U.S. patent application number 17/406909 was filed with the patent office on 2021-12-09 for method and apparatus for pre-registering and deploying base stations/access points in a private network.
The applicant listed for this patent is Celona, Inc.. Invention is credited to Nagi Mahalingam, Mehmet Yavuz.
Application Number | 20210385665 17/406909 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005784637 |
Filed Date | 2021-12-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210385665 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yavuz; Mehmet ; et
al. |
December 9, 2021 |
Method and Apparatus for Pre-Registering and Deploying Base
Stations/Access Points in a Private Network
Abstract
A method and apparatus for deploying Base Stations/Access Points
(BS/APs) in an enterprise wireless communications network. The
method is useful to deploy BS/APs in a managed radio communication
environment to mitigate and prevent interference between competing
transmitters in the area. The BS/APs may comprise Citizens
Broadband radio Service Devices (CBSDs) deployed in 4G and 5G
enterprise communications networks operating under FCC rules
relating to Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS). Spectrum may
be managed by a Spectrum Management Entity (SME). In order to
pre-register BS/APs prior to deployment, location coordinates
corresponding to an enterprise address may be used. A domain proxy
(DP) may request registration, obtain a spectrum grant, and
maintain the grant. After installation of the BS/APs, the spectrum
grant is used to make Radio Environment Monitoring (REM)
measurements and determine an RF environment, which is then used to
mitigate interference in the enterprise network by assigning
optimized channels to each BS/AP for operation.
Inventors: |
Yavuz; Mehmet; (Palo Alto,
CA) ; Mahalingam; Nagi; (San Diego, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Celona, Inc. |
Cupertino |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005784637 |
Appl. No.: |
17/406909 |
Filed: |
August 19, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16736713 |
Jan 7, 2020 |
11102657 |
|
|
17406909 |
|
|
|
|
62942036 |
Nov 29, 2019 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 24/02 20130101;
H04W 16/14 20130101; H04W 88/08 20130101; H04W 72/0453 20130101;
H04W 84/045 20130101; H04W 48/16 20130101; H04W 84/18 20130101;
H04W 72/082 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04W 16/14 20060101
H04W016/14; H04W 72/08 20060101 H04W072/08; H04W 24/02 20060101
H04W024/02; H04W 84/18 20060101 H04W084/18; H04W 72/04 20060101
H04W072/04; H04W 88/08 20060101 H04W088/08; H04W 48/16 20060101
H04W048/16; H04W 84/04 20060101 H04W084/04 |
Claims
1. A communications system for a private wireless communications
network that includes a plurality of BS/APs to be installed at a
private location, comprising: a subscriber database that holds
subscription data including registration information for each of
the plurality of BS/APs; and a domain proxy connected to the
subscriber database and configured to receive registration
information, the domain proxy in communication with a Spectrum
Management Entity (SME), the domain proxy configured to receive
location coordinates for the private location and utilize said
coordinates in a registration request prior to installation of the
BS/APs, and subsequent to installation of the BS/APs, the domain
proxy configured to direct the BS/APs to take REM measurements at
the enterprise location.
2. The communications system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
BS/APs comprise Citizens Broadband radio Service Devices
(CBSDs).
3. The communications system of claim 1, wherein the private
wireless communications network comprises an enterprise network at
an enterprise location.
4. The communications system of claim 1, wherein the domain proxy
is configured to obtain location coordinates utilizing an address
for the private location.
5. The communications system of claim 1, further comprising: an
Auto Configuration Server (ACS) connected to the DP and in
communication with the BS/APs; said ACS configured to provision the
BS/APs for taking REM measurements.
6. The communication system of claim 5, further comprising: a Self
Organizing Network (SON) unit connected to receive REM measurements
from the BS/APs and responsive to said measurements to determine
the RF environment of the private communications network.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS--CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application is a continuation of, and claims the
benefit of priority under 35 USC .sctn. 120 of, commonly assigned
and co-pending prior U.S. application Ser. No. 16/736,713, filed
Jan. 7, 2020, entitled "Method and Apparatus for Pre-Registering
and Deploying Base Stations/Access Points in a Private Network", to
issue on Aug. 24, 2021 as U.S. Pat. No. 11,102,657, the disclosure
of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Application Ser. No. 16/736,713 claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/942,036, filed Nov. 29, 2019, entitled "Method
and Apparatus for Pre-Registering and Deploying Base
Stations/Access Points in a Private Network", which is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
(1) Technical Field
[0002] The disclosed method and apparatus relate to communications
networks and more particularly to pre-registration, deployment and
provisioning of equipment with a communications network.
(2) Background
[0003] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a basic configuration for a
communication network 100, such as a "4G LTE" (fourth generation
Long-Term Evolution) or "5G NR" (fifth generation New Radio)
network, in which user equipment (UE) 101 communicates with a base
station/access point (BS/AP) 103. One of the advantages of such
networks is their ability to provide communications to and from
multiple wireless devices and provide these wireless devices with
access to a large number of other devices and services via the
wireless connections to the BS/AP 103 of the network 100.
[0004] As used herein, the term "UE` refers to a wide range of user
devices having wireless connectivity, such as a cellular mobile
phone, an Internet of Things (IOT) device, virtual reality goggles,
robotic devices, autonomous driving machines, smart barcode
scanners, and communications equipment including for example cell
phones, desktop computers, laptop computers, tablets and other
types of personal communications devices. In some cases, the UEs
may be mobile; in other cases they may be installed at a fixed
location. For example, a factory sensor may be installed at a fixed
location from which it can remotely monitor an assembly line or a
robotic arm's movement.
[0005] Used herein, the term `BS/AP" is used broadly to include
base stations and access points, including at least an extended
NodeB (eNB) of an LTE/5G network, a cellular base station (BS), a
Citizens Broadband Radio Service Device (CBSD) (which may be an LTE
or 5G device), a WiFi access node, a Local Area Network (LAN)
access point, a Wide Area Network (WAN) access point, and should
also be understood to include other network receiving hubs that
provide access to a network of a plurality of wireless transceivers
within range of the BS/AP. Typically, the BS/APs are used as
transceiver hubs, whereas the UEs are used for point to point
communication and are not used as hubs. Therefore, the BS/APs
transmit at a relatively higher power than the UEs.
[0006] The BS/APs provide the UEs with a connection to another
network, which in this example is in the Core Network 105. One
function of the Core Network 105 is to provide the UE 101 and the
BS/AP 103 with access to other devices and services either within
its network, or on other networks. Particularly, in cellular
networks and in private networks, the BS/AP 103 can receive signals
from, and send signals to, the UE 101. The BS/AP 103 is coupled to
the core network 105; therefore, the BS/AP provides a connection
that allows information to flow between the cellular or private
network and other networks, such as the Public Switched Telephone
Network (PSTN) or the Internet 107. Wireless data transmission
between a UE 101 and the BS/AP 103 occurs on an assigned channel,
such as a specific frequency. Data transmission between the BS/AP
103 and the Core Network 105 utilizes any appropriate communication
means; e.g., wireless, cable, fiber optic, and so forth.
[0007] In addition to providing access to remote networks and
allowing information to flow between the cellular network and the
internet 107, the core network 105 provides control of the air
interface between the base station 103 and the UEs 101. The Core
Network 105 may also coordinate the BS/APs to minimize interference
within the network.
[0008] Recently, the US Federal Government finalized rules (Rule
96) that allow general access to an area of the frequency spectrum
referred to as the CBRS. CBRS, which is a key element of an
advanced communication network referred to as "5G", operates in a
150 MHz wide frequency range from 3.55 GHz to 3.7 GHz. The CBRS
rules set forth detailed requirements for the devices that operate
in a CBRS network and how they communicate. CBRS supports both LTE
and 5G devices. Base stations within a CBRS network are termed
"CBSDs", and UEs are termed End User Devices (EUDs). CBSDs are
fixed Stations, or networks of such stations, that operate on a
Priority Access or General Authorized Access basis in the Citizens
Broadband Radio Service consistent with Title 47 CFR Part 96 of the
United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). For CBSDs that
comprise multiple nodes or networks of nodes, CBSD requirements
apply to each node, even if network management and communication
with the SAS is accomplished via a single network interface.
[0009] The CBRS rules require that a Spectrum Access System (SAS)
allocate spectrum to the CBSDs to avoid interference within the
CBRS band. Generally, the SAS authorizes and manages use of
spectrum for the CBRS. More specifically, the SAS maintains records
of all authorized services and CBSDs in the CBRS frequency bands,
is capable of determining the available channel at a specific
geographic location, provides information on available channels to
CBSDs that have been certified under the Commission's equipment
authorization procedures, determines and enforces maximum power
levels for CBSDs, enforces protection criteria for Incumbent Users
and Priority Access Licensees, and performs other functions as set
forth in the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules.
[0010] The Spectrum Sharing Committee Work Group 3 (for CBRS
Protocols) has established an interface specification for
registering a CBSD, requesting a grant of spectrum, and maintaining
that grant. These message flows are described in the document
titled "Signaling Protocols and Procedures for Citizens Broadband
Radio Service (CBRS): Spectrum Access System (SAS)--Citizens
Broadband Radio Service Device (CBSD) Interface Technical
Specification", Document WINNF-TS-0016-V1.2.4. 26 Jun. 2019.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a message flow diagram that shows messages between
the CBSD, SAS and user portal (or Certified Professional Installer
(CPI)), in accordance with the interface specification. A CPI is
any individual trained and currently validly certified from an
accredited CPI Training Program based on the relevant Part 96 of
the CFR and associated technical best practices for the CBRS. For
ease of description, the following FIG. 2 discussion references a
single CBSD; however as discussed later, a Domain Proxy (DP) may be
substituted to efficiently handle messages from multiple CBSDs.
[0012] First, the Enterprise Operator (or other CPI) 201
commissions the CBSD 203 by loading information 211 regarding the
CBSD 203 into the SAS 207. Particularly, information 211 for the
CBSD is entered via a secure portal 202 into the database in the
SAS 207. After all information has been entered 211 and approved,
the CBSD 203 makes a Registration Request 213. The SAS performs
CBSD registration 214, and the SAS then sends a Registration
Response 215. If registration 214 is successful, the CBSD 203 is in
the registered state.
[0013] Once registered, the CBSD 203 can now make a Spectrum
Inquiry Request 217. The SAS 207 performs a Channel Availability
Assessment 218 and then sends the results to the CBSD 203 in a
Spectrum Inquiry Response 219. Based upon the information in this
response 219, the CBSD 203 requests a spectrum grant with a Grant
Request 221. The SAS 207 then performs channel access assessment
222, and then sends a Grant Response 223. If a spectrum is granted,
before commencing transmission, the CBSD 203 must send a Heartbeat
Request 225 to the SAS. At 226, the SAS 207 resets the Heartbeat
Interval Timer and sends a Heartbeat Response 227 to the CBSD 203.
The CBSD 203 can now commence transmission.
[0014] Reference is now made to FIG. 3 to illustrate advantages of
using a Domain Proxy (DP). In a network that has multiple CBSDs
303, 305, a DP 301 acts as a proxy for all SAS transactions;
particularly, the DP 301 manages all the transactions by proxying
the messages and facilitating functions such as channel
arbitration, proxied heartbeat responses, and so forth. Generally,
a DP 301 is a logical entity that can represent one or more CBSD(s)
303 to the SAS 207. Advantageously the DP 301 presents a consistent
and secure interface to the SAS 207 that can convey all messages
pertaining to the SAS-CBSD interface 307 for client CBSDs 303. In
large enterprise deployments, a DP 301 may be deployed to minimize
the high count of SSL/TLS connections that would otherwise be
required for individual CBSDs, such as the CBSD 305.
[0015] The management system works in a straightforward manner
after the CBSDs 303, 305 are deployed to their position. However,
issues can arise before and during deployment of the CBSDs 303,
305. As discussed above, a CBSD 303, 305 of a CBRS must first
register itself with the SAS 207 responsible for allocating
spectrum within the CBRS band before it can request a grant of
spectrum. As part of the registration process, the CBSD is
mandatorily obligated to notify the SAS of its location (in GPS
coordinates); without the location information, the SAS will reject
the registration. The rules that govern the operation of a CBRS
require that a CBSD have a position location capability and that it
be able to report its location to a specified accuracy of .+-.50
meters horizontal and .+-.3 meters vertical. In many cases, until
the CBSD is at the enterprise location, the final position of the
CBSD is not known to the specified accuracy; therefore, the CBSD
cannot report a position because it does not have a position
yet.
[0016] Furthermore, in any network deployment, after the BS/APs are
installed, it is necessary to understand the RF environment in
order to properly assign channels and reduce interference. This is
particularly important in the CBRS band because several radio
access technologies, such as 4G LTE and 5G NR, can be deployed
within the same band. For example, if LTE is the chosen radio
access technology it is necessary to understand the RF environment
before assigning the correct frequency channel and other
operational parameters, such as Physical Cell Identity (PCI),
Zadoff-Chu Root Sequence Index (RSI), and others. Particularly, it
is important to determine the RF environment that would exist
within the enterprise when all the enterprise radio nodes commence
transmission, and not just the RF environment that would have
existed before the enterprise radio nodes commence transmission.
Colloquially, this can be termed a "chicken-and-egg" problem: to
learn the RF terrain, the radio nodes need to transmit on a
frequency channel; but in order to transmit, the SAS must allocate
a channel to the enterprise even before knowing the radio nodes'
locations or measurements from the radio nodes.
[0017] Accordingly, there is presently a desire for a methodology
to resolve the dilemma posed by the need to have a new node
transmit its location to complete the registration prior to being
authorized to transit.
SUMMARY
[0018] Various embodiments of a system for deploying Base
Stations/Access Points (BS/APs) in a wireless communications
network are disclosed. The deployment system is useful in a managed
radio communication environment, such as the Citizens Broadband
Radio Service (CBRS) that is managed by a Spectrum Management
Entity (SME). In some embodiments of the disclosed method and
apparatus, the BS/APs comprise Citizens Broadband radio Service
Devices (CBSDs), that are deployed in 4G and 5G enterprise
communications networks.
[0019] In accordance with some methods, BS/APs are deployed in a
private wireless communications network that operates within a
frequency spectrum managed by a management entity (such as an SME).
Generally, a private wireless communication network operates within
a private location area, such as a facility of an enterprise or
business. The BS/APs to be deployed are installed on location after
the preregistration process. Some embodiments of the disclosed
method include the steps of obtaining registration information
specific to the BS/APs, determining location coordinates at a
location within the private location area and associating the
location coordinates with registration information for the BS/APs.
Since the location coordinates at which the BS/APs will be
installed may not yet be known, the address of the private location
area may be sent to a geocoder to obtain location coordinates. This
address is only approximate. Accordingly, it, can be used for
preregistration and Radio Environment Monitoring (REM)
measurements, but is not used for the communications that will
occur once the network is operating normally. These approximate
coordinates for each of the BS/APs are updated with accurate
location coordinates before normal network communications
commence.
[0020] The registration information for at least one of the BS/APs
is communicated by a Domain Proxy (DP) in a registration request to
the management entity. The management entity can then approve
registration. Messages are exchanged between the DP and management
entity to make a spectrum inquiry, and eventually a spectrum grant
is received from the management entity. Accordingly, the
registration request, and communication with the management entity
may be generated and communicated by the DP to the management
entity on behalf of all the BS/APs in the network. The DP then
periodically exchanges heartbeat messages with the management
entity to maintain an active grant to reserve the spectrum.
[0021] After the BS/APs are installed, REM measurements are taken.
Taking the REM measurements includes transmitting a signal from one
of the installed BS/APs and simultaneously measuring the power from
said signal received at the remaining non-transmitting BS/APs,
repeating the transmitting step for each of the BS/APs until each
BS/AP has transmitted and measurements have been received by the
remaining BS/APs, and then collecting and processing the
measurements to determine the RF environment of the private
wireless communications network. After the RF environment is known,
the BS/APs can be provisioned to mitigate interference and commence
transmission.
[0022] The private wireless communications network may be an
enterprise network, which operates at an enterprise location such
as a factory, research and development facility, any large
building, or other area in which communication networks are
useful.
[0023] In one embodiment, a communications system for an enterprise
wireless communications network includes a plurality of BS/APs to
be installed at an enterprise location. The communication system
includes a subscriber database that holds subscription data
including registration information for each of the plurality of
BS/APs in communication with a Domain Proxy (DP) that is connected
to the subscriber database. The subscriber database is configured
to receive registration information. The DP is in communication
with a Spectrum Management Entity (SME), and is configured to
receive location coordinates for the enterprise location and
utilize the coordinates in a registration request prior to
installation of the BS/APs. Subsequent to installation of the
BS/APs, the DP directs the BS/APs to take REM measurements at the
enterprise location. The communication system may comprise an Auto
Configuration Server (ACS) connected to the DP and in communication
with the BS/APs. Hence the DP may direct the BS/APs to take REM
measurements via the ACS. The ACS is configured to provision the
BS/APs for taking REM measurements. Examples of provisioning
parameters for REM include channel numbers (EUTRA ARFCN), PCI, and
so forth.
[0024] The communication system may also comprise a Self Organizing
Network (SON) unit connected to determine the RF environment
responsive to REM measurements from the BS/APs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The disclosed method and apparatus, in accordance with one
or more various embodiments, is described with reference to the
following figures. The drawings are provided for purposes of
illustration only and merely depict examples of some embodiments of
the disclosed method and apparatus. These drawings are provided to
facilitate the reader's understanding of the disclosed method and
apparatus. They should not be considered to limit the breadth,
scope, or applicability of the claimed invention. It should be
noted that for clarity and ease of illustration these drawings are
not necessarily made to scale.
[0026] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a basic configuration for a
communication network, such as a "4G LTE" (fourth generation
Long-Term Evolution) or "5G NR" (fifth generation New Radio)
network, in which user equipment (UE) communicates with a base
station/access point.
[0027] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a prior art message flow
between a CBSD and an SAS to register the CBSD, obtain a spectrum
grant, and maintain the grant.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a diagram in which a plurality of CBSDs utilize a
Domain Proxy (DP) to communicate with the SAS, also shown for
comparison is a direct connection in which a CBSD communicates
directly with the SAS.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a flow chart that illustrates steps to deploy a
plurality of BS/APs such as CBSDs in an enterprise network in
accordance with the CBRS interface specification.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a diagram of a communication system by which an
enterprise operator provides subscription data and commissioning
information to an SAS and a Subscriber Database.
[0031] FIG. 6 is diagram that illustrates a plurality of BS/APs
installed at an enterprise location.
[0032] FIG. 7 is a flow chart that shows operations to take REM
measurements.
[0033] FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, and 8E are a series of diagrams of an
enterprise location with installed CB/SDs that show the round robin
technique of taking REM measurements.
[0034] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing BS/APs installed at an
enterprise location, and also showing a Domain Proxy, an ACS, and a
SON connected via a PDN to the BS/APs.
[0035] The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the claimed invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be
understood that the disclosed method and apparatus can be practiced
with modification and alteration, and that the invention should be
limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] FIG. 4 is a flow chart that illustrates steps to deploy a
plurality of BS/APs such as Citizen's Broadband radio Service
Devices (CBSDs) in an enterprise network in accordance with the
Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) interface specification. An
enterprise network is one type of private network, and although
described in the context of an enterprise network, the principles
disclosed herein can also apply to any private network. Private
networks are operated for use within a limited area by a limited
group of authorized users, whereas public networks generally cover
a larger area and are open for use by anyone that subscribes to the
service by the network operator. An enterprise network is created
at an enterprise location such as a warehouse, factory, research
center or other building, and is usually operated by an
organization for use by that organization. Other types of private
networks may be operated by a private network manager for use by
more than one organization.
[0037] For purposes of description, the term deployment is used to
describe the process by which the BS/APs in the network are set up
to be ready for operation within the network. In the following,
reference will be made to both the flow chart of FIG. 4 and block
diagram of FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram of a communication system in
which an enterprise operator provides subscription data and
commissioning information to an SAS and a Subscriber Database.
[0038] A deployment operation for deploying a BS/AP starts at 401.
An enterprise operator 501 or other appropriate organization or
individual identifies the installation requirements and designs the
network accordingly. Designing the network includes determining how
many BS/APs (also referred to as CBSDs) will be required to provide
service for a set of use cases and/or applications required by the
enterprise and the locations of those BS/APs within the enterprise
network (STEP 403). This determination may be made with the
assistance of any appropriate planning tool. This determination
(STEP 403) can be performed at a location remote from the
enterprise location; i.e., it is not necessary for enterprise
operator 501 or an access computer 503 coupled to one or more
secure user portals 504, 506 through which the operator 501
communicates, to be physically located at the enterprise location,
which advantageously allows remote management.
[0039] The network installation may be new or it could be an
improvement to a previous installation. In either case, it is
likely that new and/or updated BS/APs will be required. It should
be noted that FIG. 5 does not depict any of the BS/APs, as they
will typically not yet be present in the network. Once the number
and location of the BS/AP 704 APs have been determined (STEP 403),
the necessary individual BS/APs can be purchased. This is typically
necessary in order to attain and to provide identification
information (i.e., to determine commissioning information 500) that
is required to commission the BS/APs (STEP 405) and to perform
pre-registration (STEP 407) for each of the BS/APs.
[0040] Advantageously, commissioning (STEP 405) and
pre-registration (STEP 407) do not require that any of the BS/APs
be physically installed or to transmit, which efficiently allows a
significant portion of network setup to be performed before actual
physical installation of the BS/APs within the enterprise location.
In other words, installation of the BS/APs (STEP 409) can proceed
in parallel with commissioning (STEP 405) and pre-registration
(STEP 407), or at any convenient time.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 5, the BS/APs are commissioned (STEP 405)
by the Spectrum Management Entity (SME) 521. The SME is coupled to
the SAS 523 and a Spectrum Database 525. The commissioning stage
(STEP 405) is one of the early steps in an enterprise deployment.
As discussed above, this step typically occurs prior to BS/AP
installation within the enterprise and the subsequent enterprise
"bring-up" (i.e., the network being brought on line).
[0042] The access computer 503 is connected, via the first secure
user portal 504 and a first Packet Data Network (PDN) 505 to the
SAS 523. The PDN 505 is a generic network that provides data
services. In some embodiments, packet switching involves data
transmission wherein a message is broken into a number of parts
that are sent independently, over whatever route is optimum for
each packet, and reassembled at the destination. Utilizing the
first secure user portal 504, the enterprise operator can use the
access computer to securely transmit the collected commissioning
information over the PDN 507 to the SAS 523. The commissioning
information 500 includes subscription data relating to the
enterprise and the BS/APs. Particularly, in the CBRS network, the
commissioning information includes the number of CBSDs, the FCC
Identification for each of the BS/APs, the transmission class of
each of the CBSDs, the enterprise User Id, serial numbers of each
of the CBSDs, their stock keeping numbers (SKU), and the physical
address 112 where the enterprise CBSDs will be deployed. The
commissioning information shown above is a minimum mandatory
information and not exhaustive.
[0043] In FIG. 5, the access computer 503 is shown connected, via
the second secure user portal 506 and a second PDN 507 to an
Enterprise and other Subscription (Subscriber) Database 511 which
is managed by a network operator/network manager, which may be a
Certified Professional Installer (CPI), certified in accordance
with the CBRC rules. Advantageously, by using the second secure
user portal 506 to store subscription data in the subscriber
database 511, the system can be made aware of the entire set of
BS/APs that will belong to an enterprise much before the BA/APs are
installed and powered on for the first time.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 5, a Spectrum Management Entity 521 is
connected to and manages the SAS 523 and the Spectrum Database 525.
The SME 521 must approve the commissioning information for each
BS/AP, and the enterprise operator must ensure that the enterprise
BS/APs, enterprise User Id, FCC Id and serial numbers of the BS/APs
are approved with the SME 521. The enterprise operator 501 may
achieve this approval process through the first secure user portal
504. Alternatively, this procedure may also be done on behalf of
the enterprise operator by the network operator/network manager,
utilizing the data stored in the Subscription Database 511 and the
SSL/TLS connection between the Domain Proxy (DP) 513 and the SAS
523.
[0045] The methods indicated above for subscription data
collection, commissioning and approval are simply an example and
other variants are possible; for example, the network
operator/network manager may perform any of these functions on
behalf of the enterprise operator.
[0046] Referring again to FIG. 4, once the commissioning (STEP 405)
is complete, pre-registration begins (STEP 407), in which at least
one BS/AP is preregistered with the SAS 523 in order to get a
spectrum grant for taking Radio Environment Monitoring (REM)
measurements.
[0047] Domain Proxies (DPs) and their advantages have been
discussed and particularly with reference to the DP 301 discussed
with respect to FIG. 3. Referring now to FIG. 5, the DP 513 acts as
a proxy for all SAS transactions regarding the BS/APs. One
advantage is that in large enterprise deployments, a DP is often
deployed to minimize the high count of SSL/TLS connections that
would otherwise be required for individual CBSDs. The DP 513
manages all the transactions by proxying the messages (i.e., acting
to consolidate and relay individual messages in a proxy message)
and facilitating functions such as channel arbitration, proxied
heartbeat responses and so forth.
[0048] The DP 513 is connected to the subscriber database 511 to
fetch subscription details from subscriber database 511. The DP 513
and subscriber database 511 are within the network operator's
trusted environment. Accordingly, messages between them can be
transmitted securely. Fetching (i.e., requesting information or
information pushed out) may occur periodically, or on request, and
may occur over any protocol. Alternately, the subscription database
511 may perform an event-based push, for e.g., when new enterprise
details (or) updates to existing enterprise details are entered
into the database. The records fetched by DP 513 (or pushed into
it) include enterprise details and the enterprise address. Contents
of the records fetched may be used in the pre-registration
process.
[0049] In pre-registration (STEP 407), the DP 513 initiates the
registration process described with reference to FIG. 2, in order
to obtain a spectrum grant. As part of the registration process the
DP transmits a registration request to the SAS 523. As part of this
request, the DP 513 (on behalf of the BS/AP) is mandatorily
obligated to notify the SAS 523 of the BS/AP's location (in GPS
coordinates). Without the location information, the SAS 523 will
reject the registration. However, at the time the pre-registration
process is initiated, the final position of the BS/AP is usually
not known, and therefore the DP 513 cannot report a position to the
required accuracy because it does not have a position yet. In order
to report a position, the DP 513 obtains the address of the
enterprise and connects to a geocoder database 533 via a third PDN
531. The geocoder 533 performs a reverse coding of the enterprise
address (e.g., a Google geocoder) to obtain coordinates to provide
with the registration request. The geocoder 533 converts the
enterprise address into a coordinate location (e.g., latitude and
longitude). It should be noted that the location accuracy at this
point is relatively unimportant because the location is required
only for reserving the weakest channel for use by the closest BS/AP
in the enterprise, and because the resulting pre-registration
spectrum grant will only be used for short periods while taking REM
measurements, not for normal network operation.
[0050] As part of the registration request to the SAS 523, the DP
513 provides the enterprise "User ID" and a "groupParam object"
with reason INTERFERENCE_COORDINATION. By setting the reason to
INTERFERENCE_COORDINATION, the DP 513 indicates that it will manage
channel arbitration (possibly including channel selection) and that
SAS 523 should simply supply a list of frequency channels yet
available from which to select.
[0051] To complete pre-registration (STEP 407) and receive a
Spectrum Grant, the DP 513 and the SAS 523 exchange message flows
beginning with the registration request 213 and continuing with the
spectrum inquiry 217, spectrum grants 221 described with reference
to FIG. 2 and in the CBRS interface specification. After
pre-registration (STEP 407) is complete, the DP 513 has received a
Spectrum Grant (STEP 411) that the DP 513 maintains for use in
taking subsequent REM measurements (STEP 413). Particularly, at the
end of the Grant Response 223, the Heartbeat Request message 225 is
transmitted by the DP 513 for each BS/AP it had registered and
continues to do so every Heartbeat Interval, even though the BS/APs
are not transmitting and in some embodiments, may not even be
powered-on.
[0052] Before operation can determine whether a Spectrum Grant has
been obtained and installation is complete (STEP 411), the BS/APs
must be installed in their location at the enterprise location
installation (STEP 409). In this step, each BS/AP is installed at
its desired location, connected to power, and may be tested to some
extent. However, the BS/APs cannot begin to transmit until
authorized by the DP 513. Each installation will have different
requirements and may utilize different construction methods.
[0053] FIG. 6 is diagram that illustrates a plurality of BS/APs
611, 612, 613, 614, and 615 installed at an enterprise location 600
(STEP 409). As shown, the BS/APs 611, 612, 613, 614, and 615 are
installed at the enterprise location that has an enterprise address
602, which is utilized in pre-registration (STEP 407). As shown,
five BS/APs are installed, including BS/APs 611, 612, 613, 614, and
615; other implementations may include more or less BS/APs. As
mentioned above, none of the BS/APs are allowed to begin
transmission until instructed by the DP 513. The DP 513 may
instruct the BS/APs directly or via the ACS (903 (see FIG. 9). Each
of the BS/APs 611, 612, 613, 614, 615 is connected via any
appropriate connection (e.g. wireless, Ethernet, fiber optic, or
other connection) to a fourth PDN 620, which is in turn connected
to the DP 513.
[0054] Referring briefly back to FIG. 4, after pre-registration
(STEP 407) and installation (STEP 409) are complete, and the DP 513
has a spectrum grant (STEP 411), operation can proceed to allow REM
measurements to be taken (STEP 413). REM measurements are taken to
learn the RF terrain. To do this, the BS/APs 611, 612, 613, 614,
and 615 need to transmit on a frequency channel. The REM
measurements are taken under the control of the DP 513. Before
transmission can begin, the SAS 523 must allocate a channel to the
enterprise network without knowing the BS/APs locations or
measurements from the other BS/APs.
[0055] FIG. 7 is a flow chart that details the process for taking
REM measurements (STEP 413). The process for taking REM
measurements (STEP 413) begins (STEP 701) and the DP 513 selects a
spectrum with which to take all the REM measurements (STEP 703).
Note, the DP 513 may be aware of other CBRS band BS/APs that may
already be in existence in the nearby area. If DP 513 is aware of
nearby BS/APs, it performs an algorithm that determines the best
frequency channel on which to take REM measurements by the
enterprise BS/APs. The DP 513 ensures that all BS/APs operate
within the specifications granted by the SAS 523 (e.g., that the
BS/APs operate in frequency channels that are within the spectrum
allocated by the SAS 523).
[0056] A power level and time interval is selected for the
transmission of signals to be used in taking the REM measurements
(STEP 705). Typically, the power level will be as high as possible
without violating any known restrictions. The time interval may be
typically on the order of a few seconds (e.g. 5-6 seconds), which
is long enough to take REM measurements, but sufficiently short to
avoid significant unintended interference with other systems nearby
that may or may not be known to the DP 513. Alternatively, the time
interval may be determined by monitoring the BS/APs that are not
transmitting.
[0057] Next, one of the BS/APs transmits a signal at the selected
spectrum and power level for the selected time interval (STEP 707).
Simultaneously, the remaining BS/APs are made aware of the selected
spectrum and measure the signal strength at their location (STEP
709). Next, a determination is made as to whether or not all the
BS/APs have transmitted (STEP 711). If not, then the next BS/AP is
selected to transmit (STEP 712), and the transmission and measuring
(STEPS 707 and 709) are repeated. This round robin loop continues
until all BS/APs have transmitted.
[0058] FIGS. 8A to 8E are a series of diagrams that show the round
robin technique of taking REM measurements. In FIG. 8A, a circle
801 indicates that the first BS/AP 611 is transmitting on a
selected spectrum, and the remainder of the BS/APs 612, 613, 614,
615 are listening to the same selected spectrum. In FIG. 8B, the
circle 801 has been moved to the second BS/AP 612 to indicates that
it is transmitting, and the remainder of the BS/APs 611, 613, 614,
615 are listening. This pattern continues similarly in FIG. 8C for
the third BS/AP 613, in FIG. 8D for the fourth BS/AP 614, and in
FIG. 8E for the fifth BS/AP 615. At that point, REM measurements
have been taken from all BS/APs 611, 613, 614, 615 at the
enterprise location. In addition to measuring the selected spectrum
referred to above, each of the BS/APs may also be required to
measure the RSSI of the entire CBRS band.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 9, the REM measurements that
were taken (STEP 709) are from all the BS/APs 611, 613, 614, 615
(STEP 713). This step may be performed by an Auto Configuration
Server (ACS) 901. In some embodiments, the ACS 901 is connected via
the fourth PDN 620 to the BS/APs 611, 613, 614, 615 in the
Enterprise Location. The ACS 901 performs configuration management
functions and in one embodiment resides in a Programmable Service
Edge (PSE). The ACS 901 provisions the BS/APs using a protocol laid
out in an industry standard presented in a document entitled
"Technical Report 069" (TR-069). TR-069 is a technical
specification published by the "Broadband Forum" that defines an
application layer protocol for remote management of customer
premises equipment (CPE) connected to an Internet Protocol (IP)
network. The Broadband Forum is a non-profit industry consortium
dedicated to developing broadband network specifications. In some
embodiments, the TR-069 protocol employs device models
("data-structures") to provision one or more parameters at the
BS/AP, such as setting 3GPP timers and constants, choosing
algorithms implemented within a BS/AP, power control parameters,
etc. In some embodiments, instead of TR-069, the ACS 901 may choose
to provision the aforementioned operational parameters at the BS/AP
using alternative methods such as SNMP.
[0060] During the round robin technique discussed earlier, each
BS/AP is requested to transmit at a fixed (pre-determined) transmit
power on the channel that was granted during pre-registration (STEP
407). During the round robin technique (STEP 413), each BS/AP that
manages to "receive" the signal from the transmitting BS/AP, stores
the measurements taken during REM in a data object. After the
entire sequence of the round robin technique is completed, the ACS
901 fetches the data objects by for example performing a TR-069
GetParametersValue method on the data-object which houses the REM
results from each BS/AP. GetParametersValue is a remote procedure
call described in the standardized TR-069 protocol. In some
embodiments, the ACS 901 may fetch the REM data-object via
equivalent procedures using SNMP or any alternative.
[0061] The union of all REM data from all enterprise BS/APs is
input into a Self Organizing Network (SON) Unit 903. The SON Unit
903 is connected via the fourth PDN 620 to the BS/APs in the
Enterprise Location. Referring to FIG. 7, the union of all the REM
data allows SON Unit 903 to determine a consistent "RF environment"
and determine the neighbors of a given BS/AP (neighbor from a
"radio" viewpoint and not necessarily Cartesian distance) (STEP
715).
[0062] With this knowledge, the SON Unit 903 can determine the
separation in frequency that may be required between two "radio"
neighbors. At the same time, the SON Unit 903 can identify
"distant" BS/APs. In this context, a BS/AP is distant from other
BS/APs if it can use (or re-use) the same channel as other BS/APs
in the network without creating interference. For example, some
BS/APs in the network may have unique antenna patterns which would
allow the BS/APs to reuse the same channel. Alternatively, some
BS/APs may be sufficiently far from one another that these BS/APs
may reuse the same channel.
[0063] When the DP 513 receives channel availability information
from the SAS following a Spectrum Inquiry procedure, the SON Unit
903 is also able to "allow" allocation of the same channel to two
adjacent BS/APs, so long as it determines the "overlap" to be less
than a predetermined power. In some embodiments, this can be
derived based on strength of signal received from the adjacent
BS/AP while taking REM measurements. The DP 513, in conjunction
with the SON 903, can determine which channels are to be applied to
each CBSD and transmits the Grant Requests appropriate for each
CBSD to the SAS.
[0064] Allowing the selection/allocation of the same channel to
adjacent BS/APs using the evaluations mentioned above creates an
efficiency that makes additional spectrum available, even as BS/AP
density increases within the enterprise.
[0065] One additional advantage of using a DP (other than the
pre-registration) is that it can determine the "minimal" number of
channels to operate an arbitrarily large enterprise network (with N
BS/APs).
[0066] After the REM measurements have been taken and the SON Unit
has performed its operations, the enterprise network is ready for
normal operation. Before operation, each of the BS/APs must be
registered as shown in FIG. 2, and as part of the registration
process, the location of each BS/AP must be supplied in the
registration request. Accordingly, the BS/APs must utilize their
position location capability, and provide that information to the
DP, which will then in turn provide it to the SAS in a registration
request. The DP will then manage the registrations and spectrum
grants for all the BS/APs and maintain the grants with heartbeat
requests in accordance with standards. The BS/APs can then be
wirelessly operated to transmit and open communication with any
UE's that may be within their range for communication.
[0067] Although the disclosed method and apparatus is described
above in terms of various examples of embodiments and
implementations, it should be understood that the particular
features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the
individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to
the particular embodiment with which they are described. Thus, the
breadth and scope of the claimed invention should not be limited by
any of the examples provided in describing the above disclosed
embodiments.
[0068] Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations
thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as
open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing:
the term "including" should be read as meaning "including, without
limitation" or the like; the term "example" is used to provide
examples of instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive
or limiting list thereof; the terms "a" or "an" should be read as
meaning "at least one," "one or more" or the like; and adjectives
such as "conventional," "traditional," "normal," "standard,"
"known" and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as
limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item
available as of a given time, but instead should be read to
encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard
technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in
the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies
that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the
art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the
skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.
[0069] A group of items linked with the conjunction "and" should
not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be
present in the grouping, but rather should be read as "and/or"
unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items
linked with the conjunction "or" should not be read as requiring
mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read
as "and/or" unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore,
although items, elements or components of the disclosed method and
apparatus may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural
is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to
the singular is explicitly stated.
[0070] The presence of broadening words and phrases such as "one or
more," "at least," "but not limited to" or other like phrases in
some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is
intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may
be absent. The use of the term "module" does not imply that the
components or functionality described or claimed as part of the
module are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all
of the various components of a module, whether control logic or
other components, can be combined in a single package or separately
maintained and can further be distributed in multiple groupings or
packages or across multiple locations.
[0071] Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are
described with the aid of block diagrams, flow charts and other
illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in
the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments
and their various alternatives can be implemented without
confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block
diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed
as mandating a particular architecture or configuration.
* * * * *