EP4022798A1

EP4022798A1 - Method for controlling resources of at least two different radio access technology networks and controller

Info

Publication number: EP4022798A1
Application number: EP20760878.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thi Uyen Ly DANG; Thomas Heyn; Leszek RASCHKOWSKI; Christian Rohde; Khaled Shawky Hassan Hussein
Original assignee: Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung eV
Current assignee: Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung eV
Priority date: 2019-08-29
Filing date: 2020-08-27
Publication date: 2022-07-06
Also published as: WO2021038012A1

Abstract

A method for controlling resources (F, T) of at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370), wherein a first frequency band (375) is initially assigned to a first of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370) (e.g. to a satellite network) and wherein a second frequency band (365) is initially assigned to a second of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370) (e.g. to a terrestrial communication network), wherein the first frequency band (375) comprises at least a first frequency portion and a second frequency portion, the method comprises: assigning the second frequency portion of the first frequency band (375) to the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370) in accordance with an (periodic, cyclic) assignment plan.

Description

METHOD for Controlling Resources of at Least Two Different Radio Access Technology Networks and Controller

Description

Embodiments of the present invention refer to a method for controlling resources of at least two different radio access technologies and to a corresponding controller. A further embodiment refers to a base station of a satellite or terrestrial network comprising an interface for receiving information from the controller. Another embodiment refers to a user equipment of one of at least two different radio access network technologies or to a satellite or base station belonging to one of the at least two radio access network technologies. Another embodiment refers to a system comprising at least a controller and the two different radio access technology networks and/or entities of the networks, like the user equipment, satellite or base station. Preferred embodiments refer to combining beam hopping satellite systems with 5G NR/NTN.

Fig. 18 is a schematic representation of an example of a terrestrial wireless network 100 including, as is shown in Fig. 18(a), a core network 1020 and one or more radio access networks RAN₁, RAN₂, ... RAN_N. Fig. 18(b) is a schematic representation of an example of a radio access network RAN_n that may include one or more base stations gNB₁ to gNB₅, each serving a specific area surrounding the base station schematically represented by respective cells 106₁ to 106₅. The base stations are provided to serve users within a cell. The one or more base stations may serve users in licensed and/or unlicensed bands. The term base station, BS, refers to a gNB in 5G networks, an eNB in UMTS/LTE/LTE-A/ LTE-A Pro, or just a BS in other mobile communication standards. A user may be a stationary device or a mobile device. The wireless communication system may also be accessed by mobile or stationary loT devices which connect to a base station or to a user. The mobile devices or the loT devices may include physical devices, ground based vehicles, such as robots or cars, aerial vehicles, such as manned or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the latter also referred to as drones, buildings and other items or devices having embedded therein electronics, software, sensors, actuators, or the like as well as network connectivity that enables these devices to collect and exchange data across an existing network infrastructure. Fig. 18(b) shows an exemplary view of five cells, however, the RAN_n may include more or less such cells, and RAN_n may also include only one base station. Fig. 18(b) shows two users UE₁ and UE₂, also referred to as user equipment, UE, that are in cell 106₂ and that are served by base station gNB₂. Another user UE₃ is shown in cell 106₄ which is served by base station gNB₄. The arrows 1081, 1082 and 1083 schematically represent uplink/downlink connections for transmitting data from a user UE₁, UE₂ and UE₃ to the base stations gNB₂, gNB₄ or for transmitting data from the base stations gNB₂, gNB₄ to the users UE₁, UE₂, UE₃. This may be realized on licensed bands or on unlicensed bands. Further, Fig. 18(b) shows two loT devices 110₁ and 110₂ in cell 106₄, which may be stationary or mobile devices. The loT device 110₁ accesses the wireless communication system via the base station gNB₄ to receive and transmit data as schematically represented by arrow 112₁. The loT device 110₂ accesses the wireless communication system via the user UE₃ as is schematically represented by arrow 112₂. The respective base station gNB₁ to gNB₅ may be connected to the core network 1020, e.g. via the S1 interface, via respective backhaul links 114₁ to 114₅, which are schematically represented in Fig. 18(b) by the arrows pointing to “core”. The core network 1020 may be connected to one or more external networks. Further, some or all of the respective base station gNB₁ to gNB₅ may be connected, e.g. via the S1 or X2 interface or the XN interface in NR, with each other via respective backhaul links 116₁ to 116₅, which are schematically represented in Fig. 18(b) by the arrows pointing to “gNBs”. A sidelink channel allows direct communication between UEs, also referred to as device-to-device (D2D) communication. The sidelink interface in 3GPP is named PCS.

The wireless communication system may be any single-tone or multicarrier system using frequency-division multiplexing, like the orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) system, the orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) system, or any other FFT/IFFT-based signal with or without cyclic prefix (CP), e.g. DFT-s-OFDM. Other waveforms, like non-orthogonal waveforms for multiple access, e.g. filter-bank multicarrier (FBMC), generalized frequency division multiplexing (GFDM) or universal filtered multi carrier (UFMC), may be used. The wireless communication system may operate, e.g., in accordance with the LTE-Advanced pro standard, or the 5G or NR, New Radio, standard, or the NR-U, New Radio Unlicensed, standard.

The wireless network or communication system depicted in Fig. 18 may be a heterogeneous network having distinct overlaid networks, e.g., a network of macro cells with each macro cell including a macro base station, like base station gNB₁ to gNB₅, and a network of small cell base stations (not shown in Fig. 18), like femto or pico base stations.

In addition to the above described terrestrial wireless network also non-terrestrial wireless communication networks (NTN) exist including spaceborne transceivers, like satellites, and/or airborne transceivers, like unmanned aircraft systems or high altitude platforms (HAP). The non-terrestrial wireless communication network or system may operate in a similar way as the terrestrial system described above with reference to Fig. 18, for example in accordance with the LTE-Advanced Pro standard or the 5G or NR, new radio, standard. Another possibility is that a wireless network or communication system may use another radio access technology, e.g., may be based on a satellite communication. Often certain resources, e.g., frequency bands, are reserved for a specific radio access technology network. For example, a satellite communication network may use frequencies around 300 MHz or 4 GHz, while terrestrial networks use frequencies between 700 to 2600 MHz or above.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a concept for more efficiently using resources of one or more networks having a specific radio access network technology.

This objective is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

An embodiment provides a method for controlling resources of at least two different radio access technology networks. A first frequency band is initially assigned to a first of the at least two different radio access technology networks (e.g. to a satellite network) and wherein a second frequency band is initially assigned to a second of the at least two different radio access technology networks (e.g. to a terrestrial communication network), wherein the first frequency band comprises at least a first frequency portion and a second frequency portion. The method comprises the step of assigning the second frequency portion of the first frequency band to the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks in accordance with an (cyclic, repetitive, periodic or recurring) assignment plan.

Embodiments of the present invention are based on the principle that the bandwidth parts, like time-frequency resource portions typically reserved for one radio access network technology, can be shared with another radio access technology when a central controlling mechanism, e.g., a use of a central controller, is used. Here, the frequency band to be shared is partitioned in a plurality of time-frequency-resource-portions (defined by a frequency portion of the frequency band and a time slot). Some of the time-frequency-resource-portions, namely the unused, can be shared with the other radio network. For this, the respective time-frequency- resource-portions to be shared are assigned to the other radio network in accordance with the assignment plan. Since satellite communication is typically structured by use of a communication cycle and the rescheduling is performed several times, namely, for example, when the coverage area of a satellite changes, no completely new mechanisms are required for the resource sharing. Consequently, this approach can be easily implemented and enables to share resources dependent on the recent demand. This leads to the following benefits:

1. Bandwidth is a scarce resource. With this inventive concept of dual/double use, this resource can be better exploited. I.e. raising the efficiency of resource usage in terms of data rate/ bandwidth. 2. The owner of the frequencies of dual/double use can create also more revenue or return of invest when running a second service in parallel to the originally foreseen primary service.

3. In case of establishing a hybrid system, it dramatically improves the coverage and quality of service over a wide region, which is still a problem in developed countries like Germany.

According to embodiments, the assignment plan repeats cyclically with the communication cycle of the first frequency band. Thus, this resource sharing can be repeated for the frequent time periods as well. This holds, e.g., until an update of the assignment plan is performed. Then, the resource sharing is adapted to the new frequent time periods.

According to embodiments, the assignment plan is cyclically, repetitively, periodically or recurrently defined. Here, the second portion may be assigned for one or more time slots cyclically, repetitively, periodically or recurrently defined by the assignment plan.

The basic embodiment starts from the assumption that - within the respective time slot - not the entire time-frequency-resource-portion (belonging to the first radio network and selected to be shared) is assigned to the second radio network. Therefore, just a first time-frequency- resource-portion of the entire time-frequency-resource-portion is assigned to the second network. In case, the entire portion belonging to the first radio network should be shared within the respective time slot, the first and the second time-frequency-resource-portions (forming together the entire time-frequency-resource-portion) are assigned to the second network.

According to embodiments, the method further comprises the step of assigning the second time-frequency resource portion of the second time slot to the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks in accordance with an assignment plan; alternatively or additionally, the cyclical use is defined by a beam switching time plan of the satellite network; according to another embodiment, the assignment plan comprises a beam switching time plan of the satellite network assignment.

According to embodiments, before the first time slot and/or after the first time slot a guard period may be inserted into the assignment plan. According to embodiments, the length of the guard period is dependent on an expired time of travelling of communication signals exchanged within the respective first and/or the respective second of the at least two different radio access technology networks. The guard periods are typically used for avoidance of neighbor cell interference to the first network. Furthermore, they can be used to overcome variances in the transmission time due to imprecise or weakly synchronized local oscillators of UEs. According to embodiments, the first time-frequency resource portion is selected such that a guard time-frequency resource portion is generated between the used first time-frequency resource portion and the second time-frequency resource portion assigned to the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks. Alternatively, the first time- frequency resource portion is selected such that a guard time-frequency resource portion is generated between the used first time-frequency resource portion and the second time- frequency resource portion assigned to the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks, when assigning the second time-frequency resource portion to the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks.

According to embodiments, the first of the at least two different radio access technology networks comprises a beam-hopping satellite network covering cyclically at least two service areas so that the first service area is covered during each first time slot and not during each second time slot. Here, the assignment plan for a first service area of the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks complying or at least partially overlapping to the first service area of the first of the at least two different radio access technology networks defines that the second time-frequency resource portion of the second time slot for the first service area of the first and/or second of the at least two different radio access technology networks is assigned to the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks. When starting from satellite communication system as first of the different radio access technology networks, it should be mentioned that such satellite systems typically comprise a beam-switching time plan, e.g., if non-geostationary satellites are used. This beam switching time plan adapts the resources in accordance with the coverage areas, which are in the range of the passing (beam hopping) satellite. This beam switching time plan is suitably applied to different service areas (different locations within a service area) along its orbit. The above-mentioned assignment plan is an enhancement of the beam switching time plan, namely in that way that resources from another network can be used or assigned to another network. This is beneficial since especially for the beam hopping satellite system no new mechanisms for the assignment have to be implemented.

It should be noted that a plurality of different radio access network technologies can be used. These radio access network technologies can have or exploit one of the below discussed characteristics:

Propagation direction of the communication signals (e.g. satellite vertical in the sky, terrestrial communication horizontal) Transmission range of the communication signals Transmit or received signal power levels

Service area size (satellite 100km+, terrestrial communication 2km+ (max 3-

50km))

According to embodiments, the above discussed assignment plan may comprise a constant period for a time-frequency resource portion, a periodically repeated time period of the first and second time slot for one or more time-frequency resource portions or periodically repeating time slots for one or more time-frequency resource portions, or varying number of time slots (time-variant) for one or more time-frequency resource portions, or wherein the assignment plan is dynamically adapted.

Note that the assignment plan may be collaboratively updated for the at least two different radio access technology networks. Alternatively or additionally, the assigning is performed in cycles up to the point of time of update the assignment plan. Note that the assigning may be performed in cycles up to the point of time of update the assignment plan and wherein the assignment plan is not restricted to the communication cycle of the first frequency band. Furthermore, the cycles as used by the assignment plan may be synchronized for the at least two different radio access technology networks.

According to embodiments, the step of assigning a first and/or a second time-frequency resource portion of the first frequency band just to a certain UE or certain UEs belonging to the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks can be done by a controller. Alternatively or additionally, the step of assigning a first and/or a second time- frequency resource portion of the first frequency band is performed just to a certain UE or certain UEs having high data rate demand belonging to the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks can be taken into account by a controller. Alternatively or additionally, the step of assigning comprises the step of assigning one or more bandwidth units of a resource allocation plan for one or more time units of resource allocation plan (note said resource allocation plan may define the used resources for the first or the second network). Alternatively, the step of assigning comprises the step of assigning one or more bandwidth units of a resource allocation plan for one or more time units of resource allocation plan and wherein the number of bandwidth units and time units is dependent on the data rate demand. Alternatively or additionally, the step of assigning comprises the step of assigning one or more bandwidth units of a resource allocation plan for one or more time units of resource allocation plan and wherein the number of bandwidth units and time units is dependent on a message of the user equipment regarding its capability of using or temporally using a plurality of time- frequency resource portions.

According to embodiments, the assignment plan comprises a first resource allocation plan comprising a definition of the first time-frequency resource portion and the second time- frequency resource portion of the first frequency band for respective one or more time slots. Alternatively, the assignment plan may comprise a first resource allocation plan comprising a definition of the first and second time-frequency resource portion of the first frequency band for respective one or more time slots, wherein the resource allocation plan is defined by multiple bandwidth units and time units. Alternatively or additionally, a time slot is defined by one or more time units of the first resource allocation plan. Alternatively or additionally, a frequency band or time-frequency resource portion of the frequency band is defined by one or more bandwidth units of the first resource allocation plan. According to embodiments, the assignment plan comprises a second resource allocation plan comprising a definition of respective time-frequency resource portions of the second frequency band for respective one or more time slots. Alternatively, the assignment plan comprises a second resource allocation plan comprising a definition of respective time-frequency resource portions of the second frequency band for respective one or more time slots, wherein the second resource allocation plan is defined by further multiple bandwidth units and time units. Alternatively or additionally, a time slot is defined by one or more time units of the second resource allocation plan. Alternatively or additionally, a frequency band or time-frequency resource portion of the second frequency band is defined by one or more bandwidth units of the second resource allocation plan.

It should be noted that the resource allocation plan represents the usage of the initially assigned and shared resources by the respective network (RAT) in accordance to the assignment plan.

According to embodiments, the method comprises the step of using the second frequency band and/or of using the second portion of the first frequency band in accordance with the assignment plan, wherein the steps of using are performed by a user equipment belonging to the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks.

According to embodiments, the method comprises the step of bi-directionally using the second frequency band and/or of bi-directionally using the second time-frequency resource portion of the first frequency band in accordance with the assignment plan, wherein the step of bi- directional using is performed by a user equipment belonging to the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks. According to embodiments, the bi-directionally using comprises frequency division' duplex and/or time division duplex within the respective frequency band and/or the second time-frequency resource portion as defined by the assignment plan.

According to embodiments, the step of assigning is performed for different service areas (illumination zone and/or terrestrial cell) separately. The step of assigning may be performed for different service areas separately such that a joint optimization be performed and/or individual assignment plans are generated per each service area. Alternatively, the assignment plan for different service areas may include guard time-frequency resource portions and/or a guard periods set such that the respective guard time-frequency resource portions and/or guard periods vary for the different service areas. Alternatively, the assignment plan for the different service areas may include guard time-frequency resource portions and/or a guard periods set such that the respective guard time-frequency resource portions and/or guard periods vary for the different service areas, wherein setting a respective time-frequency resource portion and/or respective guard periods is performed based on the assignment plan of at least one neighboring service area.

According to embodiments, the step of assigning is performed such that the second time- frequency resource portion of the first frequency band is used for the uplink of the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks within a first service area and overlaps a time-frequency resource portion of the first frequency band which is used for the downlink of said time-frequency resource portion of the first frequency band within a second service area. Alternatively, the step of assigning may be performed such that the second time- frequency resource portion of the first frequency band is used for the uplink of the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks within a first service area (using the at least first time slot) and overlaps a frequency band which is used for the downlink of said time-frequency resource portion of the first frequency band within a second service area (using the first time slot).

According to embodiments, the second time-frequency resource portion of the first frequency band is initially defined as a shared spectrum. According to embodiments, a third of the at least two different radio access technology networks uses a predetermined third frequency band and/or predetermined time slot. Here, the assigning of the second frequency portion of the first frequency band may be performed such that the second frequency portion is assigned to the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks, such that sharing of the second frequency portion to be used by RAT2 and RAT3 in an alternating way. Expressed in other words this means collaborative sharing of second frequency portions of one or multiple RATs to be used by one or multiple RATs.

According to embodiments, the method comprises the step of analyzing a bandwidth demand for the at least two different radio access technology networks and performing the step of assigning dependent on the analyzed bandwidth demand.

Note that the method may be performed by a member-entity or -controller of the first of the at least two different radio access technology networks. The member-entity may be a base station, a UE, or a satellite, i.e. an entity of one of the RATs. Alternatively, this controller may be part of a third coordinating party/organization in order to negotiate the bandwidth demands among the at least two different radio access technology networks. Alternatively, the controller may be implemented as shared controller, i.e. a multi-RAT-capable entity.

According to embodiments, the first of the at least two different radio access technology networks comprises a beam hopping satellite network. This network may have a beam switching time plan defining different cycles and/or cycles for different service areas.

According to embodiments, the method comprises the step of sending a (RRC) control message or a multi-frequency band list for informing one or more respective network members belonging to the at least two different radio access technology networks; note that the method may comprise at least one information out of the following:

• Slot configuration;

• UL/DL configuration types;

• configuration on a slot level;

• information on the UL/DL switching on a OFDMA symbol level;

• alignment of the different TDD patterns;

• slot configuration.

According to embodiments, the method comprises the step of using a timer or a counter for synchronizing the respective one of the at least two different radio access technology networks to the assignment plan.

The above-discussed method may be computer implemented. Thus, a computer program comprising a program code for performing, when running on a computer, the method according to one of the described embodiments or schemes. Another embodiment provides a controller for controlling resources of at least two different radio access technology networks, wherein a first frequency band is initially assigned to a first of the at least two different radio access technology networks (but not fully occupied overtime) and wherein a second frequency band is initially assigned to a second of the at least two different radio access technology networks. Here, a communication cycle of the first frequency band is composed out of a plurality of time slots, where each time slot of a plurality of time slots comprises a first time-frequency resource portion and a second time-frequency resource portion. The first of the at least two different radio access technology networks comprises a satellite network and wherein the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks comprises a terrestrial communication network, or wherein the first of the at least two different radio access technology networks significantly differs from the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks with regard to its network characteristics. In this case, the controller is configured to assign the first and/or the second time-frequency resource portion of at least one of the plurality of time slots to the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks in accordance with an assignment plan.

A further embodiment provides a system comprising a first and a second of the at least two different radio access technology networks and a controller as described above.

Another embodiment provides a base station (earth station) of a satellite or terrestrial network comprising an interface for receiving an assignment plan defined by the above method or by the above controller.

Further embodiments refer to a user equipment of one of at least two different radio access technology networks, wherein a first frequency band is initially assigned to a first of the at least two different radio access technology networks (but not fully occupied over time) and wherein a second frequency band is initially assigned to a second of the at least two different radio access technology networks, wherein a communication cycle of the first frequency band is composed out of a plurality of time slots, where each time slot of a plurality of time slots comprises a first time-frequency resource portion and a second time-frequency resource portion. Here, the first of the at least two different radio access technology networks comprises a satellite network and wherein the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks comprises a terrestrial communication network, or wherein the first of the at least two different radio access technology networks significantly differs from the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks with regard to its network characteristics, wherein the user equipment is configured to use or to temporally use the first and/or second time-frequency resource portion of a first frequency band during at least one of the plurality of time slots in accordance with an assignment plan.

Note that the user equipment may be configured to provide a message regarding its capability of using or temporally using a plurality of time-frequency resource portions.

A further embodiment refers to a satellite or base station belonging to one of at least two different radio access technology networks, wherein a first frequency band is initially assigned to a first of the at least two different radio access technology networks (but not fully occupied overtime) and wherein a second frequency band is initially assigned to a second of the at least two different radio access technology networks, wherein a communication cycle of the first frequency band is composed out of a plurality of time slots, where each time slot of a plurality of time slots comprises a first time-frequency resource portion and a second time-frequency resource portion. The first of the at least two different radio access technology networks comprises a satellite network and wherein the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks comprises a terrestrial communication network, or wherein the first of the at least two different radio access technology networks significantly differs from the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks with regard to its network characteristics, wherein the satellite is configured to apply or to temporally apply an assignment plan according to which the first and/or the second time-frequency resource portion of at least one of the plurality of time slots is assigned to the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks.

Said system may further comprise a user equipment of the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks, wherein the user equipment is configured to use the second time-frequency resource portion.

Embodiments of the present invention are now described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 schematically shows a beam hopping schedule consisting of four beams, which is updated at a reconfiguration performed for illustrating embodiments;

Figs. 2a & 2b schematically show time frequency sharing examples of a beam hopping satellite system and terrestrial communication system according to embodiments; Figs. 2c & 2d schematically illustrate location dependent spectrum sharing between satellite beam hopping system and 5G terrestrial system according to embodiments;

Fig. 3 schematically shows a basic concept of controlling resource portions to be shared between two different radio access technology networks according to an embodiment;

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates an example of data frame distributed to different service areas for illustrating embodiments;

Fig. 5 schematically shows a concept of full duplex satellite transmission for illustrating embodiments;

Fig. 6 schematically shows a concept of duplex satellite communication first forward link (FWD) according to a beam switching time plan (BSTP) and second return link (RTN) according to a beam hopping burst time plan (BHBTP) to illustrate embodiments;

Fig. 7 schematically shows a scenario of two coordinating beam hopping satellites to illustrate embodiments;

Fig. 8 schematically shows a bandwidth and an extension between different RATs or same RATs according to embodiments;

Figs. 9a & 9b schematically show options from BWPs/constant or variable bandwidth over time according to embodiments;

Fig. 9c schematically shows another option for BWPs (variable bandwidth over time, RAT1 occupies only the shared band) according to embodiments;

Fig. 10 schematically illustrates the signaling of a BWP in multiple of time units (TUs) and BWUs according to embodiments;

Fig. 11 exemplarily shows a combination of collaborating systems ULs and DLs for duplex mode Sat-FDD/terrestrial-FDD according to embodiments; Fig. 12 exemplarily shows a combination of collaborating systems ULs and DLs for duplex mode Sat-TDD/terrestrial TDD according to embodiments;

Fig. 13 schematically shows the coexistence of satellite (NR-NTN) and terrestrial networks (3GPP NR) with alternating use of a shared spectrum according to embodiments;

Fig. 14 schematically shows the coexistence of satellite (non-3GPP waveform) and terrestrial networks (3GPP NR) with alternating use of a shared spectrum according to embodiments;

Fig. 15 schematically shows the coexistence of satellite (2x non-3GPP waveform) and terrestrial networks (3GPP NR) with alternating use of shared spectrum according to embodiments;

Fig. 16a schematically shows 3GPP structuring of signals in time direction by a hierarchy of different frame types according to embodiments;

Fig. 16b schematically shows a table comprising samples for the combination of BWPs, slot configurations and additional meta information according to embodiments;

Fig. 17a & 17b schematically show RAIMUND Collaboration Controller implementation options according to embodiments; and

Fig. 18 schematically show examples of communication networks.

Below, embodiments of the present invention will subsequently be discussed referring to the enclosed figures. Before discussing embodiments of the present invention, the surrounding of the inventive concept focusing on the problem to be solved will be discussed.

Bandwidth is a scarce resource and deployment scenarios include multiple wireless networks sharing a common spectrum. With this inventive concept of multiple use, this resource can be better exploited by raising the efficiency of resource usage in terms of data rate / bandwidth. The spectrum sharing scenarios applicable for this invention might comprise multiple terrestrial networks or hybrid networks comprising terrestrial and satellite communication subsystems.

The core idea is based on using dynamic time-varying and periodic Bandwidth Parts (BWPs) instead of semi-static BWP configurations. These dynamic BWPs allow other wireless communication systems to access the common spectrum. Appropriate and efficient signaling of these dynamic and periodic BWPs is described as well as coordination/collaboration among the spectrum sharing networks/ subsystems.

Specific reference is made to a collaboration scenario of a beam-hopping satellite network and a terrestrial network. The beam-hopping satellite network inherently performs traffic distribution and demand adaptation on a time schedule base, wherein beams (occupying a certain bandwidth) are directed or switched to the service areas. The terrestrial network can make use of this bandwidth as additional communication resource during these time slots when no beam is active in the considered service area. Of course, collaboration among the two networks is needed, e.g. forwarding of the current/foreseen beam switching time schedule as well as access rules like required location dependent guard times/ guard bands/ geographical exclusion zones. However, this concept can even be expanded in case of a hybrid network with terrestrial and satellite communication subsystems, where handover among the subsystems or even dual connectivity would be integrated as well.

The problem statement originates from the observation that a beam-hopping satellite system may have relatively low duty cycles, i.e. more time of no illumination of a service area compared to the time of active illumination serving the considered service area. So far this silent time is not exploited and hence represents the opportunity to this problem statement. This is indicated by Fig. 1, where the box 104 represents the time schedule of the forth beam.

The time schedule of the beams 1, 2 and 3 are marked by the reference numerals 101, 102 and 103. As illustrated, the order of the time/frequency portions from the time window to to ti and t₁ to t₂ can be equal to each other, wherein at the point of time t₃ a reconfiguration is performed. Starting with this reconfiguration, the order as well as the sizes (frequency portion and length) can be modified.

The question is how to exploit this silent time most efficiently by a terrestrial network. This can be 5G without (or with) NTN or even a specific collaboration mode of 5G+NTN. In general, the challenge is to establish a time-frequency-division multiple access scheme for two networks using the same or partly the same time-frequency resources. Starting point is a common/aligned time-frequency grid of both networks for the double/dual use of such resources. Next open point is the applied waveform. While the satellite system waveform is specifically designed for its purpose of beam-hopping, the terrestrial network waveform has to be more agile and flexible compared to the conventional terrestrial network deployment. And last but not least, both networks have to interface and mutually coordinate with respect to resource allocation and interference management.

The coordination of the resource allocation between the two different radio network access technologies will be discussed with respect to Fig. 3. Before, some options as to how the two different networks can interact with each other will be discussed.

Fig. 2a and 2b show two different cases for the interaction between the two networks;

• Both systems share the same bandwidth, where forward or return communication may be considered in an additional dimension, not shown in the figure.

• Both systems overlap only partly in frequency, where the terrestrial system extends and reduces its bandwidth occupation in a regular way to be aligned to the satellite beam-hopping system time-frequency occupation.

What shall also be exploited is the nice property of the repetitive character of the beam-hopping cycle. Only when reconfiguration of the beam-hopping schedule is prepared and done, signaling and coordination updates are required. This reconfiguration typically does not happen too often, e.g. in the order of several minutes. Thus, a smooth collaborative update can be achieved as shown in Fig. 2, where the new time-frequency sharing schedules of satellite and terrestrial systems are aligned.

As illustrated in Fig. 2a and 2b, the terrestrial network (e.g., 3GPP NR) and the satellite network share the same bandwidth of the system, e.g., the same frequency portion. The respective bandwidth portions are separated between the two radio access technologies by use of different time windows.

The time window/bandwidth portion used by the terrestrial network is marked by the reference numerals 201a, 201b and 201c. The bandwidth portion/time window used by the satellite is marked by the reference numerals 202a, 202b and 202c, here optional guard time slots or exclusions are arranged between the bandwidth portions 202a and 201b (see portion 203a) and between 202b and 201c (203b) and after 202c (203c). It should be noted that with regard to the frequency bandwidth all elements from 201a to 203c may have the same width. As illustrated, the duration of the bandwidth element can vary along the time direction, as is illustrated by the bandwidth portion 201a which varies with regard to its time frame from the bandwidth portion 202a. As already discussed in the context of Fig. 1, the structure of the time/bandwidth portions is iterative. However, a reconfiguration is performed at the point of time t₃. After that, the order and/or sizes of the time/bandwidth portions 201c, 202c and 203c can vary. Here, the time/bandwidth portion 202c is increased in the time domain.

Fig. 2b illustrates time/bandwidth portions arranged differently. First, the bandwidth portion of the terrestrial network (cf. 201’, 201a’, 201b’ and 201c’) are (partially) overlapping with the bandwidth portions 202a’ 202b’ and 202c’ and 203a’, 203b’ and 203c’. Furthermore, the portions 201a’, 201b’ and 201c’ vary with respect to its frequency range. Note that the bandwidth portion 201 ’ is a bandwidth portion having a small frequency range, however, extending in an alternating way along the entire time dimension so that just the frequency portion of the bandwidth portions 201a’, 201b’, and 201c’ are shared with bandwidth portions 202a’, 202b’, and 202c’ (and/or 203a’, 203b’ and 203’c).

According to embodiments, the bandwidth portions 201a’, 201b’, and 201c’ are arranged with regard to its frequency positions, such that these portions 201a’, 201 b’, and 201 c’ directly abuts the frequency portion 201’. In contrast to this, the frequency portions 202a’, 202b’, and 202c’ as well as 203a’, 203b’, and 203c’ are arranged with respect to the portion 201’ so as to form a guard band. Due to this offset and/or due to a different frequency range of the portions 202a’, 202b’ and 202c’ compared to 201’ the partial overlap is generated.

As already discussed in the context of Fig. 2a, a reconfiguration can be performed at the point of time t₃. After that, the sizes and/or the order of the elements 201c’, 202c’ and 203c’ can vary. Furthermore, the frequency portions of the second RAT network can be smaller than allowed in case of e.g. low data rate/bandwidth demands. In this case, there is dynamic frequency portion usage, which is why 201b’ has less bandwidth than 201a’ although it could be of same size.

The exclusion or guard time slots of Figs. 2a and 2b are considered in more detail in Figs. 2c and 2d.

Fig. 2c shows three satellite cells marked by reference numeral 303 or sat cell 1 , sat cell 2 and sat cell 3. Within the sat cell 1 and the sat cell 3 some base stations eNB1 , eNB2 and eNB3 are arranged. These base stations 302 or eNB1, eNB2 and eNB3 form terrestrial cells. These are marked by the reference numeral 301. As can be seen, the current area of the sat cells 303 and the terrestrial base stations 302 are not identical to each other. This configuration may change since the sat cell may be defined just for a certain time period due to two reasons: A) the relative movement of the satellite coverage area w.r.t. the terrestrial area, wherein the cells 301 defined by the eNBs typically remain stationary; And/or B) the satellite performs beam- forming in combination with beam-hopping, which implies that a reconfiguration at the point of time t₃ includes different sizes/shapes of the sat cells 303 than before. So a controller has to track also the geographical relations between terrestrial cells 301 and sat cells 303.

This embodiment starts from the assumption that the sat cells 303 are consecutively activated for certain time frames, as illustrated by Fig. 2d. The three rows in Fig. 2d hold for the same bandwidth versus time but at the different locations of the three base stations eNBi , eNB2, and eNB3. The respective time frames are marked by C1 , C2 and C3 for the sat cells 1 , 2, and 3. As can be seen, the eNB3 which lies within the sat cell 3 can use this resource portion with its locally limited area. Therefore, the 5G is activated for the time frame reserved for CI for the eNB3. The same holds true for the base station eNB2 during the time frame reserved for the sat cell C2 and C3. Here, the 5G is activated for the two time/bandwidth portions. The eNB1 can use the time/bandwidth portion reserved for C3, since the eNB1 and the area of the sat cell 3 are sufficiently spaced apart from each other. This is different when comparing the location of eNB1 and the sat cell 2. In order to avoid collisions, this time/bandwidth portion may be used as protection for the neighbor cell, here the sat cell 2. Therefore, eNBi is not active for 5G communication during the time frame reserved for C2.

The above discussion has been made in the context of a satellite system sharing its resources with a 5G terrestrial system. Of course, also other communication systems available at the same location or available at the same location for a certain time window and being based on other technologies may be used. The controlling of the resources is performed by a controller which will be discussed with respect to Fig. 3. The update of the entire schedule can be done at the point in time which is marked by the update.

Controller

Below, a controller 350 for controlling the resources C1 and 5G for the sat cells 303 and/or the terrestrial cells 301 will be discussed. Fig. 3 shows a controller 350 for controlling at least two different radio access technology networks 360 and 370. Exemplarily, the network 360 is illustrated as terrestrial network, e.g., as an LTE or 5G mobile communication network. Here, this network 360 comprises at least the base station 362a and optionally the base station 362b.

The other network 370 is illustrated as a satellite communication network, which comprises at least the satellite 372a and optionally the satellite 372b. The controller 350 controls at least the two entities 362a and 372b. For example, it might send control commands directly to the entities 362a and 372b or alternatively via a respective network controller (not shown) corresponding for the coordination of the respective network 360 and 370. This network controller aspect is discussed later in connection with Fig. 17.

As already discussed in the context of Figs. 2a to 2d, the two radio access technologies 360 and 370 may use three different frequency bands. For example, a first frequency band 365 is initially assigned to a first radio access technology 360, wherein a second frequency band 375 is initially assigned to a second network 370. For example, during a first time frame between T0 and T1 both networks 360 and 370 use their own frequency band as indicated by the time/bandwidth portions C1_T1 and 5G_T2. Typically, these two frequency bands 365 and 375 are used or occupied by the two networks 360 and 370 during the entire time domain. However, it is assumed that one network, here the network 370, does not fully occupy the entire time domain, e.g., due to temporarily reduced required data rate demands or application of the beam-hopping scheme. This is illustrated by the time/bandwidth portions C1_T3 and C1_T5. The portions between these time/bandwidth portions C1_T1 to C1_T3 and C1_T5 can be shared. This means that a communication cycle is applied to the network 370. Here, the communication cycle of the frequency band 375 is composed out of a plurality of time slots, wherein some time slots or, in more detail, a frequency resource portion of some time slots is not used by the network 370. This not used frequency resource portion of the respective time slots can be assigned to the network 360. This is marked by the shared resource portion SP_T2 and SP_T4. These portions are arranged between 5G_T 1 , 5G_T3 and 5G_T5 and extend from the frequency band 365 into the frequency band 375. Note that the portion SP_T2 and SP_T4 must not necessarily occupy both frequency bands 365 and 375. According to a general embodiment, it suffices when a time-frequency-resource-portion of the frequency band 375 is assigned to the network 360.

This shared frequency portion SP_T2 and SP_T4 can be used in one or more areas. This embodiment starts from the assumption that the satellite 372a having the free resource portions and sharing same covers terrestrial areas of both base stations 362a and 362b. Since these terrestrial resource portions 362a and 362b are limited with regard to its range, it is possible that the shared resource portion SP_T2 and SP_T4 is used by both base stations 362a and 362b.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the assignment of the respective time-frequency- resource-portions to be shared (a portion of SP_T2 and SP_T4) can be performed by use of an assignment plan. This assignment plan comprises the assignment of the respective time- frequency resource-portions to the respective transceivers of the base station 362a, 362b, 372a and 372b. Furthermore, this assignment plan is typically just used for a predetermined or limited time window comprising a plurality of time slots. This has the purpose that often the demands of the respective networks 360 and 370 change over time. Furthermore, due to the relative movement of the satellites 372a and 372b with respect to the terrestrial cells defined by the base stations 362a and 362b, it can happen that the free resources within the communication cycle defined for the satellite 372a is used by another satellite 372b (e.g., when the coverage areas have changed). This principle is called handover, which can be combined with/integrated in the beam-hopping scheme, and will be discussed in more detail below.

Introduction to Beam-hopping Satellite Systems

The global trend is to have faster and more flexible communication all over the world. In order to optimally adapt a satellite system to changing traffic demands over time and location, the beam-hopping concept has been introduced. In contrast to the quasi-static illumination in a conventional multi-beam satellite system, the satellite cycles through a set of defined beams according to a specific schedule, which is derived from the traffic demands and the user terminal locations. The gains in terms of system capacity optimization and better matching the traffic demands are shown in [2] and [3].

The upcoming Eutelsat Quantum Satellite is a software defined Ku-band satellite that offers in-orbit flexibility in all the operational parameters of the payload including service area definition, frequency plan and power allocation [4] It also supports the beam-hopping function, which will provide great flexibility in capacity allocation over the visible earth as seen by the satellite. It is believed to be the first open standard beam-hopping system and will support independent beam-hopping networks [5]. Furthermore, its dynamic beam-forming capabilities can be beneficially combined with the beam-hopping feature. As an example, geographical areas with low user terminal density can be served by adjusting the beams to be wider, while geographical areas with high user terminal density or high quality of service demands can be satisfied by reconfiguration to more spot-beam type beams. The satellite utilizes rapid and seamless beam-forming reconfiguration that can be applied to a variety of applications such as mobility, dispersed geographical areas, emergency and governmental services.

Illustrated in Fig. 4, the satellite 372a changes the beam direction to different areas on the ground, called coverages or service areas 402a, 402b, 402c, according to a beam-switching time plan 405 (BSTP). These service areas, 402a, 402b, 402c, may include a varying number of remote terminals. In the example of Fig. 4, only the forward link transmission is shown, i.e. in direction from the gateway 410 to the terminals 412a-n. Therefore, the terminal situation corresponds to a point-to-point link with interrupted transmission from the satellite. Although Fig. 4 indicates a bentpipe satellite with additional beam-hopping capability, the application of a regenerative satellite with onboard .processor could be considered as well.

As stated in [7], return link communication from the remote terminals back to the gateway can also be accomplished in a time-frequency division multiple access (TF-DMA) beam-hopping transmission mode. For that, signaling is provided over the forward link to the remote terminals, in which time and frequency slots each of the terminals is allowed to transmit. In order to have low signaling overhead, the BSTP and the TF-DMA schedule are applied repetitively until an update is provided by the gateway.

Like in LTE and 5G New Radio (NR) there are also two potential transmission modes:

• Full duplex allows simultaneous forward (FWD) and return (RTN) link communication on different carrier frequencies, which is called in the LTE/5G context frequency division duplex (FDD)

• Half duplex using the same carrier frequency for FWD and RTN link communication, which is called in the LTE/5G context time division duplex (TDD)

These two modes are visualized in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, respectively, where solid directivity arrows and colors mark the transmission directions.

Fig. 5 shows a full duplex mode enabling a static communication between the gateway 410 and the terminal 412b (downlink) and the terminal 412c (uplink). Both terminals 412b and 412c use the satellite 372a.

Fig. 6 shows a half-duplex approach. On the left side the FWD link according to a beam switching time plan 405 (BSTP) is shown. Here, a downlink from the gateway 410 via the satellite 372a to the three terminals 412a to 412c is enabled. On the right side the second RTN link from the terminals 412a, 412b and 412c to the gateway 410 via the satellite 372a is shown. This second RTN link is applied according to a beam hopping burst time plan (BHBTP). The FWD link as well as the RTN link uses the satellite 372a. As illustrated by the beam switching frame, the forward link resources as well as the return link resources can be flexibly shared in time. As discussed in [6] and [7], the super-frame specification of DVB-S2X Annex E [8] is available for beam-hopping application. However, due to the rough time granularity of at least one complete super-frame per illumination, the DVB-S2X standard is extended in order to implement more flexible configurations for a finer time-frequency grid. Publication of version 1.2.1 is expected for 2020.

The key observation is that satellite operators have allocated bandwidths reserved for their beam-hopping satellite system but do not continuously use them everywhere. Hence, the temporarily unused radio resources in all currently unserved beam-hopping service areas could be utilized by a terrestrial network on ground. As indicated in Fig. 4, the duty cycle in a beam-hopping service area can be rather short compared to the complete beam-hopping cycle or BSTP.

In the following described scenarios, some challenges and constraints are identified, which have to be considered in case of this re-use or resource sharing (e.g. between satellite and terrestrial network). It is mainly related to mutual interference issues, which may require an interference management entity coordinating both networks, the satellite communication network and the terrestrial network.

Service areas can be quite big compared to the terrestrial network cell sizes, i.e. in the order of few to several 100 km in diagonal.

This is illustrated by Fig. 7 showing two satellites 372a and 372b, each staying in communication with a respective gateway 410a and 410b. As illustrated, these two gateways 410a and 410b can communicate with each other by use of a cognition link.

Both satellites 372a and 372b illuminate so-called service areas. For the satellite 372a, a related service area is marked by 374a, while the service area for the satellite 372b is marked by 374b. However, like in a terrestrial network, there is also a neighboring service area “crosstalking”, since the edge of coverage 374 B1 of a service area and 374 A1 may be related to only a 3 dB degradation compared to the beam center. The neighboring service area 374a and 374b time slotted signal will be visible with 3 to 13 dB attenuation compared to its own service area.

As a straight forward extension, which goes in the direction of collaboration/ co-existence of/ with satellite beam-hopping systems, the approach coordinating two beam-hopping satellites has been proposed in [9][10] as shown below. As an extension to the spectrum sharing approach by two satellites as mentioned above, spectrum sharing with a terrestrial system was mentioned in [11]:

“Beam hopping is an emerging technology that provides an ability to switch the transmiting power from beam to beam as a function of time [9][10]. Each beam is adaptively activated and deactivated according to the actual traffic demands. Illumination typically consists of only a subset of the satellite beams through an appropriately designed beam illumination pattern. Since the primary satellite 372a, 372b only illuminates a small fraction of beams out of a large number of beams deployed under beam hopping systems, the rest of the beams remain idle at that time and wait for their transmission slots. Then, another satellite system with a smaller spot beam diameter or a terrestrial system can operate in the same area and use the free resources.”

Note that the key technique of [11] is to establish a database approach for spectrum sharing. This shall serve the interference management and coordination of involved networks in general. So the exchange of the mutual resource allocation schedules of satellite system(s) and terrestrial system(s) for mutual coordination is obvious and state of the art. However, a specific description of how such an interaction could be implemented on physical layer is still missing as well as a specification of how to reconfigure/prepare involved UEs for terrestrial and/or satellite communication.

Satellite and terrestrial power levels may be tracked and carefully handled in order to avoid mutual crosstalk. This may also be a task of this central network entity managing the collaboration.

A beam-hopping system can be implemented by means of GEO, MEO or LEO satellite constellations. Beam-hopping is even more favorable for MEO and LEO systems since handover among satellites is needed anyways and with beam-hopping it can be accomplished in the same frequency band. Therefore, no satellite constellation specific points are taken into account and the invention holds in the same way for different constellations.

There is a current lack of interaction/interleaving with a terrestrial network, e.g., 5G.

Although there are already general ideas of interaction of satellite and terrestrial networks as shown e.g. in [12], terrestrial networks assume exclusive permanent use of a specified bandwidth. No interaction with another system in terms of dynamic resource sharing is foreseen so far. This is indicated by the quite static definition of 5G NR Bandwidth Parts (BWP), see definition below.

In the 3GPP standardization process, embedding of satellite services is currently discussed and related specifications and concepts are termed non-terrestrial networks (NTN). However, a beam-hopping transmission mode was not yet on the agenda.

5G NR Bandwidth Parts (BWP)

The R&S New Radio book [13] describes BWPs on p. 180ff and the BWP configuration in TS 38.331 [14]:

Currently, the BWPs are configured only once, but not periodically. So at least a method is available in NR to configure the UE, which can be adapted to enable/disable UL and/or DL in specific frequency parts:

• Initial BWP definition: In 5G NR, the Master Information Block (MIB), within the configuration of frequency bandwidth of System Information Block 1 (SIB1), provides the initial BWP definition. It also contains resources for Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH).

• Further BWP: RRC connection setup procedure for up to 4 BWPs. Later, one BWP is selected among the 4 and becomes the active BWP. So after configuration of these up to 4 BWPs, the use of these BWPs is indicated by activation/deactivation while the BWP configuration is static.

Deactivation of a BWP is done by one of the three methods:

1. RRC control messages, i.e. ServingCellConfig or RRCConnectionReconfiguration

2. Timer based. Upon expiry of timer BWP-lnactivityTimer, UE switches to a higher layer configured BWP, normally the default BWP.

3. DCI scheduling via DCI format 0_1 or format 1_1. This feature is optional for the UE.

Since no switching / beam-hopping is considered here in 3GPP NR so far for terrestrial use cases, it represents obviously a missing functionality for sat/terr coexistence (cf. TR 38.811 [15] and TR 38.821 [16] and TS 38.331 [14])

Side remark: Two frequency ranges (FR) are considered in 5G (TS 38.104 [17] for BS and TS 38.101-1 [18] / TS 38.101-2 [19] for UE): • FR1 below 6 GHz: FDD and TDD, system bandwidth 5 to 100 MHz

• FR2 from 24 GHz: only TDD, 50 to 400 MHz system bandwidth

Below, a preferred embodiment for sharing the resources between two different networks will be discussed referring to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 shows a diagram within which the frequency resources are plotted over the time domain. Two frequency bands are marked by the reference numerals 810 and 820. The frequency portion 810 is partially shared with the network typically using the frequency portion 820. The shared time-frequency-resource-portions are marked by the reference numeral 812abc.

In order to agree on the resource sharing and to assign these resource portions 812a, 812b and 812c to the radio access technology network 2 (RAT2) an entity can be used according to embodiments.

There will be an entity interfacing both networks, the terrestrial one and the satellite one. We may call it resource allocation and interference management of re-used bandwidth (RAIMUND). Its functionality represents the core of this invention.

Additionally, further related aspects for making the terrestrial network capable of interacting and interleaving with the satellite network are proposed as well (e.g. LTE NB-loT):

Embodiments define enhanced features e.g. for 5G NR including periodically scheduling of BWPs, similar to the beam-hopping feature in DVB-S2X.

Since the starting point scenario of this invention is about re-using satellite frequencies, it is assumed in the following that the satellite (network) operator or satellite service provider owns the relevant frequencies and will therefore be the first priority user and master of the RAIMUND. So the terrestrial network operator would then be the second priority user of these resources.

This does not exclude the cases of giving the priority user role to the other party or even to a joint optimization of resource sharing. This is especially relevant in case of running a dual- connectivity network, which integrates both the terrestrial and the satellite into one common harmonized network.

The approaches within this document are described exemplarily as satellite and terrestrial spectrum sharing, e.g. for 5G New Radio and DVB-S2X. However, the ideas can be applied to any scenario, where multiple different radio access technologies/systems share a common spectrum.

The Figs. 2, 8, 9, 11-15 show schematically important aspects for spectrum sharing of two different radio access technologies (RAT).

The following factors are not only important for the efficient use of the spectrum but also for the protection of a RAT from interference/distortion by the other RAT, which may be coordinated by the RAIMUND.

• Occupied Frequency Resource

• Occupied Time Resource

• Guard Period

• Guard Band

A detailed discussion of the relevant aspects for spectrum sharing is given in the following.

Definition of Band Width Parts (BWP): dynamic instead of constant and the impact slot configuration

According to embodiments, the assignment of the resources, e.g., the resources 812a, 812b and 812c, can be done so that a guard band or guard time frame is formed between the portions used for the different radio access technologies (RAT1, RAT2). Typically, this guard band is formed by reducing the used frequency spectrum of one or each of the portions 810 and 820, as illustrated by the guard band 830b. When sharing the resources, a guard band, e.g., a minimum guard band, can be formed, as illustrated by the guard band 830a. Additionally, a guard time portion can be generated, as illustrated by 832a or 832b.

According to embodiments, the guard time portion can be flexible, as illustrated by the guard time frame 832b. Here, a flexible start time to fit the time frame grid is used. Analogously, the frequency band can be flexible as well, as illustrated by 830c.

The available bandwidth is split in bandwidth parts (BWPs), each well defined by a number of frequency-time resources.

We introduce BWPs that show a time varying shape as depicted below in Fig. 9a. It shows two ways of dynamic BWP configuration for RAT2 in order to accommodate spectrum sharing with the RAT1 Configuration 1 corresponds to puzzle various BWPs of different time-frequency resource allocation, while configuration 2 does dynamic extension of BWP1. In the context of the classical BWP definition, constant BWPs (BWPO in light blue) are state of the art. BWP configuration 2 (BWP1 in dark blue) is more innovative, while the solution in configuration 1 (BWPs 1,2, 3, 4) is closer to the state of the art.

As shown in Fig. 9c, the occupied band 1 by RAT1 can also completely be the shared spectrum. This refers to the case of RAT1 being a beam-hopped satellite system. Consequently, different guard band regulations apply for BWP1 when accessing the shared spectrum. No longer only interference to RAT1 is critical but now interference to a third other RAT. Therefore, different guard band requirements have to be respected by RAIMUND.

Configure a BWP of variable bandwidth overtime, and periodic (see Fig. 9). For 5G, this means that according to embodiments the shared bandwidth (BWP) is defined by multiples of BWU and time unit (TU), wherein due to the combination of BWU and TU a variable bandwidth over time can be shared. The configuration of a BWP of variable bandwidth overtime can be shared/ signaled in relation to the BWU and TU configuration.

Different types of BWPs may be specified: constant (e.g. Figure 9a: light blue BWPs) and dynamically time-varying BWPs (e.g. Figure 9b: dark blue BWP and red BWP). The bandwidth parts may be expressed by multiple bandwidth units (BWU), where a BWU is the smallest possible unit with respect to a frequency resource for a specific minimum time unit (TU). The available bandwidth is known by the systems either by pre-configuration or by dynamic signaling of the specific shape of the BWP. Dynamic BWP configuration might be advantageous in future spectrum sharing scenarios with dynamic spectrum access. The signaling is applied for the indication of the BWP as shown in Figure 10 or Figure 16b.

Expressed from another point of view this means that there are constant BWP (terminology as for nautical lights: fixed light (always on)) and dynamic / shared BWP (flashing light (light is off with periodic on times) or occulting light (light is on with periodic off times)).

A combination of the number of BWUs and corresponding TUs defines the BWP. Of course, if BWUs and TUs are not specified by default for the whole system or adaptation shall be possible, signaling of this table (cf. Figure 10 or Figure 16b) is accompanied by the current setting or definition of the BWU and TU. This may be either done explicitly like BWU = 200 kHz, TU = 0.1 ms, or by means of indices referring to table-lookup. Periodic and simultaneous activation: The key benefit of a first embodiment (i.e. periodic BWP(s)) is that a configuration of dynamic periodic BWP(s) represents a schedule which is run in cycles. So configuration signaling within the network is needed only once to initialize or update this configuration. No permanent BWP-reconfigu ration signaling is needed which dramatically reduces the signaling effort.

Multiple BWPs can be active simultaneously. Note that here a BWP is considered as a superposition of multiple BWUs.

In case of bi-directional communication, the terrestrial and the satellite communication systems can use either frequency division duplexing (FDD) or time division duplexing (TDD). Therefore, four different combinations are possible and are discussed in the following. Note that one communication direction of a RAT can take place in a frequency sharing way or both communication directions. In the examples below, both directions are considered.

FDD for both communication systems means that

• The beam-hopping satcom system uses one frequency band for downlink (forward user link (FWD), satellite-to-terminal transmission) and another band for the uplink (return user link (RTN), terminal-to-satellite transmission). Usually, they are not next to each other in frequency.

• The terrestrial system uses one frequency band for downlink (DL, BS-to-UE transmission) and another band for the uplink (UL, UE-to-BS transmission).

A favorable combination (w.r.t. the shared band) is shown in Fig. 11. Here the terrestrial UL is accommodated within the satellite DL bandwidth. This is because of the weak signal from the satellite vulnerable to interference and the terrestrial UE have less transmit power than the base stations. Furthermore, UEs close to the neighboring Sat DL cell, e.g. CELL 2, can be scheduled for later UL transmission, when the beam serves CELL 3 or 4, in order to reduce probability of disturbing receiving satellite terminals in CELL 2.

The other band in Fig. 11 is shared by the terrestrial DL and the satellite UL. Despite more transmit power of the base stations compared to the UEs, they can steer their beams very accurately, i.e. focusing transmit power into the direction of the target UE. Since the transmit angles of the satellite terminals towards the satellite (varying over location on earth and time in case of LEO/MEO satellites) can be calculated very precisely in advance, the base stations can take care of these geometrical constraints by means of reducing transmit power (e.g. focusing) or scheduling this specific transmission to avoid disturbing the transmission of satellite terminals in the neighboring cell. E.g. DL transmission to a UE will not take place during the neighboring CELL 2 but at a later time slot when the far distant satellite terminals of CELL 3 or CELL 4 do their UL transmission.

One could assume that the BS can transmit in the uplink/return link band of the satcom system as long as no specific transmit power is exceeded. This may be possible since location and orientation of the antennas are known and control is provided by the system management. For UEs this does not hold. Although they do power control but relative location to a satellite dish reflector is unknown.

Sat-FDD/ Terr-TDD

This combination means that

• The beam-hopping satcom system uses one frequency band for downlink (forward link (FWD), satellite-to-terminal transmission) and another band for the uplink (return link (RTN), terminal-to-satellite transmission). Usually, they are not next to each other in frequency.

• The terrestrial system uses the same frequency band for downlink (DL, BS-to-UE transmission) and for the uplink (UL, UE-to-BS transmission).

Sat-TDD/ Terr-FDD

This combination means that

• The beam-hopping satcom system uses the same frequency band for downlink (forward link (FWD), satellite-to-terminal transmission) and for the uplink (return link (RTN), terminal-to-satellite transmission). Usually, they are not next to each other in frequency.

Sat-TDD/ Terr-TDD

This combination means that: • The beam-hopping satcom system uses the same frequency band for downlink (forward link (FWD), satellite-to-terminal transmission) and for the uplink (return link (RTN), terminal-to-satellite transmission). Usually, they are not next to each other in frequency.

Compared to all the previous considerations and due to the fact that this spectrum sharing proposal is based on a time schedule, the combination of Sat-TDD/ Terr-TDD seems to be the simplest case for temporal coordination within a single band. However, if overlapping system bandwidths are considered this would lead to an arrangement as shown in Fig. 12. The above mentioned interference considerations hold here as well and can be extended from adjacent cell interference to adjacent band interference and duplexing collisions.

For this scenario, one can assume that base stations can handle more easily varying bandwidth support. However, for UEs it may be inefficient or extra effort to permanently reconfigure TX/RX bandwidth. Therefore, the base station may schedule UEs with large data rate demands to the full/extended bandwidth time slots and UEs with less data rate demands to the time slots with the baseline bandwidth size.

This means, in general, that, according to embodiments, bandwidth portions defined in the frequency domain and/or in the time domain may be shared between different radio access technologies. This sharing can be defined just for one direction, e.g., for the uplink or the downlink or can be defined for both directions uplink and downlink. An embodiment showing all these options is illustrated by Fig. 12. However, in case satellite and terrestrial waveform are both based on the 5G standard, the shared bandwidth is referred to as the same BWP number. In this case, both sub-systems follow the same network rules. Fig. 13 can be interpreted in two ways:

• The terrestrial UE and the satellite UE are capable of receiving/processing one BWP at a time. Therefore, the “Default BWP” cannot be considered during BWP1 active.

• Dual-link UE supporting a hybrid satellite-terrestrial network can handle only one “Default BWP” and BWP1 at a time. The sketched selection assures that the UE gets always the latest signaling information embedded in the BWPs of both sub-systems.

In general, there could be also more capable UEs, which can process the “Defaults BWPs” at any times as well. There are two possibilities for non-3GPP based waveforms over satellite, as depicted in the next two Figures 14 and 15:

The white gaps indicated in the figure are necessary (“guard periods”), because the relative timing of terrestrial and satellite networks depends on the actual position in the satellite coverage area.

The configuration of these guard periods can be signaled within the slot configuration procedures as described below (section timing information - slot configuration).

Define this switching gap to allow e.g. differential delays in a terrestrial or satellite cell is either standard relevant or only based on implementation by defining shorter/longer on/off times for satellite or terrestrial BWP or both.

Combination of different periodically scheduled BWPs is according to embodiments introduced. The BWP may be flexible in frequency bandwidth to adapt for the actual traffic needs in satellite and terrestrial networks. According to an embodiment more than one BWP are used /scheduled to be assigned to different radio access technology networks, in order to vary over time the bandwidth to be used.

Time Slot Configuration:

In the 3GPP context (like 4G or 5G) a very specific and rigid structuring in time direction is given. As shown in Fig. 16, different frame types are defined and related to absolute time duration. Obviously, such a static structure (of time slots, subframes, and frames) does not support well the dynamic spectrum sharing approach.

Time Slot Format

The GEO satellite beam may cover an area of several hundred kilometers. For this reason, the Base Stations (BSs) at the cell edge will experience different time delays of the radio signal. Also for TDD transmission over satellite, extended guard periods have to be foreseen for switching the communication direction (Uplink vs. Downlink).

A new frame/subframe format needs to be defined to encounter these delays. For this purpose, the maximum delay (for BS at the beam edge) relative to the BS located at the beam center needs to be considered for the new format. The format is able to host the subframes / frames belonging to different base stations with, hence, different (local) time shifts in reference to the beam center.

The knowledge of the maximum delay is used at the radio access network (RAN) for specification of the subframe format indexing.

The specific relevant delay of each base station needs to be known respectively.

The maximum delay depends on the satellite beam size.

The maximum delay can be available to the RAN by RAIMUND.

Slot Format Activation

Adapt a slot configuration to the BWP(s) shape(s) in time and frequency. This means that according to embodiments the BWP is dynamically defined, e.g. by TU and BWU. This definition may be dependent on a current data rate demand.

Because of potentially different slot structure of satellite and terrestrial systems, a BWP may be configured with different slot configurations. This is in particular necessary, when using dynamic BWPs. Hence, the activation of the slot configuration is time dependent.

In order to be conform to the exemplary configuration table in Fig. 10, a suitable slot (re-) configuration shall depend on the specification of TU (as a common denominator). -> According to Fig. 16, one can shift the borders between Time Slot 0 and 1 as well as introduce some dummy or guard times, so as to keep the duration of 1 ms per subframe. -> Alternatively, one could combine slot 0 and 1 to a single one based on multiples of TUs, which may reduce overhead in dummy or guard times when accommodating in the 1 ms subframe.

In optimum case, the TU definition is a small denominator of the 0.5 ms slot duration, so that also required guard times can be expressed as multiples of TUs.

A new subframe/slot format may be used (e.g. for a LTE, 5G network) (in order to re-use how the UE recovers timing/time slot information) -> BWP configuration and/or time slot configuration will have additional validity information -> There may be two frame configurations: o A default frame configuration for terrestrial RAT o An optional/ second frame configuration for access to the satellite RAT resources

The validity information determines activation time and the duration of the optional / second frame configuration. E.g. take for silent satellite periods the optional configuration, and default otherwise.

Uplink (UE to BS): Adaption of DFT-spread OFDM bandwidth occupation (number of subcarriers) according to the active BWP configuration.

Downlink (BS to UE): Adaption of OFDM bandwidth occupation (number of subcarriers) according to the active BWP configuration.

A combination of the bandwidth portions and slot configuration might look as given in the table of Fig. 16b.

In general this means that the above described principle may be just valid for a limited duration of time, since at least one of the different radio access technologies uses a time variable slot configuration, e.g., for enabling the principle of beam-hopping.

According to an embodiment, the controller (cf. Fig. 3) signals the spectrum sharing. For example, the capability of a UE to support this flexibility in the BWP can be signaled to the network.

-> The eNB has to respect the UE capabilities whether it can e.g. process only one BWP at a time. This means that according to embodiments, the UE can send information that it is configured to use more than the fixed BWP, i.e. temporarily free BWPs of other networks (having other radio access technologies).

Within the 5G network (new radio network) the signaling may use one of the following mechanisms:

• Parameters are conveyed via SIB1, see TS 38.331 V15.6.0 [14]

• BWP configuration, see TS 38.331 V15.6.0 [14]

• Reference R+S Buch [13]

• Initial Band Width Part (BWP) for SIB reception and fast access; o information in MIB/SIB1 o Per UE 4 BW parts, one is selected to be “active”, • Changing BWP using RRC control message: SIB1 ServingCellConfig/ FrequencylnfoUL-SIB and FrequencylnfoDL-SIB

SIB1 contains information relevant when evaluating if a UE is allowed to access a cell and defines the scheduling of other system information. It also contains radio resource configuration information that is common for all UEs and barring information applied to the unified access control. The BWP may be based on Timer; orDCI scheduling.

• RRC control message: RRCConnectionReconfiguration

• MultiFrequencyBandListNR

It is an information element, which is used to configure a list of one or multiple (NR) frequency bands. This is an optional part of the information element cell global identity parameter CGI-lnfoNR as part of the RRC procedure.

• MuitiFrequencyBandListNR-SIB can be found in SIB2 and SIB4.

• Slot configuration initially introduced for TDD: uplink (UL), downlink (DL), Flex (UL, DL or guard period (GP)); in FDD, slot configurations are signalled as well, but are static w/o meaning

• UL/DL configuration types: o static: configuration on a cell common bases or o semi-static: UE dedicated signalling of slot configuration o dynamic: indication of TDD configuration via Downlink Control Information DCI scheduling

• configuration on a slot level (slot duration not fix, depends on subcarrier spacing)

• UL/DL switching on a OFDMA symbol level

• Two configuration at the UE possible, alignment of the different TDD patterns.

• Slot Configurations: TS.38.213 [20]

Proposed Extensions/Modifications:

To introduce more flexibility in the spectrum usage / BWP configuration of New Radio, several new solutions are possible to configure:

Combination of BWPs and Slot Configuration:

The combination of BWPs and Slot configurations for 5G may be extended as described in Fig, 16b: • Define one or multiple BWP(s), which are periodically available to the UE.

• The activation of this BWP can be periodic as well.

• To be defined are the start of this reconfiguration (similar to the mechanism as now in NR), the period and the on/off times.

• Allow the assignment of multiple slot configurations to one BWP

• Allow multiple slot configurations to be active simultaneously

This can be signaled by an extension of the RRCConnectionReconfiguration: specific value/configuration for beam-hopping needs to be determined.

Timer/Counter to indicate the on/off time

This on/off information is needed to ensure the protection of the UE due to the use of the resource during the UE’s “off time". Especially, UEs belonging to the satellite system need to be informed about silent periods. This information is used to block incoming signals on the shared frequency band to avoid “damages” of the UE (higher sensitivity to receive the weaker satellite signal) caused by the terrestrial use of the shared spectrum. The incoming signal(s) of terrestrial systems are typically significantly higher in power, than that of satellite systems. The knowledge of the blocking window can be realized by activating/configuring a corresponding low-/high-/band-pass filter or attenuator in the RF chain, which is an essential concept for reception to avoid overdrive of the ADC as well as for transmission to avoid emission of any spurious or unwanted signal components. The UE may adjust a band-pass filter based on the non-illumination time for protection from interference due to satellite application within the shared frequency band.

A timer may be set to indicate:

• the next illumination

• the duration of the current illumination

• the next non-illumination

• the duration of the non-illumination

• the counter may be used to take the number of slots/frames or related time units as a measure of time

For the indication of the period and the BWP activation on/off times, the BWP-lnactivity Timer of NR can be used: • BWP-Inactivity Timer is extended by using the Inactivity Timer as periodic information to fall back. The BWP-Inactivity Timer shall be complemented by a new periodicity information. This information determines a periodic activation of the BWP-Inactivity Timer.

• DCI scheduling: E.g. the DCI formats 0_1 and 1_1 can be modified to define periodic BWPs, i.e. periodic activation and deactivation of BWPs

Signaling of UE Capabilities

The UE capability to support beam-hopping, dynamic bandwidths and the proposed slot/BWP configurations needs to be indicated to the network.

Within other networks, like the DVB-S2X/RCS2, the following mechanisms for signaling the spectrum sharing can be used as a baseline. A timer/counter will be run at a sat-UE for interpretation of indication/signaling of illumination/non-illumination times as well as duplex configurations.

Sat-UE belongs to the satellite system or is a UE, which has the capability to also receive/transmit signals of/to the satellite system. It needs to be informed about silent periods within a BSTP but also about expected spectrum sharing time slots with the terrestrial system. This information is used to block incoming signals on the shared frequency band to avoid “damages” or confusion of the sat-UE caused by the terrestrial use of the shared spectrum. The knowledge of the blocking window can be realized by

Governance Scheme for Spectrum Sharing

1. Cooperative: a. RAT1 is Master & RAT2 is Slave b. RAT1 is Slave & RAT2 is Master

2. Coexistence (No Cooperation): a. External Master controls both RATs a. Regulatory constraints

For system aspects concerning spectrum sharing between terrestrial and satellite networks, mechanisms according to 5G/NTN satellite waveform plus 5G/NR may be used. Further details will be given below. For the coexistence of plurality of satellite systems, the following approaches can be used: The beam-hopping approach is a time division multiplex technique to enhance flexibility and adaptivity to changing traffic demands. It can be applied to GEO/GSO based satellite systems as well as to NGSO satellite systems like MEO and LEO, where the satellites are permanently moving relative to a point on earth.

Due to the movement of NGSO satellites, handover from one satellite to the next satellite has to be performed. This is also referred to as beam-switching, in which the cell-serving beam switches from one satellite to the next one. However, some beam-hopping literature talks also about beam-switching but means beam-hopping instead of the handover beam-switching.

In general, the application of beam-hopping (i.e. multiple beam-hops during fly-by of a NGSO satellite) is favorable to be applied in connection with the handover beam-switching. This is because without beam-hopping, i.e., quasi-continuous transmission, there would be a short transmission gap during handover beam-switching when serving a cell at the same frequency band. However, when the handover beam-switching is embedded and aligned with the beam- hopping schedule of bursty transmission, no extra gap will be needed. This is why handover beam-switching is only a special event during beam-hopping application and the invention is applicable to all satellite systems.

Definition of Primary and Secondary Network

Commonly the primary network has a license for the used frequency bands. This is why the primary network can offer some of their resources to other secondary networks and state usage rules.

• Primary network can be the beam-hopping satellite communication system. As initially motivated, the satellite network operator may be interested in re-use/rent of beam- hopped bandwidth in order to improve profit per MHz. So the satellite network operator will state the usage rules for the secondary terrestrial network including guard times and bands as well as exclusion zones.

• Primary network can also be a terrestrial mobile network, which may have a frequency band license for e.g. USA and Canada. In order to offer gap-filling connectivity services to their customers in the landscape, a secondary satellite network can be employed as a collaborative approach. So the terrestrial network operator will state the usage rules for the secondary satellite network that cities with good infrastructure need only very little satellite beam-hopping capacity rather like a keep alive signal, but even more capacity in the landscape in coordination with local terrestrial service areas for towns. In both cases, a RAIMUND network entity is needed to coordinate the proposed sharing scheme and rules between primary and secondary network(s).

Regarding network entity for network call operation, The RAIMUND network entity can be implemented as one instance coordinating between the satellite and terrestrial network. This is shown in Fig. 17A), where the controller is a neutral instance between the two networks. However, it could also be part of the satellite or terrestrial network. Usually the primary network would be most interested in running the controller in order to assure proper rule statements for spectrum sharing. The solid arrows indicate information exchange with the collaboration controller while the dashed arrows indicate network internal configuration commands and information. The most important part of this communication to work is that a common time reference is used or time synchronization of the network clocks is performed.

Assuming for case A) that the satellite network is the primary network, then it provides the controller with information about:

• Current beam-hopping schedule (beam IDs, illumination durations, used bandwidths and carrier frequencies, UL/DL time/frequency slots)

• Effective power flux density of the different involved beams over the covered area on earth

-> This could even change due to weather conditions

• Set of rules for band access, e.g. guard times and guard bands or maximum tolerable (neighbor cell) interference power, geographic exclusion zones

As long as no updated information is sent to the controller, it assumes ongoing cycling performing of the beam-hopping schedule.

To achieve an assignment plan as initially shown in the lower part of Fig. 3, the controller also needs information from the secondary terrestrial network(s):

• Terrestrial cell map with locations of the base stations and their maximum EIRP (Including beamforming)

• Demanded bandwidth/ carrier frequencies of the base stations

Other relevant information for the controller: • Interference detection reports = feedback from UEs or satellite terminals or specific spectrum sensing devices via the corresponding network control centers (NCCs); this shall trigger the controller to check and revise the current configuration

• Common knowledge on geographic topology like hilly or flat terrain, suburb or city

Note that specific tables like in Fig. 10 are usually network internal and are generated either by the NCC or secondary local NCC entities or base station cluster controllers.

Finally, the RAIMUND Collaboration Controller processes the above mentioned updates/ information and provides (at least) to the secondary NCC an assignment plan. This is a location specific time table at which time slots and which frequency bands each base station is allowed to access the medium. This is accompanied by forwarding of some applicable rules stated by the primary NCC. Note that the secondary network is allowed to use these resources but may not be obliged to use them.

An option for the radio controller is illustrated by Fig. 17. According to Fig. 17 A), the radio controller 800 can be separated from the network controllers 810 and 820. According to the implementation of Fig. 17 B), the radio controller 800’ can comprise a radio controller 800a’ and 800b’, wherein these two entities 800a' and 800b’ are incorporated into the respective networks 810 and 820. This means that the radio controller 800’ is implemented as a split version into two parts, one per network.

Fig. 17 B) shows a split version into two parts, one per network. This is a likely case as well since network operators may not like to share details of their network configuration to the outside for security reasons.

Independently from the implementation of the radio controller 800 or 800’ the respective controller 800 or the controller entities 800a’ and 800b’ are connected with the respective network controllers 812 and 822.

By use of this connection between the controller 800/800’ and the respective network controller 812 and 822 control signals for the resource sharing are exchanged. These control signals can then be forwarded by the respective controller 812 and 822, e.g., via the uplink or the downlink in order to assign the respective time/frequency resource portions to the respective networks. As discussed above, the approach is mainly used for two different radio access network technologies but can also be used for the same type of radio access network technologies. Below, examples are given within which the approach of resource controlling can be used. • (Hybrid) Satellite and terrestrial communication

• Collaboration of satellite and terrestrial networks

• Bandwidth sharing among two or more terrestrial communication systems/ networks

• Long distance cellular cells like large distance communication in rural cells and aerial platforms connected to satellites and/or terrestrial cells.

Note the initial assignment comprises a first frequency band 375 assigned to a first of the at least two different radio access technology networks 360, 370, e.g. to a satellite network, and a second frequency band 365, initially assigned to a second of the at least two different radio access technology networks 360, 370. Here each frequency band 375 or 365 can be assigned so that the respective frequency band 375 or 365 amounts to 0 Hz, i.e. is actually not used.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the first frequency band 375 and the second frequency band may initially spaced apart from each other, adjoining, overlapping or the same. In the both latter cases ( overlapping or identical), the separation between the two radio access technology networks 360, 370 using overlapping or identical bands may be done in the time domain.

Although some aspects have been described in the context of an apparatus, it is clear that these aspects also represent a description of the corresponding method, where a block or device corresponds to a method step or a feature of a method step. Analogously, aspects described in the context of a method step also represent a description of a corresponding block or item or feature of a corresponding apparatus. Some or all of the method steps may be executed by (or using) a hardware apparatus, like for example, a microprocessor, a programmable computer or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, some one or more of the most important method steps may be executed by such an apparatus.

Depending on certain implementation requirements, embodiments of the invention can be implemented in hardware or in software. The implementation can be performed using a digital storage medium, for example a floppy disk, a DVD, a BIu-Ray, a CD, a ROM, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM or a FLASH memory, having electronically readable control signals stored thereon, which cooperate (or are capable of cooperating) with a programmable computer system such that the respective method is performed. Therefore, the digital storage medium may be computer readable. Some embodiments according to the invention comprise a data carrier having electronically readable control signals, which are capable of cooperating with a programmable computer system, such that one of the methods described herein is performed.

Generally, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as a computer program product with a program code, the program code being operative for performing one of the methods when the computer program product runs on a computer. The program code may for example be stored on a machine readable carrier.

Other embodiments comprise the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein, stored on a machine readable carrier.

In other words, an embodiment of the inventive method is, therefore, a computer program having a program code for performing one of the methods described herein, when the computer program runs on a computer.

A further embodiment of the inventive methods is, therefore, a data carrier (or a digital storage medium, or a computer-readable medium) comprising, recorded thereon, the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein. The data carrier, the digital storage medium or the recorded medium are typically tangible and/or non-transitionary.

A further embodiment of the inventive method is, therefore, a data stream or a sequence of signals representing the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein. The data stream or the sequence of signals may for example be configured to be transferred via a data communication connection, for example via the Internet.

A further embodiment comprises a processing means, for example a computer, or a programmable logic device, configured to or adapted to perform one of the methods described herein.

A further embodiment comprises a computer having installed thereon the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein.

A further embodiment according to the invention comprises an apparatus or a system configured to transfer (for example, electronically or optically) a computer program for performing one of the methods described herein to a receiver. The receiver may, for example, be a computer, a mobile device, a memory device or the like. The apparatus or system may, for example, comprise a file server for transferring the computer program to the receiver.

In some embodiments, a programmable logic device (for example a field programmable gate array) may be used to perform some or all of the functionalities of the methods described herein. In some embodiments, a field programmable gate array may cooperate with a microprocessor in order to perform one of the methods described herein. Generally, the methods are preferably performed by any hardware apparatus. The above described embodiments are merely illustrative for the principles of the present invention. It is understood that modifications and variations of the arrangements and the details described herein will be apparent to others skilled in the art. It is the intent, therefore, to be limited only by the scope of the impending patent claims and not by the specific details presented by way of description and explanation of the embodiments herein.

Acronyms and Abbreviations References

[1] 3GPP TS 36.213 V14.2.0, Physical layer procedures, Mar. 2017.

[2] Anzalchi, J., Couchman, A., Topping, C., Gabellini, P., Gallinaro, G., D’Agristina, L., Angeletti, P., Alagha, N., Vernucci, A.: 'Beam-hopping in Multi-Beam Broadband Satellite Systems'. 5th Advanced Satellite Multimedia Systems (ASMS) Conference and the 11th Signal Pro-cessing for Space Communications (SPSC) Workshop, Cagliari, 2010, pp. 248-255.

[3] Alberti, X., Cebrian, J.M., Del Bianco A., Katona , e J., Vazquez-Castro, M.A., Zanus, A., Gilbert, L., Alagha, N.: 'System capacity optimization in time and frequency for multibeam multi-media satellite systems'. 5th Advanced Satellite Multimedia Systems Conference and the 11th Signal Processing for Space Communications Workshop, Cagliari, 2010, pp. 226-233.

[4] Fenech, H., Amos, S.: 'Eutelsat Quantum-a Game Chang-er.' 33rd AIAA International Communications Satellite Systems Conference (ICSSC), GT Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast OLD Australia, 7-10 Sept 2015.

[5] Feltrin, E., Amos, S., Fenech, H., Weller, E.: 'Eutelsat Quantum-Class Satellite: Beam- hopping'. 3rd ESA Workshop on Advanced Flexible Telecom Payloads, March 2016.

[6] Rohde, C., Wansch, R., Mocker, G., Amos, S., Feltrin, E., Fenech, H.: 'Application of DVB-S2X Super-Framing For Beam-hopping Systems.' 23rd Ka and Broadband Communications Conference, Trieste, Italy, October 2017.

[7] Rohde, C., Wansch, R., Amos, S., Fenech, H., Alagha, N., Cioni, S., Mocker, G., Trutschel-Stefan, A.: 'Beam-hopping systems for next-generation satellite communication systems'. Chapter 10 of book 'Satellite Communications in the 5G Era', edited by Sharma, S.K., Chatzinotas, S., Arapoglou, P.-D., IET - The Institution of Engineering and Technology, July 2018,

ISBN 978-1-78561-427-9.

[8] ETSl EN 302 307-2, v1.1.1 (2014-10), “Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB); Second generation framing structure, channel coding and modulation systems for Broadcasting, Interactive Services, News Gathering and other broadband satellite applications; Part 2: DVB-S2 Extensions (DVB-S2X)

[9] S. K. Sharma, S. Chatzinotas and B. Ottersten, "Cognitive beamhopping for spectral coexistence of multibeam satellites," 2013 Future Network & Mobile Summit, Lisboa, 2013, pp. 1-10. URL: htp://ieeexplore.ieee. ora/stamp/stamp.isp?tP=&arnumber^:=6633575&isnumber=6633

518

[10] Sharma, S. K., Chatzinotas, S. and Ottersten, B. ( 2014), Cognitive beamhopping for spectral coexistence of multibeam satellites, Int. J. Satell. Commun. Network., 33, pages 69- 91, doi: 10.1002/sat.1073

[11] M. Hoyhtya et al., "Database-Assisted Spectrum Sharing in Satellite Communications:

A Survey," in IEEE Access, vol. 5, pp. 25322-25341, 2017. doi:

10.1109/ACCESS.2017.2771300; URL: http://ieeexplore.ieee. org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=8101462&isnumber=7859 429

[12] S. K. Sharma, S. Chatzinotas, and B. Ottersten, “Satellite cognitive communications: Interference modeling and techniques selection,” in Proc. 6th ASMS/SPSC Conf., Sept. 2012.

[13] 5G New Radio: Fundamentals, procedures, testing aspects”, Rohde & Schwarz, 2019.

[14] 3GPP TS 38.331 V15.6.0, Radio Resource Control (RRC); Protocol specification, June

2019.

[15] 3GPP TR 38.811 V15.1.0, Study on New Radio (NR) to support non-terrestrial networks, June 2019.

[16] 3GPP TR 38.821 V0.7.0, Solutions for NR to support Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), June 2019.

[17] 3GPP TS 38.104 V15.6.0, NR; Base Station (BS) radio transmission and reception, June 2019.

[18] 3GPP TS 38.101-1 V15.6.0, NR; User Equipment (UE) radio transmission and reception; Part 1: Range 1 Standalone, June 2019.

[19] 3GPP TS 38.101-2 V15.6.0, NR; User Equipment (UE) radio transmission and reception; Part 2: Range 2 Standalone, June 2019.

[20] 3GPP TS 38.213 V15.6.0, NR; Physical layer procedures for control, June 2019.

Claims

1. A method for controlling resources (F, T) of at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370), wherein a first frequency band (375) is initially assigned to a first of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370) (e.g. to a satellite network) and wherein a second frequency band (365) is initially assigned to a second of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370) (e.g. to a terrestrial communication network), wherein the first frequency band (375) comprises at least a first frequency portion and a second frequency portion, the method comprises: assigning the second frequency portion of the first frequency band (375) to the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370) in accordance with a cyclic, repetitive, periodic or recurring assignment plan.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the assigning of the second portion is performed for one or more time slots (T0 to T1 , T1 to T2, T2 to T3, T3 to T4, T4 to T5); or wherein the assigning of the second portion is performed for one or more time slots (T0 to T1, T1 to T2, T2 to T3, T3 to T4, T4 to T5) as defined by the assignment plan.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the assignment plan is cyclically, repetitively, periodically or recurrently defined and/or wherein the second portion is assigned performed for one or more time slots (T0 to T1 , T1 to T2, T2 to T3, T3 to T4, T4 to T5) cyclically, repetitively, periodically or recurrently defined by the assignment plan.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the assignment is performed, such that the second frequency portion is assigned again to the first of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370) after the one or more time slots (T0 to T1 , T1 to T2, T2 to T3, T3 to T4, T4 to T5).

5. The method according to claim 2, 3 or 4 wherein before the one or more time slots (T0 to T1, T1 to T2, T2 to T3, T3 to T4, T4 to T5) and/or after the one or more time slots (T0 to T1, T1 to T2, T2 to T3, T3 to T4, T4 to T5) a guard period is inserted into the assignment plan.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the length of the guard period is dependent on an expired time of travelling of communication signals exchanged within the respective first and/or the respective second of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370).

7. The method according to one of the previous claims, wherein the first frequency portion is selected such that a guard frequency portion is generated between the used first frequency portion and the second frequency portion assigned to the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370); or wherein the first frequency portion is selected such that a guard frequency portion is generated between the used first frequency portion and the second frequency portion assigned to the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370), when assigning the second frequency portion to the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370).

8. The method according to one of the previous claims, wherein the second frequency portion assigned to the first of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370) is selected such that a guard frequency portion is arranged between the used second frequency portion and the second frequency band (365); or wherein the second frequency portion assigned to the first of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370) is selected such that a guard frequency portion is generated between the used second frequency portion and the second frequency band (365), when the second frequency portion is assigned to the first of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370).

9. The method according to one of the previous claims, wherein the method comprises the step of assigning the first frequency portion of the first frequency band (375) to the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370) for one or more time slots (T0 to T1, T1 to T2, T2 to T3, T3 to T4, T4 to T5); and/or wherein the method comprises the step of cyclically, repetitively, periodically or recurrently assigning the first frequency portion of the first frequency band (375) to the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370) for one or more time slots (T0 to T1, T1 to T2, T2 to T3, T3 to T4, T4 to T5).

10. The method according to one of the previous claims, wherein the assignment plan comprises a constant time period for assigning the first and/or the second frequency portion, a periodically repeated time period or periodically repeating time slots (T0 to T1, T1 to T2, T2 to T3, T3 to T4, T4 to T5), or varying number of time slots (T0 to T1, T1 to T2, T2 to T3, T3 to T4, T4 to T5) (time-variant).

11. The method according to one of the previous claims, the assignment plan is collaboratively updated for the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370); and/or wherein the assigning is performed in cycles up to the point of time when the assignment plan is updated; and/or wherein cycles as used by the assignment plan are synchronized for the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370).

12. The method according to one of the previous claims, wherein the step of assigning a first and/or a second frequency portion of the first frequency band (375) just to a certain UE or certain UEs belonging to the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370); or wherein the step of assigning a first and/or a second frequency portion of the first frequency band (375) is performed just to a certain UE or certain UEs having high data rate demand belonging to the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370); or wherein the step of assigning comprises the step of assigning one or more bandwidth units of a resource allocation plan for one or more time units of the resource allocation plan, or wherein the step of assigning comprises the step of assigning one or more bandwidth units of a resource allocation plan for one or more time units of resource allocation plan and wherein the number of bandwidth units and time units is dependent on the data rate demand.

13. The method according to one of the previous claims, wherein the assignment plan comprises a first resource allocation plan comprising a definition of the first frequency portion and the second frequency portion of the first frequency band (375) for respective one or more time slots (T0 to T1, T1 to T2, T2 to T3, T3 to T4, T4 to T5); or wherein the assignment plan comprises a first resource allocation plan comprising a definition of the first and second frequency portion of the first frequency band (375) for respective one or more time slots (T0 to T1 , T1 to T2, T2 to T3, T3 to T4, T4 to T5), wherein the resource allocation plan is defined by multiple bandwidth units and time units; and/or wherein a time slot (T0 to T1 , T1 to T2, T2 to T3, T3 to T4, T4 to T5) is defined by one or more time units of the first resource allocation plan; and/or wherein a frequency band or frequency portion of the frequency band is defined by one or more bandwidth units of the first resource allocation plan.

14. The method according to one of the previous claims, wherein the assignment plan comprises a second resource allocation plan comprising a definition of respective frequency portions of the second frequency band (365) for respective one or more time slots (T0 to T1 , T1 to T2, T2 to T3, T3 to T4, T4 to T5); or wherein the assignment plan comprises a second resource allocation plan comprising a definition of respective frequency portions of the second frequency band (365) for respective one or more time slots, wherein the second resource allocation plan is defined by further multiple bandwidth units and time units; and/or wherein a time slot is defined by one or more time units of the second resource allocation plan; and/or wherein a frequency band or frequency portion of the second frequency band (365) is defined by one or more bandwidth units of the second resource allocation plan; and/or wherein the second resource allocation plan is calculated based on either the first resource allocation plan or based on the assigned second frequency portion of the first frequency band.

15. The method according to one of the previous claims, wherein the method comprises the step of using the second frequency band (365) and/or of using the second portion of the first frequency band (375) in accordance with the assignment plan, wherein the steps of using are performed by a user equipment belonging to the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370).

16. The method according to one of the previous claims, wherein the method comprises the step of bidirectional using the second frequency band (365) and/or of bidirectional using the second frequency portion of the first frequency band (375) in accordance with the assignment plan, wherein the step of bidirectional using is performed by a user equipment belonging to the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370).

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the bidirectional using comprises frequency division duplex and/or time division duplex within the respective frequency band and/or the second frequency portion as defined by the assignment plan.

18. The method according to one of the previous claims, wherein the step of assigning is performed for different service areas separately; and/or wherein the assignment plan for different service areas includes guard frequency portions and/or guard periods set such that the respective guard frequency portions and/or guard periods vary for the different service areas or for different locations within a service area; or wherein the assignment plan for different service areas includes guard frequency portions and/or guard periods set such that the respective guard frequency portions and/or guard periods vary for the different service areas, wherein setting a respective frequency portion and/or a respective guard period is performed based on the assignment plan of at least one neighboring service area.

19. The method according to one of the previous claims, wherein the step of assigning is performed, such that the second frequency portion of the first frequency band (375) is used for the uplink of the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370) within a first service area and overlaps a frequency portion of the first frequency band which is used for the downlink of said frequency portion of the first frequency band (375) within a second service area; or wherein the step of assigning is performed, such that the second frequency portion of the first frequency band (375) is used for the uplink of the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370) within a first service area at the at least first time slot and overlaps a frequency band which is used for the downlink of said frequency portion of the first frequency band (375) within a second service area at the first time slot.

20. The method according to one of the previous claims, wherein the second frequency portion of the first frequency band (375) is initially defined as a licensed spectrum and offered as shared spectrum when applying the described methods.

21. The method according to one of the previous claims, wherein a third of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370) uses a predetermined third frequency band and/or predetermined time slot; and/or wherein the assigning of the second frequency portion of the first frequency band (375) is performed such that the second frequency portion is assigned to the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370).

22. The method according to one of the previous claims, wherein the method comprises the step of analyzing a bandwidth demand for the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370) and performing the step of assigning dependent on the analyzed bandwidth demand.

23. The method according to one of the previous claims, wherein the method is performed by a member entity of the first of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370).

24. The method according to one of the previous claims, wherein the first of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370) comprises a satellite network.

25. The method according to one of the previous claims, wherein the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370) comprises a terrestrial communication network.

26. The method according to one of the previous claims, wherein the method comprises the step of sending a (RRC) control message or a multi-frequency band list for informing one or more respective network members belonging to the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370); and/or wherein the method comprises at least one information out of the following;

• BWP configuration;

• UL/DL configuration types;

• configuration on a time slot level;

• information on the UL/DL switching on a OFDMA symbol level;

• alignment of the different TDD patterns;

• time slot configuration.

27. The method according to one of the previous claims, wherein the method comprises the step of using a timer or a counter for synchronizing the respective one of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370) to the assignment plan; or wherein the method comprises the step of using an BWP-activity-timer and/or BWP- inactivity timer is for synchronizing the respective one of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370) to the assignment plan.

28. A computer program comprising a program code for performing, when running on a computer, the method according to one of the previous claims.

29. A controller (350, 800, 800’) for controlling resources (F, T) of at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370), wherein a first frequency band (375) is initially assigned to a first of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370) (e.g. to a satellite network) and wherein a second frequency band (365) is initially assigned to a second of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370) (e.g. to a terrestrial communication network), wherein the first frequency band (375) comprises at least a first frequency portion and a second frequency portion, wherein the controller (350, 800, 800’) is configured to: assign the second frequency portion of the first frequency band (375) to the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370) in accordance with a cyclic, repetitive, periodic or recurring assignment plan.

30. The controller according to claim 29, wherein the controller is implemented as shared controller.

31. A system comprising a first and a second of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370) and a controller (350, 800, 800’) in accordance with claim 29 or 30.

32. A base station of a satellite or terrestrial network comprising an interface for receiving an assignment plan defined by the method according to one of claims 1-26 or by the controller (350, 800, 800') of claim 29 or 30.

33. A user equipment of one of at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370), wherein a first frequency band (375) is initially assigned to a first of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370) and wherein a second frequency band (365) is initially assigned to a second of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370), wherein the first frequency band (375) comprises at least a first frequency portion and a second frequency portion, wherein the user equipment is configured to use or to temporally use the second frequency portion of a first frequency band (375) in accordance with an assignment plan.

34. The user equipment, wherein same is configured to provide a message that same is capable and/or configured to use or to temporally use frequency portions out of the second frequency band (365).

35. A satellite or base station belonging to one of at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370), wherein a first frequency band (375) is initially assigned to a first of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370) and wherein a second frequency band (365) is initially assigned to a second of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370), wherein the first frequency band (375) comprises at least a first frequency portion and a second frequency portion, wherein the satellite is configured to apply or to temporally apply an assignment plan according to which the second frequency portion of a first frequency band (375) is assigned to the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370).

36. The system according to claim 31, wherein the system further comprises a user equipment of the second of the at least two different radio access technology networks (360, 370), wherein the user equipment is configured to use the second frequency portion.