Patent Description:
Cellular technologies, such as GERAN (GSM EDGE radio access network), UTRAN (UMTS terrestrial radio access network), LTE (Long Term Evolution), Wi-Fi, etc., require spectrum resources as basic means of data and voice communication. Spectrum is fundamental to the success of wireless communications and mobile operators rely on exclusive licenses as a key asset for ensuring predictable service.

The range of spectrum that is made available for wireless communications has increased over years, but despite this increase the demand for new spectrum still exceeds the available exclusive spectrum. The scarcity of spectrum has created a need for techniques for assigning spectrum resources, which allows sharing licensed spectrum with other operations or applications.

One framework to address the sharing of spectrum is Licensed Sharing Access (LSA), also sometimes referred to as Authorized Shared Access (ASA) or Spectrum Access System (SAS). Within this framework, it would be feasible for an operator or other licensee to use spectrum that is partly utilized already by other applications.

A basic framework to handle the sharing of spectrum and to avoid interference between applications has been defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) as a Protocol to Access White-Space Databases (PAWS). The framework of LSA extends beyond the capabilities defined in the IETF PAWS.

Standardization of an LSA framework and related interfaces is ongoing in the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) as a Reconfigurable Radio Systems (RRS). In parallel, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the USA is defining a regulatory framework for use of spectrum at <NUM> as a step in the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) recommendations to identify <NUM> of federal spectral resources to create shared-use spectrum superhighways.

In the framework defined by the FCC, the use of SAS is required. The SAS is not only required to ensure that licensees use the correct set of spectrum resources, e.g. in terms of frequency, geographical and timing domain. The SAS is also required to monitor the utilization of the spectrum resources by licensees.

<NPL>, discloses a technique for spectrum sharing in an LSA architecture. According to the document, LSA provides a framework to share spectrum between a limited number of users. The existing spectrum users ("the incumbents") share spectrum with one or several licensed LSA users ("LSA licensees") in accordance with a set of pre-defined conditions. The LSA architecture comprises an LSA Controller and an LSA Repository.

<NPL>, discloses different aspects of Licensed Shared Access (LSA). In particular, an LSA architecture is described, wherein the LSA architecture comprises an LSA Repository, an LSA Controller, and Network OA&M (Operations, Administration and Maintenance).

Accordingly, there is a need for a technique that allows sharing spectral resources efficiently at least in certain scenarios.

The above object is achieved by the subject-matter of the independent claims.

As to one aspect, a method of assigning spectral resources in a cellular network for wireless communications is provided. The spectral resources are partly utilized by other applications. The method comprises or triggers the step of receiving, at a controller of the cellular network, information indicative of one or more geographical areas and restrictions within the one or more geographical areas; and the step of assigning spectral resources based on the received information, wherein the information includes a set of attributes that define the restrictions within the one or more geographical areas, the attributes comprising Absolute Radio-Frequency Channel Number, ARFCN, timing, and maximum field strength allowed within the one or more geographical areas.

By providing information indicative of available and/or restricted spectral resources as a function of the geographical area, the cellular network can flexibly and efficiently use more spectral resources. Inflexible and inefficient general restrictions, e.g., countrywide restrictions, can be avoided in at least some embodiments. The spectral resources can be used by different applications in different, e.g., neighboring, geographical areas. Usage of the spectral resources may be mutually exclusive with respect to the geographical areas.

An entity or service operator that operates one or more of the other applications may also be referred to as incumbent. The other applications may include radar, fixed-satellite system (FSS), radio and television broadcasting, etc. Alternatively or in addition, the other applications may include (more or less) ad hoc applications, e.g., Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE) or temporal events.

The incumbent may operate in one or more of the geographical areas. Only for those geographical areas actually or currently used by the incumbent, the restriction may be indicated. For other geographical areas, no restriction or an express availability may be indicated for at least some of the spectral resources used by the incumbent. The cellular network may assign, partly or completely, the spectral resources, if no restriction or the express availability is indicated.

The method may further comprise or trigger the step of performing a mapping between radio transmitters of the cellular network and the one or more geographical areas. Alternatively or in addition, the method may further comprise or trigger the step of transferring the information to a separate entity for a mapping between radio transmitters of the cellular network and the one or more areas.

Furthermore, the radio transmitters may include base stations of the cellular network. The one or more geographical areas may be mapped to locations and/or coverage areas of the base stations.

The step of assigning may include setting a configuration of the respective radio transmitters. The configuration may relate to at least one of output power levels, antenna directions, antenna tilts and frequencies.

The controller may be implemented at and/or by a network management system of the cellular network.

The restrictions in the information may restrict usage of the spectral resources for the wireless communications. Alternatively or in addition, the received information may positively indicate availability of the spectral resources.

The information may be received from a repository. The repository may be accessed by, or accessible to, a plurality of different controllers. The plurality of controllers may include the receiving controller. Alternatively or in addition, the repository may be accessed by, or accessible to, different cellular networks including the cellular network. Alternatively or in addition, the repository may be located, physically and/or topologically, outside of a domain of the cellular network.

The repository may keep a set of the restrictions. The set may be updated, e.g., regularly, periodically or event-triggered. The restrictions indicated in the information may be a subset of the set of restriction kept at the repository. The subset may be selected, e.g., by the repository, according to the indicated geographical area.

The restrictions relate to at least one of geographical aspects, frequency aspects, power level aspects and timing aspects. Alternatively or in addition, the restrictions may include at least one of regulatory restrictions and incumbent restrictions.

The received information may be included in a message. The message may be sent from the repository to the controller. The message and/or the information may be structured according to a Licensed Sharing Access, LSA, protocol.

The one or more geographical areas may be specified by means of polygons. The polygon may be specified by indicating the corners of the polygon, e.g., by means of latitude and longitude coordinates. The geographical area may be the convex hull of the specified corners.

As to another aspect, a method of assigning spectral resources in a cellular network for wireless communications is provided. The spectral resources are partly utilized by other applications. The method comprises or triggers the step of storing a set of restrictions for the spectral resources; and the step of sending, to a controller of the cellular network, information indicative of one or more geographical areas and restrictions within the one or more geographical areas, wherein the information includes a set of attributes that define the restrictions within the one or more geographical areas, the attributes comprising Absolute Radio-Frequency Channel Number, ARFCN, timing, and maximum field strength allowed within the one or more geographical areas.

The method may further comprise or trigger the step of updating the set of restrictions for the spectral resources.

The method may further comprise or trigger the step of receiving information indicative of regulatory or incumbent restrictions for updating the set of restrictions for the spectral resources.

The method may be implemented by a repository.

As to a further aspect, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product comprises program code portions for performing any one of the steps of the method aspects disclosed herein when the computer program product is executed by one or more computing devices. The computer program product may be stored on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer program product may also be provided for download via a data network, e.g., the cellular network and/or the Internet.

As to one hardware aspect, a device for assigning spectral resources in a cellular network for wireless communications is provided. The spectral resources are partly utilized by other applications. The device is configured to perform or trigger the step of receiving, at a controller of the cellular network, information indicative of one or more geographical areas and restrictions within the one or more geographical areas; and the step of assigning spectral resources based on the received information, wherein the information includes a set of attributes that define the restrictions within the one or more geographical areas, the attributes comprising Absolute Radio-Frequency Channel Number, ARFCN, timing, and maximum field strength allowed within the one or more geographical areas.

As to another hardware aspect, a device for assigning spectral resources in a cellular network for wireless communications is provided. The spectral resources are partly utilized by other applications. The device is configured to perform or trigger the step of storing a set of restrictions for the spectral resources; and the step of sending, to a controller of the cellular network, information indicative of one or more geographical areas and restrictions within the one or more geographical areas, wherein the information includes a set of attributes that define the restrictions within the one or more geographical areas, the attributes comprising Absolute Radio-Frequency Channel Number, ARFCN, timing, and maximum field strength allowed within the one or more geographical areas.

Further details of embodiments of the technique are described with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein:.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth, such as a specific network environment in order to provide a thorough understanding of the technique disclosed herein.

Moreover, while the following embodiments are primarily described for Long Term Evolution (LTE) and <NUM> implementations, it is readily apparent that the technique described herein may also be implemented in any other wireless communication network, including a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) according to the standard family IEEE <NUM> (e.g., IEEE <NUM>. 11a, g, n or ac; also referred to as Wi-Fi) and/or a Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) according to the standard family IEEE <NUM>.

Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the services, functions, steps and units explained herein may be implemented using software functioning in conjunction with a programmed microprocessor, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) or a general purpose computer, e.g., including an Advanced RISC Machine (ARM). It will also be appreciated that, while the following embodiments are primarily described in context with methods and devices, the invention may also be embodied in a computer program product.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a device <NUM> for assigning spectral resources in a cellular network for wireless communications. The device <NUM> comprises a receiving unit <NUM> for receiving information as to usage of the spectral resources that are shared with applications other than wireless communications in cellular networks. The device <NUM> further comprises an assigning unit <NUM> for assigning the spectral resources in the cellular network.

The device <NUM> may be implemented at a node of the cellular network, e.g., so that the device <NUM> provides the received information to, or is integrated in, an entity for cellular network planning.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a device <NUM> for assigning spectral resources in a cellular network for wireless communications. The device <NUM> comprises a storing unit <NUM> for storing a set of restrictions on usage of the spectral resources that are shared with applications other than wireless communications in cellular networks. The device <NUM> further comprises a sending unit <NUM> for sending information as to the usage to a controller of the cellular network.

The device <NUM> may be implemented in a node outside of the cellular network, e.g., so that the device <NUM> is accessible to multiple cellular networks.

<FIG> shows a flowchart for a method <NUM> of assigning spectral resources in a cellular network for wireless communications. In a step <NUM>, a controller of the cellular network receives information indicative of area-specific restrictions. The information is processed when assigning the spectral resources in a step <NUM>.

The method <NUM> may be implemented by the device <NUM> and/or in the cellular network. , the units <NUM> and <NUM> may perform the steps <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively.

<FIG> shows a flowchart for a method <NUM> of assigning spectral resources in a cellular network for wireless communications. In a step <NUM>, a set of area-specific restrictions for usage of the spectral resources is stored. Information indicative of at least a subset of the restrictions is sent to a controller of the cellular network in a step <NUM>.

The method <NUM> may be implemented by the device <NUM> and/or in a repository. , the units <NUM> and <NUM> may perform the steps <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively.

An existing Protocol to Access White-Space (PAWS) defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) enables a so-called TV White Space (TVWS) device, e.g., the device <NUM>, to access available spectrum via an Available Spectrum Query procedure. The procedure is initiated by a message <NUM> from the TVWS device, AVAIL_SPECTRUM_REQ.

An example structure of the message <NUM> is schematically illustrated in <FIG>. The message <NUM> includes a geo-location <NUM> of the TVWS device and parameters such as device identifier, capabilities, and characteristics (as defined by rules set). The message is sent to a spectrum database that maintains an updated view of available spectrum resources.

If the correct information is provided, the database may respond with a message <NUM>. An example structure of the message <NUM>, AVAIL_SPECTRUM_RESP, is schematically illustrated in <FIG>. The message <NUM> includes one or more SpectrumSpec elements, one for each ruleset supported at the location specified in the corresponding AVAIL_SPECTRUM_REQ request <NUM>.

A spectrum specification <NUM> is referenced in the message <NUM> at reference sign <NUM>. The spectrum specification <NUM> includes a reference <NUM> to a spectrum schedule <NUM>. Spectra are listed at reference sign <NUM> in the spectrum schedule <NUM>.

The existing IETF PAWS specification also supports a request for a list of radio transmitters, in AVAIL_SPECTRUM_BATCH_REQ.

If there is a protection zone (also referred to as geographical area), in which a user and/or operator is given a set of restrictions as to how transmitted radio signals on some of the frequencies that the operator is allowed to be used, the operator is required to plan the deployment such that the protection zone is not infringed. This is typically done by using a cell planning tool, wherein sites, output power levels, antenna directions, frequencies, tilt etc. are decided, in order to provide the required coverage. Exclusion zones and/or protection areas can be included in the decision process to secure that the coverage does not expand into those protected areas. This will put limitations on the site locations, output power levels, antenna directions, tilt, etc..

IETF PAWS protocol is defined under the assumption that the transmitting device has a direct connection established to the database that either rejects access to spectrum or provides an appropriate list of information for the one or more devices with accepted access.

The direct connection (from the transmitting device to the database) is not suitable for an operator network in which several (sometimes thousands of) base stations provide continuous coverage. Even if the number of connections can be handled in the database, an operator puts substantial effort into planning coverage, either through a manual process or a more automated process that is supported by the network, e.g., Self-Organizing Network (SON) functionality, such as Mobility Load Balancing, Mobility Robustness Optimization, etc..

While the IETF PAWS supports a grouped request for spectrum, e.g., using an AVAIL_SPECTRUM_BATCH_REQ message, the database will interpret each position in the batch request as if it were an independent request and return results consistent with multiple individual AVAIL_SPECTRUM_REQ requests. These results are returned in a batched response message.

Setting the radio configuration parameters of the one or more bases stations, to ensure a certain geographical coverage, is based on prediction models created by cell planning tools. This network planning process is aimed at enhancing network performance and efficiency of spectrum utilization, thereby, supporting the operator differentiation on network quality. If this functionality is intervened by an external entity, which is external relative to the operator, e.g., the existing PAWS database, and which is allowed to set output power levels, frequency, tilt, etc., then the operator differentiation and spectrum utilization may suffer.

The embodiments implement methods <NUM> and <NUM>, as well as related signaling, to support an operator centric control of radio transmitting resources within and LSA/ASA/SAS framework, but still conforming to the Regulatory and Incumbent requirements.

The methods to achieve this include providing one geographical area or a set of geographical areas, such as described by, e.g., polygons, to a controller, e.g., the device <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may be a part of a network management system (NMS) or operations support system (OSS) of the mobile operator. The geographical area description, such as the polygon description, includes a set of characteristics that describe the restrictions within the given geographical area.

According to embodiments, means to transfer the knowledge of the areas that need protection are provided. The information is transferred from a repository, e.g., the device <NUM>, to a separate entity, e.g., the device <NUM>, which performs a mapping between protection zone and radio transmitters (e.g., one or more base stations).

, the geographical areas are mapped to location and/or coverage of the radio transmitters. The details specific to the one or more radio transmitters are not available in the repository <NUM>. In contrast, the one or more areas that need protection are not available at or in the radio transmitters (e.g., as defined in IETF today).

<FIG> schematically illustrates a system embodiment, individual devices and units of which may be implemented separately.

Accordingly, a repository <NUM> is provided. The repository <NUM> may be a logical and/or physical unit. The repository <NUM> is configured to keep an updated set of Incumbent and/or Regulatory restrictions including, e.g., geographical, frequency, power levels, and timing aspects. Hence, the repository <NUM> is configured to provide area information <NUM>, exemplified as one or a set of polygons, to a controller <NUM>, as described above. Information <NUM> of the restrictions is sent in a message to the controller <NUM>.

Further, a controller <NUM> is provided. The controller <NUM> may be a logical and/or physical unit. The controller <NUM> may be part of the mobile operator domain. The controller <NUM> is configured to receive the above-described restrictions <NUM>, from the Repository unit. By receiving the restriction, the controller <NUM> can set the appropriate configuration of the respective radio transmitters without infringing on the incumbents protection zone.

The repository <NUM> comprises means <NUM> adapted to store an updated set of Incumbent and Regulatory restrictions (e.g., a memory), means <NUM> to create a message <NUM> comprising said restrictions (e.g., at least one processor), and means <NUM> to send the message <NUM> (e.g., an output unit).

The controller <NUM> comprises means <NUM> adapted to receive the message <NUM> sent by the repository <NUM> (e.g., an input unit), means <NUM> to process the message <NUM>, and to create configuration parameters for the radio transmitters (e.g., a processor), and means <NUM> to send a message <NUM> comprising the configuration parameters (e.g., an output unit).

In an embodiment, the controller <NUM> may comprise an input unit <NUM> adapted to receive a message <NUM>, a processing unit <NUM> adapted to process the message <NUM>, a memory to store information, and an output unit <NUM> adapted to send a message <NUM>. The output unit <NUM> may be a wireless transceiver or terminal of a wireless or fixed communication system.

In an embodiment, the repository <NUM> may comprise an output unit <NUM> adapted to send a message <NUM>, a processing unit <NUM> adapted to process the message <NUM>, and a memory <NUM> to store information. The output unit <NUM> may be a wireless transceiver or terminal of a wireless or fixed communication system.

The base stations comprising the radio transmitters are configured to receive the configuration message <NUM>. The base station is further configured to update its configuration accordingly.

The embodiments allow for an operator centric control of radio transmitting resources within an LSA/ASA/SAS framework conforming to the Regulatory and Incumbent requirements, limiting the need of information exchange of the details of the radio network, reducing the amount of signaling. Hence, the embodiments allow for an efficient utilization of radio resources.

An example logical architecture for the framework, e.g., a system implementing an LSA/ASA architecture, is depicted in <FIG>. The radio transmitters are shown at reference sign <NUM>.

Embodiments implementing the methods <NUM> and <NUM> cause a related signaling to support an operator centric control of radio transmitting resources within an LSA/ASA/SAS framework, which conforms to the Regulatory and Incumbent requirements.

The message comprising the information <NUM> received at the controller <NUM> may be an LSA Spectrum Resource Availability Information (LSRAI), e.g., according to document ETSI TS <NUM><NUM> V0. <NUM>, Sect. <NUM> and/or Sect.

The information <NUM> may convey an LSA spectrum resource. The controller <NUM> may be operated by an LSA licensee. The controller <NUM> may use, or may trigger using, the LSA spectrum resource indicated by the information <NUM>. Alternatively or in addition, the information <NUM> may convey operational conditions or restrictions that the controller <NUM> or LSA licensee shall apply. The operational conditions or restrictions may relate to the respective LSA spectrum resource.

The information <NUM> may be indicative of one or more spectrum resources. The spectrum resource may be shared between the incumbent and the LSA licensee, e.g., on a static or dynamic basis and/or according to a Sharing Framework.

The Sharing Framework may include a set of sharing rules or sharing conditions, which may define a change, if any, in the spectrum rights of the incumbent and/or may define the spectrum, with corresponding technical and operational conditions, that can be made available for alternative usage under LSA. The Sharing Framework may be defined by an administration or National Regulatory Authority (NRA).

Alternatively or in addition, the LSRAI <NUM> may be conveyed to the controller <NUM> in messages originated in the repository <NUM>. For example, the LSRAI <NUM> may include an availability notification.

Under normal operating conditions, the repository <NUM> may be aware of the LSRAI <NUM> that is known to the controller <NUM>. The repository <NUM> may store relevant associated information, e.g., a status of acknowledgements received from the controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may refrain from initiating an LSA operation unless the controller <NUM> has received the relevant LSRAI <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may take steps to ensure, e.g., on an ongoing basis, that the controller <NUM> holds valid and/or relevant LSRAI <NUM>.

The LSRAI <NUM> may be associated with a validity time, e.g., when received by the controller <NUM>. When the validity time expires, the controller <NUM> may consider that the associated LSRAI <NUM> is no longer applicable and/or may initiate actions to obtain an updated LSRAI <NUM>.

The LSRAI <NUM>, e.g., the indicated geographical area and/or the indicated restrictions, may include support for the definition of exclusion, restriction and/or protection zones. Requirements for the zones may be defined, e.g., according to ETSI TS <NUM><NUM>, V1. <NUM>, Sect.

Examples of exclusion and protection zone parameters may include those of ECC Recommendation (<NUM>)<NUM> ("Guidance for the implementation of a sharing framework between MFCN and PMSE within <NUM>-<NUM>").

A format for the LSRAI <NUM> may include further definitions and/or may support future extensions in order to enable an evolution of sharing rules or the needs of particular deployments.

An example sequence flow <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The sequence flow <NUM> includes an embodiment of the signaling.

The sequence flow <NUM> of <FIG> may be triggered by a connection establishment procedure, or similar, by the controller <NUM> towards the repository <NUM>.

One embodiment, depicted in <FIG>, includes an entity, e.g., the device <NUM>, called the repository. The repository <NUM> provides one polygon or a set of polygons to a separate entity, e.g., the device <NUM>, called the controller.

The message <NUM> is exemplified by LSA Licensee rights information. An optional acknowledgement message from the controller <NUM> to the repository <NUM> is shown at reference sign <NUM>.

The structure of such a message or corresponding information <NUM> is exemplified by <FIG>. The information <NUM> is indicative of geographical areas <NUM> and restrictions <NUM> in the geographical areas <NUM>.

The repository <NUM> is a logical and/or physical unit that is configured to keep an updated set of Incumbent and Regulatory restrictions including, e.g., geographical, frequency, power levels, and timing aspects. Hence, the repository <NUM> is configured to provide the area information <NUM>, exemplified as one or a set of polygons, to the controller <NUM>, as described above.

The repository <NUM> may be under the control of the Incumbent or the Regulator, or a third party that has been given the right to manage the repository <NUM>. The input data, e.g., the set of restrictions, optionally stored in the memory <NUM>, will be provided by Incumbent and Regulator. The updated set of Incumbent and Regulatory restrictions may be the sum of restrictions set by Incumbent and Regulator, which would comprise the LSA Licensee rights information <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> is a logical and/or physical unit, which may be part of the mobile operator domain. Upon reception of restrictions, e.g., the above-described restrictions <NUM>, from the repository <NUM>, the controller <NUM> is configured to not infringe on the incumbents protection zone <NUM>, and to set the appropriate configuration <NUM> of the respective radio transmitters <NUM>. The radio transmitters <NUM> may be the radio transmitters of base stations (e.g., eNBs).

The controller <NUM> can be located in any appropriate node or nodes. According to an embodiment, the controller <NUM> is located in part of a mobile operator management system (e.g., an operations support system, OSS).

As an example, the message depicted as the LSA Licensee rights information may include a structure in line with <FIG> shows attributes for an embodiment of the LSA Licensee right information message <NUM>.

The protection zone message may include area information <NUM> exemplified by a set of points, each of the points being defined by a longitude and a latitude. The set of points may define a polygonal protection zone <NUM>.

Each area information <NUM>, such as each defined polygon, may include, or be associated with, a set of attributes that define the restrictions <NUM> within the protection zone <NUM>, such as Absolute Radio-Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN), timing, and optionally allowed reference signal power and allowed maximum transmission power.

The ARFCN, and the specific range of frequencies, includes restricted frequencies (e.g., sub-carrier).

The Timing may include a start and stop time for which the restriction is valid.

Cell border field strength includes the maximum field strength level allowed within the protection zone <NUM>.

Allowed referenceSignalPower may include a maximum reference signal allowed in the protection zone <NUM>, e.g., allowing pico or femto cell deployment within a protection zone <NUM>.

Allowed maximumTransmissionPower may include a maximum output transmission power from a base station located in the protection zone when allowed in the protection zone, e.g. allowing pico or femto cell deployment within a protection zone <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a schematic block diagram for an example base station as the radio transmitter <NUM>. Although the illustrated base station <NUM> may represent network nodes that include any suitable combination of hardware and/or software, the base station <NUM> may, in particular embodiments, represent a device such as the example base station illustrated in <FIG>.

The base station <NUM> may include a node <NUM> and a transceiver <NUM> coupled to the node <NUM>. The node <NUM> may comprise a network interface <NUM> for receiving the configuration information <NUM>, e.g., via a backhaul network of the cellular network. The configuration information <NUM> may be processed by a processor <NUM>. Configuration values derived by the processor <NUM> may be stored in memory <NUM>.

Alternatively or in addition, as shown in <FIG>, the example base station <NUM> includes a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a transceiver <NUM>, and an antenna. In particular embodiments, some or all of the functionality described above as being provided by a mobile base station, a base station controller, a node B, an enhanced node B, and/or any other type of mobile communications node, may be provided by the base station processor <NUM> executing instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, such as the memory <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Alternative embodiments of the base station <NUM> may include additional components responsible for providing additional functionality, including any of the functionality identified above and/or any functionality necessary to support the solution described above.

Although the described technique may be implemented in any appropriate type of telecommunication system, e.g., supporting any suitable communication standards and using any suitable components, particular embodiments of the described technique may be implemented in a network, e.g., the network <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the example network <NUM> may include one or more instances of user equipment (UEs) <NUM> and one or more base stations <NUM> capable of communicating with these UEs <NUM>, along with any additional elements suitable to support communication between UEs <NUM> or between a UE <NUM> and another communication device (such as a landline telephone).

Although the illustrated UEs <NUM> may represent communication devices that include any suitable combination of hardware and/or software, these UEs <NUM> may, in particular embodiments, represent devices such as the example UE <NUM> illustrated in greater detail by <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the example UE <NUM> includes a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a transceiver <NUM>, and an antenna. In particular embodiments, any functionality necessary to support the technique described above may be provided by the UE processor <NUM> executing instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, such as the memory <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Alternative embodiments of the UE <NUM> may include additional components beyond those shown in <FIG> that may be responsible for providing certain aspects of the functionality of the UE <NUM>, including any of the functionality necessary to support the technique described above.

Claim 1:
A method (<NUM>) of assigning spectral resources in a cellular network (<NUM>) for wireless communications, wherein the spectral resources are, at least partly, shared with other applications, the method comprising or triggering the steps of:
receiving (<NUM>), at a controller (<NUM>) of the cellular network (<NUM>), information (<NUM>) indicative of one or more geographical areas (<NUM>) and restrictions (<NUM>) within the one or more geographical areas (<NUM>); and
assigning (<NUM>) spectral resources based on the received information (<NUM>),
wherein the information (<NUM>) includes a set of attributes that define the restrictions (<NUM>) within the one or more geographical areas (<NUM>), the attributes comprising Absolute Radio-Frequency Channel Number, ARFCN, timing, and maximum field strength allowed within the one or more geographical areas (<NUM>).