Patent ID: 12199765

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments herein, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the embodiments, principles, concepts, etc.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As further discussed herein, a communication system includes a wireless base station and a repeater wireless station. The repeater wireless station receives first wireless communications and second wireless communications transmitted from a wireless base station. The repeater wireless station also receives schedule information notifying the repeater wireless station to retransmit at least the first wireless communications. In accordance with the schedule information, the repeater wireless station controls retransmission of the first wireless communications and the second wireless communications. In certain embodiments, the repeater wireless station supports both uplink and downlink communications.

Now, more specifically, with reference to the drawings,FIG.1is an example diagram illustrating a communication network environment and multiple wireless base stations implementing communications according to embodiments herein.

As shown, network environment100includes allocation management resource140(such as spectrum access system), repository181, wireless base station131, repeater wireless station147, and wireless signal sensor151.

Wireless network environment100includes any number of wireless base stations and corresponding power management resources. In this example embodiment, wireless base station131is includes a communication management resource to manage transmission of wireless communications in the network environment100. Repeater wireless station137implements communication management resource137to manage transmission of wireless communications from the repeater wireless station147.

Each of the wireless base stations includes respective one or more instances of antenna hardware to wirelessly communicate with mobile communication devices (a.k.a., user equipment) and/or other wireless stations such as repeater wireless stations. For example, in this embodiment, the wireless base station131includes antenna hardware132(such as one or more antenna elements) to transmit communications125such as wireless signal A.

Repeater wireless station147includes antennas such as first antenna hardware138-1to receive the wireless signal A and second antenna hardware138-2to communicate wireless signal A′.

Each of the wireless base station131and repeater wireless station147can be configured to support beamforming and directivity of respective wireless signals (such as signal A, signal A′, etc.). Alternatively, the antenna hardware associated with the wireless base station131and the repeater wireless station147support omni-directional communications in the wireless network environment100.

Note further that each of the resources in network environment100can be configured to include or be configured as appropriate hardware, software, or combination of hardware and software to carry out respective operations as discussed herein.

More specifically, the wireless base station131(such as communication management resource) as described herein can be implemented via respective wireless base station hardware, wireless base station software, or a combination of wireless base station hardware and wireless base station software; the repeater wireless station147as described herein can be implemented via respective repeater wireless station hardware, repeater wireless station software, or a combination of repeater wireless station hardware and repeater wireless station software; the wireless signal sensor151can be implemented via wireless signal sensor hardware, wireless signal sensor management software, or a combination of wireless signal sensor hardware and wireless signal sensor software; and so on.

As further shown in this example embodiment, the network190provides connectivity (such as shared communication link, cable, physical link, wireless link, etc.) between resources such as wireless signal sensor151and allocation management resource140as well as connectivity between allocation management resource140and the wireless base station131.

Initially, the wireless base station131registers with the allocation management resource140for allocation of one or more wireless channel. In further example embodiments, the wireless base station131detects or knows of presence of repeater wireless station147and communicates such information to the allocation management resource140.

For example, the repeater wireless station147(such as RF repeater) can be configured to wirelessly connect to wireless base station131and reports its location to the wireless base station131. Alternatively, the wireless base station131communicates with an entity that provides location information indicating a location (such as predetermined location) of the repeater wireless station147. In further example embodiments, the wireless base station131determines that the repeater wireless station147is connected to itself via receipt of information such as ‘UE category’ and/or identity information reported by the repeater wireless station147to the wireless base station131.

Subsequent to registration, the allocation management resource140(such as a spectrum access system) grants spectrum (such as one or more wireless channels) to the wireless base station131and repeater wireless station147. In one embodiment, the allocation management resource140allocates wireless channels from a CBRS band. Details of the allocated one or more wireless channels are discussed with respect toFIG.13and corresponding text.

Referring again toFIG.1, via data192, the allocation management resource140keeps track of the location (L47) of the repeater wireless station147and location (L31) of the wireless base station131, etc.

The wireless base station131and the repeater wireless station147can be configured to communicate over any suitable type of wireless channel and/or wireless communication protocol (cellular wireless communication protocol. Wi-Fi™, etc.

Further in this example embodiment, subsequent to allocation of a respective wireless channel, the wireless base station131communicates signal A (such as a downlink signal) from antenna hardware132in the wireless network environment. The wireless signal supports communications with one or more mobile communication devices such as user equipment CD1, user equipment CD2, etc. In one embodiment, the repeater wireless station147is configured to receive the wireless signal A on antenna hardware138-1and then re-transmit the signal A as signal A′ to the user equipment CD2 via antenna hardware138-2. SeeFIG.2.

Referring again toFIG.1, in this example embodiment, the transmission of wireless signal A′ is slightly delayed with respect to the original wireless signal A. In such an instance, the magnitude of the wireless signal A′ itself or a combination of the signal A and A′ may result in wireless interference sensed by the wireless signal sensor151. In one embodiment, the wireless signal sensor151monitors a magnitude of communications125(as transmitted from the wireless base station131) and communications125-1(as transmitted from the repeater wireless station147). In one embodiment, the wireless signal sensor151provides feedback179to the wireless base station131indicating a level of wireless interference detected by the wireless signal sensor151.

For example, in one embodiment, the wireless signal sensor (such as ESC or Environmental Sensing Capability) continuously measure the wireless signal power present in a spectrum used by the wireless base station131and repeater wireless station147such as the CBRS (Citizens Band Radio Service) band. An example of monitoring received wireless signals is further discussed inFIG.2.

FIG.2is an example diagram illustrating an example of retransmitting a received wireless signal according to embodiments herein.

In this example embodiment, the repeater wireless station147receives signal A (such as part of wireless communications125) from the wireless base station131. When repeating a respective wireless signal, the repeater wireless station147performs a replication of the received signal A in graph211as repeated signal A′ in graph212. As shown, the signal A′ is delayed by amount time delay TD2.

Referring again toFIG.1, in one embodiment, the wireless base station131receives feedback179from the wireless signal sensor151. In response to detecting that the magnitude of wireless signals or interference detected by the wireless signal sensor151is above a threshold value, the wireless base station131controls a magnitude of the communications125and/or communications125-1to ensure that the magnitude of the wireless interference in the region of wireless coverage156is below the threshold value.

FIG.3is an example diagram illustrating implementation of multiple resource blocks to communicate data to multiple communication devices according to embodiments herein.

In one embodiment, the wireless base station131in the wireless station147are synchronized with respect to a master clock such that the wireless stations know when to transmit and/or receive wireless signals in a respective timeslot. In this example embodiment, each full frame (such as multiple timeframes TF1 to TF10) is 10 mS (milliseconds) in duration. Each timeframe (such as TF1, TF2, etc.) includes multiple timeslots (TS #1 to TS #10, 1 mS per timeslot) and corresponding 500 resource blocks (50 resource blocks per timeslot). Each timeslot and corresponding 50 resource blocks support 10 MHz of bandwidth (such as wireless channel #1). In one embodiment, each resource block is transmitted over a 1.0 mS of a respective time slot.

In this example embodiment, bandwidth #1 (such as a first portion of wireless channel #1) supports communication of a respective instance of resource block #1 during each of the different timeslots TS #1 to TS #10; bandwidth #2 (such as a second portion of wireless channel #1) supports communication of a respective instance of resource block #2 during each of the different timeslots TS #1 to TS #10; bandwidth #3 (such as a third portion of wireless channel #1) supports communication of a respective instance of resource block #3 during each of the different timeslots TS #1 to TS #10; and so on.

FIG.4is an example diagram illustrating attributes of a respective resource block including multiple resource elements according to embodiments herein.

As shown, each resource block can be configured to include twelve sub-carrier frequencies, each supporting a bandwidth of 15 KHz, each carrying 14 OFDM symbols over a respective duration of 1.0 mS. This means each resource block is 15×12=180 KHz wide in frequency and is composed of 12×14=168 resource elements. In one embodiment, each resource element supports transmission of a single symbol (schedule of 168 symbols per resource block). In further example embodiments, each resource block supports 84 resource elements.

FIG.5is an example diagram illustrating schedule information according to embodiments herein.

In this example embodiment, the wireless base station131or other suitable communication management entity produces schedule information120indicating which portions (resource blocks) of communications125are to be repeated as communications125-1by the repeater wireless station147.

For example, based on knowledge that the communication devices CD4, CD5, CD6, CD7, and CD8 are only serviced by the wireless base station131via direct wireless connectivity and not repeater wireless station147, the wireless base station131or other suitable entity produces the schedule information120to indicate not to repeat any received resource blocks for timeslots TS #1, TS #3, TS #4, TS #5, TS #8, and TS #9.

Additionally, based on knowledge that the communication device CD1 and communication device CD2 are serviced by the repeater wireless station147: the wireless base station131produces the schedule information120to indicate that resource blocks 21 to 30 and corresponding bandwidth are allocated in timeslot #2 are to be repeated from the repeater wireless station147to the communication device CD2; the wireless base station131produces the schedule information120to indicate that resource blocks 21 to 30 and corresponding bandwidth are allocated in timeslot #6 are to be repeated from the repeater wireless station147to the communication device CD1; the wireless base station131produces the schedule information120to indicate that resource blocks 31 to 50 and corresponding bandwidth are allocated in timeslot #7 are to be repeated from the repeater wireless station147to the communication device CD2; the wireless base station131produces the schedule information120to indicate that resource blocks 21 to 30 and corresponding bandwidth are allocated in timeslot #10 are to be repeated from the repeater wireless station147to the communication device CD2.

Thus, the schedule information120provides the repeater wireless station147an indication of which of the resource blocks are to be repeated by the repeater wireless station147to the communication devices CD1 and CD2.

As previously discussed, each resource block provides approximate 200 kilohertz of wireless bandwidth in which to support communication of data between the repeater wireless station147and the communication devices CD1 and CD2. In such an instance, allocation of the resource blocks 21 to 30 in timeslot #2 to communication device CD2 provides 2 MHz (MegaHertz) of wireless bandwidth in which to convey data between the repeater wireless station147and the communication device CD2; allocation of the resource blocks 21 to 30 in timeslot #6 to communication device CD1 provides 2 MHz (MegaHertz) of wireless bandwidth in which to convey data between the repeater wireless station147and the communication device CD2; allocation of the resource blocks 31 to 50 in timeslot #7 to communication device CD2 provides 4 MHz (MegaHertz) of wireless bandwidth in which to convey data between the repeater wireless station147and the communication device CD2; allocation of the resource blocks 21 to 30 in timeslot #10 to communication device CD2 provides 2 MHz (MegaHertz) of wireless bandwidth in which to convey data between the repeater wireless station147and the communication device CD2.

FIG.6is an example diagram illustrating assignment of resource blocks assigned to different communication devices in different time slots according to embodiments herein.

In this example embodiment, the resource block transmit information610indicates assignment of different wireless stations such as communication devices to each of the available resource blocks over different time slots.

For example, resource block transmit information610indicates that resource blocks 1 to 10 in timeslot #1 are allocated to communicate with communication device CD5 in region of wireless coverage155; resource block transmit information610(a.k.a., allocation or schedule information) indicates that resource blocks 11 to 20 are allocated to communicate with communication device CD4 in region of wireless coverage155; resource block transmit information610indicates that resource blocks 21 to 30 in timeslot #1 are allocated to communicate with the communication device CD8 in region of wireless coverage155; resource block transmit information610indicates that resource blocks 31 to 40 are allocated to communicate with communication device CD8 in region of wireless coverage155; resource block transmit information610indicates that resource blocks 41 to 50 in timeslot #1 are allocated to communication device CD7 in region of wireless coverage155; and so on.

Resource block transmit information610further indicates that resource blocks 21 to 30 in timeslot #2 are allocated to communicate with communication device CD2 in region of wireless coverage156(such as a cell edge or farthest distance from the wireless base station131). Neither the wireless base station131and the repeater wireless station147do not transmit communications in resource blocks 1-20 and 31-50.

Resource block transmit information610indicates that resource blocks 1 to 20 in timeslot #3 are allocated to communicate with communication device CD4 in region of wireless coverage155; resource block transmit information610indicates that resource blocks 21 to 30 in timeslot #2 are allocated to communicate with communication device CD8 in region of wireless coverage155; resource block transmit information610indicates that resource blocks 31 to 50 are allocated to communicate with communication device CD2; and so on.

Resource block transmit information610indicates that resource blocks 21 to 30 timeslot #6 are allocated to communicate with communication device CD1 in region of wireless coverage156.

Resource block transmit information610indicates that resource blocks 31 to 50 timeslot #7 are allocated to communication device CD2 in region of wireless coverage156.

FIG.7is an example diagram illustrating selective retransmission of resource blocks from a repeater wireless station in accordance with the schedule information according to embodiments herein.

As previously discussed, based on the schedule information120received by the repeater wireless station147, the repeater wireless station147determines which portions of the received wireless communications125are to be repeated to the downstream communication devices CD1 and CD2.

For example, the wireless base station131transmits the communications125from antenna hardware132. The repeater wireless station147includes antenna hardware147-1to monitor presence of wireless signals transmitted in the different time slots and different carrier frequencies associated with the resource blocks 1 to 50.

In this example embodiment, as indicated by resource block re-transmit information710, during timeslot #1, and in a manner as previously discussed, the antenna hardware147-1of repeater wireless station147receives the wireless communications125from the wireless base station131. However, because the schedule information120indicates not to retransmit any wireless signals received from the wireless base station131in timeslot #1, the repeater wireless station147prevents retransmission of signals associated with resource blocks 1 to 50 in timeslot #1. Preventing retransmission of the wireless signals in timeslot #1 from the repeater wireless station147to the region of wireless coverage156reduces wireless interference. Thus, in timeslot #1, because there are no retransmissions by the repeater wireless station147, and instead of experiencing wireless energy associated with 10 megahertz of bandwidth, the region of wireless coverage156and wireless signal sensor151is exposed to no wireless energy from the repeater wireless station147.

Further in this example embodiment, as indicated by resource block re-transmit information710, during timeslot #2, the antenna hardware147-1of repeater wireless station147receives the wireless communications125from the wireless base station131. Based on the schedule information120, the repeater wireless station147determines that resource blocks 21 to 30 in timeslot #2 are to be retransmitted. In such an instance, the repeater wireless station147retransmits (repeats) only the wireless signals associated with resource blocks 21 to 30 in timeslot #2 (as received from the wireless base station131) in a downlink direction over antenna hardware147-2to the communication device CD1 in the region of wireless coverage156. Reducing a number of wireless signals (resource blocks) and thus an amount of wireless energy that is retransmitted via the repeater wireless station147reduces an amount of wireless interference in the region of wireless coverage156caused by the retransmission of wireless signals from the repeater wireless station147. For example, in timeslot #2, instead of repeating wireless transmission of all the resource blocks 1 through 50 and experiencing wireless energy associated with 10 megahertz of wireless bandwidth, the region of wireless coverage156and wireless signal sensor151are exposed to only 2 megahertz of bandwidth based on retransmission of resource blocks 21 through 30.

Further in this example embodiment, as indicated by resource block re-transmit information710, during timeslots #3-5, the antenna hardware147-1of repeater wireless station147receives the wireless communications125from the wireless base station131. However, because the schedule information120indicates not to retransmit any wireless signals received from the wireless base station131in timeslots #3 through #5, the repeater wireless station147prevents retransmission of signals associated with resource blocks 1 to 50 in each of the timeslots #3 to #5. In a manner as previously discussed, preventing retransmission of the wireless signals in timeslot #1 from the repeater wireless station147to the region of wireless coverage156reduces wireless interference. Thus, in timeslot #3-5, instead of experiencing wireless energy associated with 10 megahertz of bandwidth, the region of wireless coverage156is exposed to no wireless energy from the repeater wireless station147.

As further shown via resource block re-transmit information710, the repeater wireless station147receives the wireless communications125from the wireless base station131. Based on the schedule information120, the repeater wireless station147determines that resource blocks 21 to 30 in timeslot #6 are to be retransmitted. In such an instance, the repeater wireless station147retransmits (repeats) the wireless signals associated with resource blocks 21 to 30 in timeslot #6 in a downlink direction over antenna hardware147-2to the communication device CD1. The repeater wireless station147prevents retransmitting (repeating) the wireless signals associated with resource blocks 1 to 20 and 31 to 50 in timeslot #6 in a downlink direction over antenna hardware147-2to the communication device CD1. Reducing a number of wireless signals and thus an amount of wireless energy that is retransmitted via the repeater wireless station reduces an amount of wireless interference in the region of wireless coverage156caused by the retransmission of wireless signals from the repeater wireless station147.

As further indicated by resource block re-transmit information710, during timeslot #7, the antenna hardware147-1of repeater wireless station147receives the wireless communications125from the wireless base station131. Based on the schedule information120, the repeater wireless station147determines that resource blocks 31 to 50 in timeslot #7 are to be retransmitted. In such an instance, the repeater wireless station147retransmits (repeats) the wireless signals associated with resource blocks 31 to 50 in timeslot #7 in a downlink direction over antenna hardware147-2to the communication devices CD1 at CD2. The repeater wireless station147prevents retransmitting (repeating) the wireless signals associated with resource blocks 1 to 30 in timeslot #7 in a downlink direction over antenna hardware147-2to the communication devices CD1 at CD2, reducing wireless interference.

As previously discussed, the wireless signal sensor can be configured to monitor a level of wireless energy in the region of wireless coverage156. In one embodiment, the wireless signal sensor151detects that the level of wireless interference during timeslot #7 is above a respective threshold energy level. In such an instance, the wireless signal sensor151provides feedback179over network190to the wireless base station131indicating the condition. In response to receiving the feedback179, the wireless base station131updates the repeater schedule information for next time frame and corresponding timeslot #7 such that the repeater wireless station only retransmits 10 resource blocks (corresponding to 2 megahertz). Thus, embodiments herein include controlling retransmission by the repeater wireless station147such that wireless communications transmitted by the repeater wireless station147to not cause undesirable wireless interference.

FIG.8is an example diagram illustrating assignment of resource blocks to different communication devices in different time slots according to embodiments herein.

In this example embodiment, the resource blocks transmit information810indicates the timeslots in corresponding resource blocks transmitted by the wireless base station131. In a manner as previously discussed, the wireless base station131transmits respective wireless data to a corresponding communication device via appropriate bandwidth assigned to the resource blocks during a time slot.

For example, in timeslot #1, the wireless base station131transmits communications to communication device CD5 via resource blocks 1 through 10; the wireless base station131transmits communications to communication device CD4 via resource blocks 11 through 20; wireless base station131transmits communications to communication device CD8 via resource blocks 21 to 40; the wireless base station131transmits communications to communication device CD 7 in resource blocks 41 through 50.

According to the schedule information120, the repeater wireless station147does not repeat any of the wireless communications transmitted by the wireless base station131in timeslot #1 as shown inFIG.9.

Further, in timeslot #2 ofFIG.8, the wireless base station131transmits communications to communication device CD5 via resource blocks 1 through 10; the wireless base station131transmits communications to communication device CD4 via resource blocks 11 through 20; wireless base station131transmits communications to communication device CD2 via resource blocks 21 to 30; the wireless base station131transmits communications to communication device CD7 in resource blocks 31 through 40; the wireless base station131transmits communications to communication device CD5 in resource blocks 41 through 50.

In accordance with the schedule information120, as shown inFIG.9, the repeater wireless station147repeats transmission of received wireless communications in resource blocks 21 through 30 of timeslot #2. The repeater wireless station147does not repeat wireless communications in received resource blocks 1 through 20 and 31 through 50.

In timeslot #3 inFIG.8, the wireless base station131transmits communications to communication device CD4 via resource blocks 1 through 20 wireless base station131transmits communications to communication device CD8 via resource blocks 21 to 30; the wireless base station131transmits communications to communication device CD7 in resource blocks 31 through 50. According to the schedule information120, the repeater wireless station147does not repeat any of the wireless communications transmitted by the wireless base station131in timeslot #3 as shown inFIG.9.

In timeslot #7 inFIG.8, the wireless base station131transmits communications to communication device CD4 via resource blocks 1 through 20; the wireless base station131transmits communications to communication device CD8 via resource blocks 21 through 30; wireless base station131transmits communications to communication device CD2 via resource blocks 31 to 50. According to the schedule information120, as shown inFIG.9, the repeater wireless station147repeats transmission of only received wireless communications in resource blocks 31 through 50 of timeslot #7. The repeater wireless station147does not repeat wireless communications in received resource blocks 1 through 30.

FIG.10is an example diagram illustrating assignment of resource blocks to different communication devices in different time slots based on a time-division duplex configuration according to embodiments herein.

In this example embodiment, the resource block transmit information1010supports bidirectional communications. For example, timeslot #1 through time slot #6 are allocated for downstream (downlink) communications from the wireless base station131to the communication devices in the region of wireless coverage155. In a similar manner as previously discussed, a portion of the communications transmitted by the wireless base station131are directed in the downlink to communication devices in the region of wireless coverage156as well. The schedule information120indicates which of the resource blocks (and thus a corresponding wireless carrier frequencies and corresponding modulated data) are to be retransmitted from the repeater wireless station147in the downstream to the one or more communication devices CD1 CD2, etc., in the region of wireless coverage156.

Further in this example embodiment, as shown inFIG.11, the repeater wireless station147repeats only transmission of received wireless communications in resource blocks 21 through 30 in timeslot #2 as well as resource blocks 21 through 30 in timeslot #6 in the downlink direction. This ensures that the communication devices CD1 and CD2 receive respective wireless data in timeslots 2 and 6.

Referring again toFIG.10, timeslots #7 through #10 are allocated for upstream (uplink) communications from the communication devices in region of wireless coverage155and region of wireless coverage156to the wireless base station131. In this example embodiment, the schedule information120indicates which of the resource blocks (and thus wireless carrier frequencies and corresponding modulated data) are to be retransmitted from the repeater wireless station147in the uplink to the wireless base station131.

For example, each of the communication devices CD3, CD4, CD5, CD6, CD7, CD8, etc. communicates in the uplink directly to the wireless base station131. Accordingly, as shown inFIG.11, because these communication devices are in range of the wireless base station131, the repeater wireless station147does not repeat signals associated with resource blocks 1 to 30 in timeslot #7, resource blocks 1 through 50 in timeslot #8, resource blocks 1 through 50 in timeslot #9, resource blocks 1 through 20 in timeslot #10, resource blocks 31 through 40 in timeslot #10. However, as previously discussed, the communication devices CD1 and CD2 in region of wireless coverage156are too far away from the wireless base station131to send a sufficiently strong wireless signal. In such an instance, the repeater wireless station147receives communications from the communication devices in allocated timeslots in resource blocks and retransmits such communications to the wireless base station131.

More specifically, the repeater wireless station147does not retransmit wireless signals associated with communication devices assigned resource blocks 1 through 30 in timeslot #7; the repeater wireless station147does not retransmit wireless signals associated with communication devices assigned resource blocks 1 through 50 in timeslot #8 and timeslot #9; the repeater wireless station147does not retransmit wireless signals associated with communication devices assigned resource blocks 1 through 20 and 31-50 in timeslot #10.

Thus, in accordance with embodiments herein, the repeater wireless station147controls communications in both the uplink and downlink direction based on a time-division duplex configuration.

FIG.12is an example diagram illustrating operations associated with selective retransmission of wireless signals according to embodiments herein.

In processing operation1210of flowchart1200, the wireless base station131turns ON and communicates with the channel allocation management resource141(such as spectrum access system).

In processing operation1215, the allocation management resource141(such as spectrum access system) grants spectrum (such as one or more wireless channels) to the wireless base station131and/or repeater wireless station137.

In processing operation1220, the allocation management resource141tracks the location of each repeater wireless station (including repeater wireless station147at location L47) in the wireless network environment100.

In processing operation1225, the base station131tracks how many repeater wireless station that it supports.

In processing operation1230, the communication devices such as communication device CD3, CD4, CD5, CD6, CD7, CD8, etc., establish a respective wireless communication link with wireless base station131. The communication devices such as communication device CD 1, CD 2, etc. establish a respective wireless communication with the repeater wireless station147.

The wireless base station131keeps track of a respective location in which each of the communication devices resides. For example, the wireless base station131detects that the communication device CD1 resides at location L1; the wireless base station131detects that the communication device CD2 resides at location L2; the wireless base station131detects that the communication device CD3 resides at location L3; the wireless base station131detects that the communication device CD4 resides at location L4; the wireless base station131detects that the communication device CD5 resides at location L5; the wireless base station131detects that the communication device CD6 resides at location L6; the wireless base station131detects that the communication device CD7 resides at location L7; the wireless base station131detects that the communication device CD8 resides at location L8; and so on. In one embodiment, the wireless base station131receives the location information from the different instances of communication devices.

In processing operation1235, the wireless base station131or other suitable communication management entity calculates how many of the physical resource blocks (such as available bandwidth) are consumed by respective communication devices in each of the different regions.

In processing operation1240, the wireless base station131performs a reverse calculation to determine the bandwidth consumed in each respective region of wireless coverage.

In processing operation1245, the wireless base station131starts communicating a signal such as including communications125to the repeater wireless station147.

In processing operation1250, in accordance with the schedule information120, the repeater wireless station repeats bandwidthrectato communication devices (a.k.a., user equipment) detected as being located on the respective cell edge supported by the repeater wireless station147.

In processing operation1255, implementation of the filtered repeating of received wireless signals from the repeater wireless station147as controlled by the schedule information120reduces a respective wireless interference in the region of wireless coverage in a vicinity of the communication device CD1 and communication device CD2.

FIG.13is an example diagram illustrating generation of dynamic channel allocation information indicating allocation of bandwidth at different tiers of a channel hierarchy according to embodiments herein.

As previously discussed, communication management resource140can be configured to allocate any suitable type of wireless spectrum (bandwidth, wireless channels, etc.) for use by the communication devices such as wireless base stations, customer premises equipment, etc., in the network environment100.

In one non-limiting example embodiment, the communication management resource140allocates bandwidth (wireless channels) from a so-called CBRS (Citizens Band Radio System) band operating between 3.550 and 3.700 GHz (GigaHertz) (such as 150 MegaHertz or 15 wireless channels that are each 10 MHz wide).

Also, allocation management resource140(such as spectrum access system or other suitable entity) keeps track, at any given time, which wireless channels or portions of the multi-tier wireless spectrum or multi-tier radio band (such as CBRS band) are available in the geographical region in which the network environment100resides. If government use (such as via a so-called incumbent user) is detected or requested via appropriate input (such as around time T5) to the allocation management resource140, certain channels (such as those used by the general public) are no longer available for use.

More specifically, in this example, the allocation management information192-1(a first instance of allocation management information) indicates that between time T1 and time T5, channels 7-15 are available to the general authorized access users (general public or low priority users) for use; channels 1-6 are available for use by licensee #1. In a manner as previously discussed, these channels are allocated for use by the wireless base stations in network environment100.

As further shown, at or around time T5, assume that the communication management resource140receives input indicating use of a portion (channels 7-12) of the spectrum by an incumbent user such as the government. In such an instance, the allocation management resource140updates the channel allocation information such that the allocation management information192-2indicates that only channels 13-15 are allocated as being available to the general authorized access users; channels 7-12 are assigned for use by an incumbent entity requesting use or actually using the channels; wireless channels 1-6 are allocated for use by a first licensee. Thus, after time T5, the wireless channels 7-12 are no longer available for use by the lower priority users (i.e., general authorized access users) such as wireless base station131or wireless base station431(whichever happens to be operating at the time).

In one embodiment, in response to revocation of the allocation of wireless channels 7-12, the communication management resource140notifies the wireless base station131at or around time T5 that the wireless base station131is no longer able to use wireless channel #7, #8, #9, and #10 because these channels have been revoked and assigned for use by the incumbent user.

Thus, between time T1 and time T5, the wireless base station131uses the wireless channels #7, #8, #9, #10, etc., to provide wireless service to the communication devices. At or around time T5, the communication management resource140deallocates use of the wireless channels #7, #8, #9 and #10 from the wireless base station131in favor of use of the wireless channels #7, #8, #9, and #10 being used by or allocated to the incumbent user after time T5.

This illustrates the dynamic availability of different wireless channels bandwidth in a hierarchy as shared in network environment100. For example, if communication management resource140allocates use of wireless channels #7-12 in the hierarchy of available channels to any of one or more base stations, communication devices, etc., then the communication management resource140must de-allocate use of such wireless channels during conditions in which a higher priority so-called incumbent user relinquishes use of wireless channels 7-12 at or around time T5. In such an instance, as previously discussed, the communication management resource140deallocates the wireless channels 7-12 from respective wireless stations for use instead by the incumbent user (higher priority user).

In this example embodiment as previously discussed, the allocation management resource140can be configured to allocate use of wireless channel WCH #1 and wireless channel WCH #2 to one or more wireless base stations. In response to detecting a condition that a respective one or more incumbent entity uses the respective wireless channels, the allocation management resource140communicates with the wireless base stations to revoke use of such wireless channels. If available, the allocation management resource140allocates use of different wireless channels to the wireless base stations.

FIG.14is an example block diagram of a computer system for implementing any of the operations as discussed herein according to embodiments herein.

Any of the resources (such as allocation management resource140, wireless base station131, repeater wireless station147, wireless signal sensor151, etc.) as discussed herein can be configured to include a respective instantiation of computer processor hardware and corresponding executable instructions to carry out the different operations as discussed herein. For example, communication management resource1440(such as instantiation of allocation management resource140, wireless base station131, communication management resource141, repeater wireless station147, communication management resource137, or wireless signal sensor151) can be configured to execute the management application1440-1.

As shown, computer system1450of the present example includes an interconnect1411that couples computer readable storage media1412such as a non-transitory type of media (i.e., any type of hardware storage medium) from which digital information is stored and retrieved, a processor1413, I/O interface1414, and a communications interface1417.

I/O interface1414supports connectivity to repository1480and input resource1492.

Computer readable storage medium1412can be any hardware storage device such as memory, optical storage, hard drive, floppy disk, etc. In one embodiment, the computer readable storage medium1412stores instructions and/or data.

As shown, computer readable storage media1412can be encoded with management application140-1(e.g., including instructions) to carry out any of the operations as discussed herein.

During operation of one embodiment, processor1413accesses computer readable storage media1412via the use of interconnect1411in order to launch, run, execute, interpret or otherwise perform the instructions in management application1440-1stored on computer readable storage medium1412. Execution of the management application1440-1produces management process1440-2to carry out any of the operations and/or processes as discussed herein.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the computer system1450can include other processes and/or software and hardware components, such as an operating system that controls allocation and use of hardware resources to communication management application140-1.

In accordance with different embodiments, note that computer system may be or included in any of various types of devices, including, but not limited to, a mobile computer, a personal computer system, a wireless device, base station, phone device, desktop computer, laptop, notebook, netbook computer, mainframe computer system, handheld computer, workstation, network computer, application server, storage device, a consumer electronics device such as a camera, camcorder, set top box, mobile device, video game console, handheld video game device, a peripheral device such as a switch, modem, router, set-top box, content management device, handheld remote control device, any type of computing or electronic device, etc. The computer system1450may reside at any location or can be included in any suitable resource in any network environment to implement functionality as discussed herein.

Functionality supported by the different resources will now be discussed via flowcharts inFIG.15. Note that the steps in the flowcharts below can be executed in any suitable order.

FIG.15is a flowchart1500illustrating an example method according to embodiments. Note that there will be some overlap with respect to concepts as discussed above.

In processing operation1510, a repeater wireless station147receives first wireless communications125(signal A). The wireless communications125include first wireless communications and second wireless communications transmitted from a wireless base station131.

In processing operation1520, the repeater wireless station147receives schedule information120. The schedule information120notifies the repeater wireless station147to retransmit the first wireless communications in the received wireless communications125.

In processing operation1530, in accordance with the schedule information120, the repeater wireless station147controls retransmission of the first wireless communications and the second wireless communications.

Note again that techniques herein are well suited to reduce interference in a wireless network environment. However, it should be noted that embodiments herein are not limited to use in such applications and that the techniques discussed herein are well suited for other applications as well.

Based on the description set forth herein, numerous specific details have been set forth to provide a thorough understanding of claimed subject matter. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, apparatuses, systems, etc., that would be known by one of ordinary skill have not been described in detail so as not to obscure claimed subject matter. Some portions of the detailed description have been presented in terms of algorithms or symbolic representations of operations on data bits or binary digital signals stored within a computing system memory, such as a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions or representations are examples of techniques used by those of ordinary skill in the data processing arts to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm as described herein, and generally, is considered to be a self-consistent sequence of operations or similar processing leading to a desired result. In this context, operations or processing involve physical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, although not necessarily, such quantities may take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared or otherwise manipulated. It has been convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to such signals as bits, data, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, numerals or the like. It should be understood, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels. Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussion, it is appreciated that throughout this specification discussions utilizing terms such as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining” or the like refer to actions or processes of a computing platform, such as a computer or a similar electronic computing device, that manipulates or transforms data represented as physical electronic or magnetic quantities within memories, registers, or other information storage devices, transmission devices, or display devices of the computing platform.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims. Such variations are intended to be covered by the scope of this present application. As such, the foregoing description of embodiments of the present application is not intended to be limiting. Rather, any limitations to the invention are presented in the following claims.