US 8,279,786 B1 · Methods and systems for dynamic spectrum arbitrage

Abstract

Methods and system are provided for managing and monitoring allocation of RF spectrum resources based on time, space and frequency. A network may be enabled to allocate excess spectrum resources for use by other network providers on a real-time basis. Allocated resources may be transferred from one provider with excess resources to another in need of additional resources based on contractual terms or on a real-time purchase negotiations and settlements. A network may be enabled to monitor the use of allocated resources on real-time basis and off-load or allow additional users depending on the spectrum resources availability. Public safety networks may be enabled to make spectrum resources available to general public by allocating spectrum resources and monitoring the use of those resources. During an emergency, when traffic increases on a public safety network, the public safety networks may off-load bandwidth traffic to make available necessary resources for public safety users.

Claims24

Dependent claims

A dynamic spectrum arbitrage (DSA) method, comprising:

determining, on a communications server, an amount of radio frequency (RF) spectrum resources available for allocation within a first communication network dedicated to one or more of police, fire, emergency medical service or government agencies;
dynamically allocating a portion of available RF spectrum resources of the first communication network for access and use by a second communication network;
informing the second communication network that use of allocated RF spectrum resources may begin;
recording a transaction in a transaction database identifying an amount of RF spectrum resources allocated for use by the second communication network;
determining whether at least some of the allocated RF spectrum resources are required by the first communication network;
informing the second communication network that use of allocated RF spectrum resources should be terminated in response to determining that at least some of the allocated RF spectrum resources are required by the one or more of police, fire, emergency medical service or government agencies;
and
updating the transaction database to include information identifying a time when use of the allocated RF spectrum resources was terminated by the second communication network.

5 more elements

A communications server for accomplishing dynamic spectrum arbitrage (DSA) of available radio frequency (RF) spectrum resources between a first communication network dedicated to one or more of police, fire, emergency medical service or government agencies and a second communication network, comprising:

network communications circuitry for communicating with the first and second communication networks;
a memory;
and
a processor coupled to the memory and the network communications circuitry, wherein the processor is configured with processor-executable instructions to perform operations comprising:
determining an amount of RF spectrum resources available for allocation within the first communication network;
dynamically allocating a portion of available RF spectrum resources of the first communication network for access and use by the second communication network;
informing the second communication network that use of allocated of RF spectrum resources may begin;
recording a transaction in a transaction database identifying an amount RF spectrum resources allocated for use by the second communication network;
determining whether at least some of the allocated RF spectrum resources are required by the first communication network;
informing the second communication network that use of allocated RF spectrum resources should be terminated in response to determining that at least some of the allocated RF spectrum resources are required by the one or more of police, fire, emergency medical service or government agencies;
and
updating the transaction database to include information identifying a time when use of the allocated RF spectrum resources was terminated by the second communication network.

9 more elements

A non-transitory computer readable storage medium having stored thereon processor-executable software instructions configured to cause a processor to perform dynamic spectrum arbitrage (DSA) operations comprising:

determining an amount of radio frequency (RF) spectrum resources available for allocation within a first communication network dedicated to one or more of police, fire, emergency medical service or government agencies;
dynamically allocating a portion of available RF spectrum resources of the first communication network for access and use by a second communication network;
informing the second communication network that use of allocated RF spectrum resources may begin;
recording a transaction in a transaction database identifying an amount of RF spectrum resources allocated for use by the second communication network;
determining whether at least some of the allocated RF spectrum resources are required by the first communication network;
informing the second communication network that use of allocated RF spectrum resources should be terminated in response to determining that at least some of the allocated RF spectrum resources are required by the one or more of police, fire, emergency medical service or government agencies;
and
updating the transaction database to include information identifying a time when use of the allocated RF spectrum resources was terminated by the second communication network.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Methods and systems for dynamic spectrum arbitrage

Life of this patent

Methods and systems for dynamic spectrum arbitrage

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims24