is not sent if there is no planned change in the timing structure. In some embodiments the notifications  632  and/or  633  are sent in a flexible frame preceding the timing structure slot at which the change in timing structure and/or DL power level will be effective. In some embodiments the notifications sent in step  631  are at a fixed known slot timing offset from the point at which the information indicated in the notification is effective. Operation proceeds from UE notification step  631  to step  646  (See  FIG.  6 C ) via connecting node  644 . 
     In step  646  the base station determines the number of DL slots in a recurring period of time in the timing structure being used to which overall power reduction is to be applied to achieve the overall DL transmission power corresponding to the power reaction step being implemented. For example, if a 25% power reduction was being implemented transmission power may be avoided in 25% of the available DL slots, e.g., by avoiding transmitting in some slots and/or transmitting at a reduced power or for a portion of another DL slot. 
     Operation proceeds from step  646  to step  648  in which the base station  102  then selects, e.g., randomly or pseudo-randomly, the determined number of DL from those available in the timing structure being used. By randomly or pseudo randomly selecting the slots, the impact of power reduction is spread out over time and/or devices using the slots in a manner that reduces the risk there will be full DL power used in a period of time the SAS might choose to measure DL power or that the same power will be detected by the SAS if relative short power measurements are made in a fixed recurring pattern. In addition, the loss of data in DL slots may appear random to UEs and is likely to be interpreted as being due to a poor channel in the case where UEs are not notified of DL power reduction operations. Thus. UEs can be encouraged even without power reduction notifications by there normally channel selection procedures to seek an alternative base station to connect to when DL power reduction is implemented. 
     Operation proceeds from step  648  to step  649  in which the base station reduces the overall amount of DL transmission power used during a period of time for downlink transmission by: i) allowing some DL slots to go unused; ii) reducing the transmission power level used in some DL slots or iii) both allowing some DL slots to go unused and reducing the transmission power level used in some DL slots. See previously discussed  FIGS.  4  and  5    for examples of how DL power reduction is achieved in some embodiments. 
     With downlink power reduction being applied, in step  650  the base station  102  communicates with devices, e.g., UEs and/or STAs, using the determined timing structure while applying full or partial power reduction to one or more frames transmitted in the available DL slots. In step  652  a check is made if it is time to more to the next power reduction step. Communication in a step using a power level can continue for a minute, two minutes or longer in many cases. If in step  652  it is determined that the time to move to the next reduced transmission power level has not been reached communication operation continues in step  650 . 
     If, however, the time to which to the next reduced power level has bene reached operation proceeds via connecting node D  654  back to step  622  of  FIG.  6 B  where the transmission power level counter is incremented and then operation proceeds as shown in  FIG.  6 B  with steps associated with implementing the next power level step being implemented. 
     Referring now once again to step  624  of  FIG.  6 B , if it was determined in step  624  that the transmission power reduction step to be implemented is the last transmission power reduction step meaning that after the step is implemented the power used for base station DL transmission slots will be zero since a switch is being made to a timing structure which does not include DL slots, operation proceeds from step  624  to step  636 . 
     In notification step  636  the base station  102  transmits a notification indicating that a switch to a no downlink slot timing structure is being made. This is sometimes done using what is referred to herein as a freeze frame or uplink only notification signal. The notification in some embodiments is sent in a flexible slot in the timing structure being used at the time the notification signal is sent. In some embodiments the notification indicates to UEs/STAs that after the indicated change the timing structure being used will not include any DL slots and thus BS will not send data or transmit signals in DL slots until the BS  102  sends a notification that will be switching to a timing structure including DL slots. Row  430  of  FIG.  4    shows a no DL slot timing structure used after the notification is sent in step  636 . 
     From step  636  operation proceeds to step  638  in which the base station  102  switches to using the no DL slot timing structure. Then operation proceeds via connecting node C  640  to step  664  of  FIG.  6 D  which shows part  660  of the method of  FIG.  6   . Note that at this point the BS  102  has switched to using a timing structure without DL slots and thus no data transmission to UEs in DL slots since the DL slots have been eliminated. 
     In step  664  the BS  102  communicates with devices using the determined timing structure which does not include DL slots and thus the communication does not involve the transmission of user data to user devices in DL slots. Step  664  includes in some embodiments steps  666  and/or step  668 . In step  666  the base station  102  receives uplink data from one or more devices, e.g., UEs or STAs in UL frames communicated in UL slots. Since DL slots are not present the timing structure includes a large number of UL slots making it well suited for sensors or other devices which send a lot of uplink data and do not require downlink data or only require DL data at very long intervals allowing such devices to communicate with the BS  102  for a long time after DL frames are eliminated from the timing structure being used by the BS  102 . In some embodiments while DL slots are eliminated and not present in the timing structure used, the base station  102  may and sometimes does transmit timing, base station identification (BSID) and/or other control information as part of step  668  which is shown as an optional sub step of communications step  664 . Such transmissions may occur in flexible frames or on a brief and sparse basis that they do not run afoul of DL transmission power constraints by creating significant amounts of interference to incumbent devices using the same spectrum as the BS  102 . Operation will continue in step  664  until the base station shuts down or receives authorization, e.g., a power or spectrum grant, from the SAS. 
     In step  670  the BS  102  monitors for a power increase authorization from the control device, e.g., SAS  180 . This monitoring goes on while the communication step  664  proceeds. In step  674  a check is made to determine if a power increase authorization, e.g., a grant form the SAS  180 , was received. If in step  674  it is determined that a power increase authorization was not received operation is shown proceeding back to step  664  to indicate that communication using the timing structure which does not include DL transmission slots will proceed until a DL power authorization is received. 
     In step  674  if it is determined that a DL power increase authorization is received, operation proceeds to step  676  in which the base stations switch to using a timing structure which includes DL slots for DL data frames. In step  678  the base station communicates the switch to the timing structure including DL frames to devices to which it provides service, e.g., UEs/STAs. The communication, e.g., transmission of an indication of the new timing structure that is being used, may occur in a flexible slot transmitted using the no DL slot or in a slot corresponding to the new timing structure. Thus, the notification of a switch to a timing structure including DL data slots is set before or after the base station  102  begins transmitting/receiving in accordance with the timing structure including DL and UL slots. 
     In step  680  the BS communicates with devices at the authorized power level allowing DL slot transmissions and process using the timing structure and DL transmission power level constraints until powered off, a new resource grant or power level authorization is received form the control device, e.g., SAS  180 , or a power down command is received. 
     From the above it should be appreciated that the methods reduce the risk that a large number of UEs will be dropped at the same time from BS  102  due to a power down command and thus reduces the risk of handoff signaling congestion that might occur due to such a sudden DL termination. In addition, the method allows for slots previously used as DL slots to be switched and used to uplink slots making more efficient use of communications resources than might be the case if all BS connections and/or UEs were dropped in response to a BS power down instruction from an SAS  180 . 
     Numerous variations on the above described methods and apparatus are possible. In one exemplary implementation a base station, e.g., CBSD  102 , connects with a network that uses a spectrum access system (SAS)  180  and the SAS  180  grants spectrum to CBSD,  102 . When Interference increases in the granted spectrum band, the SAS  180  sends a power down message to the CBSD  102 . In one time division duplex (TDD) embodiment the CBSD normally uses 7:2 DL:UL slot format, which means there will be 7 DL slots and 2 UL slots in one subframe. When SAS sends power down message, CBSD powers down all of the DL slots. While doing this will cause the power reduction in DL, since when there is no transmission in DL slots, then DL transmission power will be zero or nearly zero. A sudden switch to zero DL power can be undesirable due to the disruption to the UEs that such a sudden change can cause. In at least one exemplary embodiment power for DL slots is reduced gradually, e.g., for the first 2 minutes, only 60% of power is transmitted in randomly or pseudo randomly selected DL slots. Then the power in DL slots will keep reduced further and held constant for a period of time, e.g., the next 2 minutes. For example transmission may be implemented at 40% of the original power level. The power reduction process will repeat in a number of steps until a switch is made to zero power being transmitted by the base station (CBSD)  102  in DL slots. In some embodiments when the power in all DL slots are reduced to zero, the power used or allowed in UL slots will be kept at 100% of what it was when the DL power down command was received. That is, in terms of power that UEs or other devices including the BS  102  can use during UL slots nothing changes. When the power in all of the DL slots has been reduced to zero or is about to be reduced to zero, a timing structure change signal sometimes referred to as a freeze frame signal is transmitted, e.g., in a flexible slot, to make all slots UL slots. The base station  102  and UEs will continue to use the uplink slots until the base station  102  is authorized to resume DL slot transmissions by receiving a new or updated SAS grant or the base station  102  powers off. 
       FIG.  7   , comprising the combination of  FIG.  7 A ,  FIG.  7 B ,  FIG.  7 C  and  FIG.  7 D , is a drawing of an exemplary assembly of components  700 , comprising Part A  701 , Part B  703 , Part C  705  and Part D  707 , which may be included in an exemplary base station, e.g. a CBSD, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The base station including assembly of components  700  is, e.g., base station  1   102  of  FIG.  1   , base station M  152  of  FIG.  1   , base station  200  of  FIG.  2   , or a base station implementing the method of flowchart  600  of  FIG.  6   . 
     The components in the assembly of components  700  can, and in some embodiments are, implemented fully in hardware within a processor, e.g., processor  202 , e.g., as individual circuits. The components in the assembly of components  700  can, and in some embodiments are, implemented fully in hardware within the assembly of hardware components  210 , e.g., as individual circuits corresponding to the different components. In other embodiments some of the components are implemented, e.g., as circuits, within processor  202  with other components being implemented, e.g., as circuits within assembly of components  210 , external to and coupled to the processor  202 . As should be appreciated the level of integration of components on the processor and/or with some components being external to the processor may be one of design choice. Alternatively, rather than being implemented as circuits, all or some of the components may be implemented in software and stored in the memory  212  of the base station  200 , with the components controlling operation of base station  200  to implement the functions corresponding to the components when the components are executed by a processor e.g., processor  202 . In some such embodiments, the assembly of components  700  is included in the memory  212  as part of an assembly of software components  240 . In still other embodiments, various components in assembly of components  700  are implemented as a combination of hardware and software, e.g., with another circuit external to the processor providing input to the processor which then under software control operates to perform a portion of a component&#39;s function. 
     When implemented in software the components include code, which when executed by a processor, e.g., processor  202 , configure the processor to implement the function corresponding to the component. In embodiments where the assembly of components  700  is stored in the memory  212 , the memory  212  is a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium comprising code, e.g., individual code for each component, for causing at least one computer, e.g., processor  202 , to implement the functions to which the components correspond. 
     Completely hardware based or completely software based components may be used. However, it should be appreciated that any combination of software and hardware, e.g., circuit implemented components may be used to implement the functions. As should be appreciated, the components illustrated in  FIG.  7    control and/or configure the base station  200  or elements therein such as the processor  202 , to perform the functions of corresponding steps illustrated and/or described in the method of one or more of the flowcharts, signaling diagrams and/or described with respect to any of the Figures. Thus, the assembly of components  700  includes various components that perform functions of corresponding one or more described and/or illustrated steps of an exemplary method, e.g., steps of the method of flowchart  600  of  FIG.  6   . 
     Assembly of components  700  includes a component  704  configured to operate the base station to register with a SAS, a component  706  configured to operate the base station to receive a grant from the SAS allowing the base station to use spectrum, a component  708  configured to determine the timing structure to be for communicating with devices, e.g. a first downlink dominant timing structure or a second more balanced timing structure, and a component  710  configured to support uplink and downlink communications with devices, e.g. UEs or STAs, using the determined timing structure. Assembly of components  700  further includes a component  712  configured to operate the base station to receive a power down command from SAS, e.g. dur to SAS detecting increased interference, requesting the base station to reduce downlink power to a level where DL data slots can no longer be supported, and a component  713  configured to determine the number of steps and/or step sizes to be used in performing a DL power downlink procedure from current transmission level. Component  713  includes a component  714  configured to determine the number of steps and/or step sizes based on SAS provided information, a component  715  configured to determine the number of steps and/or step sizes from stored information, e.g. preconfigured information potentially specifying the number of steps or percent power reduction to be implemented, and a component  716  configured to determine a number of steps and/or step sizes based on aa threshold number of UEs receiving service, e.g., a total number of UEs or a number of UEs receiving DL data service. Assembly of components  700  further includes a component  717  configured to initialize a power reduction step counter (PRS), e.g., set PRS=0, and a component  718  configured to optionally determine if a switch is to be made from using a first downlink dominant timing structure to a second timing structure with a more balanced uplink to downlink frame rate and if the switch is to be made at what step of downlink power reduction. 
     Assembly of components  700  further includes a component  723  configured to reduce overall power used for downlink transmission during downlink transmission intervals (e.g., SL slots). Component  723  includes a component  722  configured to increment the transmission power reduction step counter, e.g. set PRSC=PRSC+1, a component  724  configured to determine if this is the last power reduction to be implemented as part of switching to a no DL frame timing structure format and to control operation as a function of the determination, a components  728  configured to continue using the current, e.g. first timing structure, a component  720  configured to switch to using the second timing structure, and a component  721  configured to operate the base station to send signal, e.g. message or control signal, in a flexible frame to devices notifying them of a change in transmission power and/a switching in the transmission timing structure format being used. Component  731  includes a component  732  configured to operate the base station to send a decrease in DL transmission power notification and a component  733  configured to operate the base station to send a timing structure change notification. Component  723  further includes a component  736  configured to send a signal indicating a switch to a no downlink slot timing structure, e.g. message or control signal such as a freeze frame signal or uplink only notification, in a flexible frame to devices notifying them of a change in transmission power and/or a switch in transmission timing structure being used to one that does not include DL slots, and a component  738  configured to switch to using a no DL slot timing structure, e.g. using a structure with UL and F slots and with no DL slots. Component  723  further includes a component  746  configured to determine the number of DL frames in a recurring period of time in the timing structure being used to which overall power reduction is to be applied to achieve overall DL transmission power corresponding to current power reduction step, a component  748  configured to randomly or pseudo-randomly select the determined number of DL frames in an upcoming time period to apply power reduction to in order to achieve the transmission power level to be used, a component  749  configured to reduce the overall amount of power used during a time period for downlink transmission during a period of time by: i) allowing some DL slots to go unused, ii) reducing the transmission power level used in some DL slots or iii) both allowing some DL slots to go unused and reducing the transmission power level used in some DL slots, a component  750  configured to operate the base station to communicate with devices using the determined timing structure and applying power reduction, e.g. full or partial DL transmission power reduction, to the selected DL frames, and a component  752  configured to determine if the time to switch to the next reduced power level has been reached, e.g., determine if a predetermined period of time since the switch to the current transmission time has passed and to control operation as a function of the determination. 
     Assembly of components  700  further includes a component  764  configured to operate the base station to communicate with devices using a determined timing structure which not include DL slots, e.g. slots dedicated to communicating DL frames. Component  764  includes a component  766  configured to operate the base station to receive uplink data from one or more UEs or STAs in UL frames communicated in UL slots, and a components  768  configured to operate the base station to transmit timing, BSID and/or other control information. Assembly of components  700  further includes a component  770  configured to operate the base station to monitor for a power increase authorization from a control device, e.g., a SAS. Component  770  includes a component  772  configured to operate the base station to receive a power increase authorization from a control device. Assembly of components  700  further includes a component  774  configured to determine if a power increase authorization was received and to control operation as a function of the determination, a component  776  configured to switch to using timing structure which included DL slots for DL frames, a component  778  configured to operate the base station to communicate, e.g. in a flexible frame or control signal, a timing structure to be used, and a component  780  configured to operate the base station to communicate with devise at authorized power level until new power signal is received or the base station powers down. 
     Exemplary Numbered Method Embodiments 
     Numbered method embodiment 1. A method of operating a base station ( 102 ) (e.g., CBSD which is required to comply with SAS power control commands), the method comprising: receiving ( 612 ) a power down message (e.g., message from an SAS or other base station power management device that the base station must stop downlink transmissions in a frequency band being used by the base station); and reducing overall power used for downlink transmissions during downlink transmission time intervals (e.g., DL slots), in response to the power down message, in a series of incremental downlink power reduction steps. 
     Numbered method embodiment 2. The method of Numbered method embodiment 1, where said downlink transmission time intervals are longer than a minute in duration (e.g., 2 or more minutes in some embodiments). 
     Numbered method embodiment 3. The method of Numbered method embodiment 1, wherein said incremental downlink power reduction steps are of a predetermined size relative to the downlink transmission power (e.g., with downlink reduction to 0 downlink power transmissions occurring in 4 steps (25% reduction step sizes), 5 steps (20% reduction step sizes) or 16 steps in some embodiments) (e.g. with each time period at which a power level is used lasting more than a minute and including multiple frame times and/or transmission slots). 
     Numbered method embodiment 4. The method of Numbered method embodiment 1, wherein reducing overall power used for downlink transmissions during downlink transmission time intervals, in a series of incremental downlink power reduction steps includes: determining ( 614 ) the number of power reduction steps to be used in performing DL power down procedure to reach zero power in DL slots includes: i) determining the number of steps based on predetermined stored information (e.g., a predetermined stored number of steps or a power reduction predetermined step size to be used and/or ii) a number of users being serviced by the base station (e.g., if the number of users is over below or equal a first threshold number, e.g., 16 users, use a first number of reduction steps, e.g., 4, but if the number of users is over the first threshold number then use a second larger number of power reduction steps, e.g., 8 or 16). 
     Numbered method embodiment 5. The method of Numbered method embodiment 1, further comprising: sending ( 636 ) a notification of a switch to a no downlink slot timing structure (e.g., an uplink only notification signal (e.g., freeze frame signal)) indicating that there will be no downlink slots following the switch to no downlink slot timing structure until such time the base station sends an indication that downlink slots are supported. 
     Numbered method embodiment 6. The method of Numbered method embodiment 1, wherein reducing ( 623 ) overall power used for downlink transmissions during downlink transmission time intervals, in response to the power down message, in a series of incremental downlink power reduction steps includes: reducing the overall amount of power used during a first time period for downlink transmission by i) allowing some downlink slots to go unused during said first time period, ii) reducing the transmission power level used in some downlink slots or ii) by both allowing some downlink slots to go unused during said first time period and reducing the transmission power level used in some downlink slots. 
     Numbered method embodiment 7. The method of Numbered method embodiment 6, further comprising: selecting ( 648 ), one or more downlink slots to go unused during said first time period (e.g., randomly or pseudo randomly selecting a fraction of available downlink slots to go unused to achieve desired power reduction or to achieve a portion of the desired power reduction with the remaining amount of the desired power reduction being achieved by reduction of downlink transmission power used during one or more downlink slots during the first time period). 
     Numbered method embodiment 8. The method of Numbered method embodiment 7, further comprising: transmitting information ( 632 ) (e.g., using a flexible frame) indicating a decrease in overall downlink transmission power being used by the base station (this provides information to a UE indicating that it may encounter downlink communications problems going forward, may want to increase the number of antennas allocated to the downlink to increase energy capture and/or start looking for a new base station to use for connectivity—the notification may and sometimes does indicate the amount of power reduction being implemented and/or indicating a new maximum downlink transmission power level that will be supported by the base station for transmissions in slots which are used). 
     Numbered method embodiment 9. The method of Numbered method embodiment 8, further comprising: transmitting information indicating a timing structure change ( 633 ) indicating an increase in the relative number of uplink slots to downlink slots (this is an optional feature that is used in some embodiments to switch from a downlink dominant slot timing structure to an uplink dominant slot timing structure as the amount of overall, e.g., average, downlink transmission power is reduced (this allows for the required power reduction to be implemented while allowing more slots to be used for uplink as the reduction in the amount of power increases). 
     Numbered method embodiment 10. The method of Numbered method embodiment 7, wherein sending ( 638 ) said switch to no DL slot timing notification signal indicating that slots following the uplink only notification signal will be UL slots until such time the base station sends an indication that downlink slots are supported is sent to notify UEs that a switch in base station operation is being made to a mode in which zero transmission power is allocated to downlink transmission. 
     Numbered method embodiment 11. The method of Numbered method embodiment 7, wherein sending said uplink only notification signal is sent using a flexible frame in a timing structure being used by said base station (e.g., where said flexible frame being available for used said base station to communicate information selected by said base station and can be used to signal changes in power level or switches in the timing structure being used by the base station. 
     Exemplary Numbered Apparatus Embodiments 
     Numbered apparatus embodiment 1. A base station ( 102 ) (e.g., CBSD which is required to comply with SAS power control commands), the base station comprising: 
     a receiver; 
     a transmitter; and 
     a processor configured to control the base station to: receive ( 612 ) a power down message (e.g., message from an SAS or other base station power management device that the base station must stop downlink transmissions in a frequency band being used by the base station); and reduce overall power used for downlink transmissions during downlink transmission time intervals (DL slots), in response to the power down message, in a series of incremental downlink power reduction steps. 
     Numbered apparatus embodiment 2. The base station of Numbered apparatus embodiment 1, where said downlink transmission time intervals are longer than a minute in duration (e.g., 2 or more minutes in some embodiments). 
     Numbered apparatus embodiment 3. The base station of Numbered apparatus embodiment 1, wherein said incremental downlink power reduction steps are of a predetermined size relative to the downlink transmission power (e.g., with downlink reduction to 0 downlink power transmissions occurring in 4 steps (25% reduction step sizes), 5 steps (20% reduction step sizes) or 16 steps in some embodiments) (e.g. with each time period at which a power level is used lasting more than a minute and including multiple frame times and/or transmission slots). 
     Numbered apparatus embodiment 4. The base station of Numbered apparatus embodiment 1, wherein the processor is configured, as part of being configured to control the base station to reduce overall power used for downlink transmissions during downlink transmission time intervals, in a series of incremental downlink power reduction steps, to control the base station to: determine ( 614 ) the number of power reduction steps to be used in performing DL power down procedure to reach zero power in DL slots includes: i) determining the number of steps based on predetermined stored information (e.g., a predetermined stored number of steps or a power reduction predetermined step size to be used and/or ii) a number of users being serviced by the base station (e.g., if the number of users is over below or equal a first threshold number, e.g., 16 users, use a first number of reduction steps, e.g., 4, but if the number of users is over the first threshold number then use a second larger number of power reduction steps, e.g., 8 or 16). 
     Numbered apparatus embodiment 5. The base station of Numbered apparatus embodiment 1, wherein the processor is further configured to control the base station to: send ( 636 ) a notification of a switch to a no downlink slot timing structure (e.g., an uplink only notification signal (e.g., freeze frame signal)) indicating that there will be no downlink slots following the switch to no downlink slot timing structure until such time the base station sends an indication that downlink slots are supported. 
     Numbered apparatus embodiment 6. The base station of Numbered apparatus embodiment 1, wherein the processor is further configured, as part of being configured to control the base station to reduce ( 623 ) overall power used for downlink transmissions during downlink transmission time intervals, in response to the power down message, in a series of incremental downlink power reduction steps to control the base station to: reduce the overall amount of power used during a first time period for downlink transmission by i) allowing some downlink slots to go unused during said first time period, ii) reducing the transmission power level used in some downlink slots or ii) by both allowing some downlink slots to go unused during said first time period and reducing the transmission power level used in some downlink slots. 
     Numbered apparatus embodiment 7. The base station of Numbered apparatus embodiment 6, wherein the processor is further configured to control the base station to: select ( 648 ), one or more downlink slots to go unused during said first time period (e.g., randomly or pseudo randomly selecting a fraction of available downlink slots to go unused to achieve desired power reduction or to achieve a portion of the desired power reduction with the remaining amount of the desired power reduction being achieved by reduction of downlink transmission power used during one or more downlink slots during the first time period). 
     Numbered apparatus embodiment 8. The base station of Numbered apparatus embodiment 7, wherein the processor is further configured to control the base station to: transmit information ( 632 ) (e.g., using a flexible frame) indicating a decrease in overall downlink transmission power being used by the base station (this provides information to a UE indicating that it may encounter downlink communications problems going forward, may want to increase the number of antennas allocated to the downlink to increase energy capture and/or start looking for a new base station to use for connectivity—the notification may and sometimes does indicate the amount of power reduction being implemented and/or indicating a new maximum downlink transmission power level that will be supported by the base station for transmissions in slots which are used). 
     Numbered apparatus embodiment 9. The base station of Numbered apparatus embodiment 8, wherein the processor is further configured to control the base station to: transmit information indicating a timing structure change ( 633 ) indicating an increase in the relative number of uplink slots to downlink slots (this is an optional feature that is used in some embodiments to switch from a downlink dominant slot timing structure to an uplink dominant slot timing structure as the amount of overall, e.g., average, downlink transmission power is reduced (this allows for the required power reduction to be implemented while allowing more slots to be used for uplink as the reduction in the amount of power increases). 
     Numbered apparatus embodiment 10. The base station of Numbered apparatus embodiment 7, wherein the processor is further configured, as part of being configured to control the base station to send ( 638 ) said switch to no DL slot timing notification signal to notify UEs that a switch in base station operation is being made to a mode in which zero transmission power is allocated to downlink transmission. 
     Numbered apparatus embodiment 11. The base station of Numbered apparatus embodiment 7, wherein said processor is configured to control the base station to send said uplink only notification signal is sent using a flexible frame in a timing structure being used by said base station (e.g., where said flexible frame being available for used said base station to communicate information selected by said base station and can be used to signal changes in power level or switches in the timing structure being used by the base station). 
     Exemplary Numbered Machine Readable Medium Embodiments 
     Non-transitory machine readable embodiment 1. A non-transitory machine readable medium including computer executable instructions, which when executed by a processor of a base station ( 102 ) (e.g., CBSD which is required to comply with SAS power control commands), control the base station to perform the steps of: receiving ( 612 ) a power down message (e.g., message from an SAS or other base station power management device that the base station must stop downlink transmissions in a frequency band being used by the base station); and reducing overall power used for downlink transmissions during downlink transmission time intervals (DL slots), in response to the power down message, in a series of incremental downlink power reduction steps 
     Various embodiments are directed to apparatus, e.g., base stations, e.g. CBSDs, cable modems (CMs), cable modem termination systems (CMTS), base stations supporting massive MIMO such as CBSDs supporting massive MIMO, network management nodes, access points (APs), e.g., WiFi APs, base stations such as NRU gNB base stations, etc., user devices such as stations (STAs), e.g., WiFi STAs, user equipment (UE) devices, LTE LAA devices, various types of RLAN devices, etc., other network communications devices such as routers, switches, etc., mobile network operator (MNO) base stations (macro cell base stations and small cell base stations) such as a Evolved Node B (eNB), gNB or ng-eNB, mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) base stations such as Citizens Broadband Radio Service Devices (CBSDs), network nodes, MNO and MVNO HSS devices, relay devices, e.g. mobility management entities (MMEs), a Spectrum Access System (SAS), an AFC system, an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) device, servers, customer premises equipment devices, cable systems, network nodes, gateways, cable headend and/or hubsites, network monitoring nodes and/or servers, cluster controllers, cloud nodes, production nodes, cloud services servers and/or network equipment devices. Various embodiments are also directed to methods, e.g., method of controlling and/or operating a base station, e.g. a CBSD, a cable modems (CM), a cable modem termination system (CMTS), a base station supporting massive MIMO such as a CBSD supporting massive MIMO, a network management node, access points (APs), e.g., WiFi APs, base stations such as NRU gNB base stations, etc., user devices such as stations (STAs), e.g., WiFi STAs, user equipment (UE) devices, LTE LAA devices, various types of RLAN devices, network communications devices such as routers, switches, etc., user devices, base stations, e.g., eNB and CBSDs, gateways, servers (HSS server), MMEs, SAS, an AFC system, cable networks, cloud networks, nodes, servers, cloud service servers, customer premises equipment devices, controllers, network monitoring nodes and/or servers and/or cable or network equipment devices. Various embodiments are directed to communications network which are partners, e.g., a MVNO network and a MNO network. Various embodiments are also directed to machine, e.g., computer, readable medium, e.g., ROM, RAM, CDs, hard discs, etc., which include machine readable instructions for controlling a machine to implement one or more steps of a method. The computer readable medium is, e.g., non-transitory computer readable medium. 
     It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes and methods disclosed is an example of exemplary approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes and methods may be rearranged while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented. In some embodiments, one or more processors are used to carry out one or more steps of the each of the described methods. 
     In various embodiments each of the steps or elements of a method are implemented using one or more processors. In some embodiments, each of elements are steps are implemented using hardware circuitry. 
     In various embodiments nodes and/or elements described herein are implemented using one or more components to perform the steps corresponding to one or more methods, for example, message reception, message generation, signal generation, signal processing, sending, comparing, determining and/or transmission steps. Thus, in some embodiments various features are implemented using components or in some embodiment&#39;s logic such as for example logic circuits. Such components may be implemented using software, hardware or a combination of software and hardware. 
     While the invention has been described in the context of a cable delivery system which uses a DOCSIS modem and coaxial cable in some embodiments, the methods and apparatus can be used in the context of other cable and modem combinations. In fact, the methods and apparatus can be used with a fiber optic cable and optical modem and/or with other types of cables and modems. Thus it should be appreciated that a base station can use the described methods with a wide range of cable and modem combinations. 
     Many of the above described methods or method steps can be implemented using machine executable instructions, such as software, included in a machine readable medium such as a memory device, e.g., RAM, floppy disk, etc. to control a machine, e.g., general purpose computer with or without additional hardware, to implement all or portions of the above described methods, e.g., in one or more nodes. Accordingly, among other things, various embodiments are directed to a machine-readable medium, e.g., a non-transitory computer readable medium, including machine executable instructions for causing a machine, e.g., processor and associated hardware, to perform one or more of the steps of the above-described method(s). Some embodiments are directed to a device, e.g., a base station, e.g. CBSD, a cable modems (CM), a cable modem termination system (CMTS), a base station supporting massive MIMO such as a CBSD supporting massive MIMO, a network management device, an access points (AP), e.g., WiFi AP, base stations such as NRU gNB base station, etc., a user device such as a station (STA), e.g., WiFi STA, a user equipment (UE) device, LTE LAA device, etc., an RLAN device, other network communications devices a network communications device such as router, switch, etc., a MVNO base station such as a CBRS base station, e.g., a CBSD, a device such as a cellular base station e.g., an eNB, a MNO HSS server, a MVNO HSS server, a UE device, a relay device, e.g. a MME, SAS, a AFC system, etc., said device including a processor configured to implement one, multiple or all of the steps of one or more methods of the invention. 
     In some embodiments, the processor or processors, e.g., CPUs, of one or more devices, e.g., a base station, e.g. a CBSD, a cable modems (CM), cable modem termination system (CMTS), a base station supporting massive MIMO such as a CBSD supporting massive MIMO, a network management device, communications nodes such as e.g., access points (APs), e.g., WiFi APs, base stations such as NRU gNB base stations, etc., user devices such as stations (STAs), e.g., WiFi STAs, user equipment (UE) devices, LTE LAA devices, etc., various RLAN devices, network communications devices such as routers, switches, etc., a MVNO base station such as a CBRS base station, e.g. a CBSD, an device such as a cellular base station e.g., an eNB, a MNO HSS server, a MVNO HSS device server, a UE device, a relay device, e.g. a MME, a SAS, a AFC system, are configured to perform the steps of the methods described as being performed by the communications nodes, e.g., controllers. The configuration of the processor may be achieved by using one or more components, e.g., software components, to control processor configuration and/or by including hardware in the processor, e.g., hardware components, to perform the recited steps and/or control processor configuration. 
     Accordingly, some but not all embodiments are directed to a device, e.g., a base station, e.g. a CBSD, a cable modem (CM), a cable modem termination system (CMTS), a base station supporting massive MIMO such as a CBSD supporting massive MIMO, a network management device, an access points (AP), e.g., WiFi AP, a base station such as NRU gNB base station, etc., a user device such as station (STA), e.g., WiFi STA, a user equipment (UE) device, an LTE LAA device, etc., a RLAN device, a network communications device such as router, switch, etc., administrator device, security device, a MVNO base station such as a CBRS base station, e.g. a CBSD, an device such as a cellular base station e.g., an eNB, a MNO HSS server, a MVNO HSS device server, a UE device, a relay device, e.g. a MME, includes a component corresponding to each of one or more of the steps of the various described methods performed by the device in which the processor is included. In some but not all embodiments a device, e.g., a communications node such as e.g., e.g., a base station, e.g. CBSD, a cable modem (CM), a cable modem termination systems (CMT), a base station supporting massive MIMO such as a CBSD supporting massive MIMO, a network management device, an access points (AP), e.g., WiFi AP, a base station such as NRU gNB base station, etc., a user device such as a station (STA), e.g., WiFi STA, a user equipment (UE) device, a LTE LAA device, a RLAN device, a router, switch, etc., administrator device, security device, a AFC system, a MVNO base station such as a CBRS base station, e.g., a CBSD, a device such as a cellular base station e.g., an eNB, an MNO HSS server, a MVNO HSS device server, a UE device, a relay device, e.g. a MME, includes a controller corresponding to each of the steps of the various described methods performed by the device in which the processor is included. The components may be implemented using software and/or hardware. 
     Some embodiments are directed to a computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium, e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium, comprising code for causing a computer, or multiple computers, to implement various functions, steps, acts and/or operations, e.g., one or more steps described above. 
     Depending on the embodiment, the computer program product can, and sometimes does, include different code for each step to be performed. Thus, the computer program product may, and sometimes does, include code for each individual step of a method, e.g., a method of controlling a controller or node. The code may be in the form of machine, e.g., computer, executable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory) or other type of storage device. In addition to being directed to a computer program product, some embodiments are directed to a processor configured to implement one or more of the various functions, steps, acts and/or operations of one or more methods described above. Accordingly, some embodiments are directed to a processor, e.g., CPU, configured to implement some or all of the steps of the methods described herein. The processor may be for use in, e.g., a base station, e.g. CBSD, a cable modem (CM), a cable modem termination system (CMTS), a base station supporting massive MIMO such as a CBSD supporting massive MIMO, a network management node or device, a communications device such as a communications nodes such as e.g., an access point (AP), e.g., WiFi AP, a base station such as NRU gNB base station, etc., a user device such as a station (STA), e.g., WiFi STA, a user equipment (UE) device, a LTE LAA device, etc., an RLAN device, a network communications device such as router, switch, etc., administrator device, security device, a AFC system, MNVO base station, e.g., a CBSD, an MNO cellular base station, e.g., an eNB or a gNB, a HSS server, a UE device, a SAS or other device described in the present application. In some embodiments, components are implemented as hardware devices in such embodiments the components are hardware components. In other embodiments components may be implemented as software, e.g., a set of processor or computer executable instructions. Depending on the embodiment the components may be all hardware components, all software components, a combination of hardware and/or software or in some embodiments some components are hardware components while other components are software components. 
     Numerous additional variations on the methods and apparatus of the various embodiments described above will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the above description. Such variations are to be considered within the scope. Numerous additional embodiments, within the scope of the present invention, will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the above description and the claims which follow. Such variations are to be considered within the scope of the invention.