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Spectrum Sharing through Marketplaces for O-RAN based Non-Terrestrial and Terrestrial Networks

Jinho Choi, Bohai Li, Bassel Al Homssi, Jihong Park, Seung-Lyun Kim

TL;DR

The paper tackles spectrum scarcity in joint NTN-TN deployments for 6G IoT by advocating open, interoperable architectures (O-RAN) and dynamic spectrum marketplaces. It proposes a dual approach: (i) use-case driven exploration of cognitive satellite systems (LEO/GEO and Ka-/L-band reuse) and (ii) cognitive NTNs with terrestrial spectrum sensing and REM-based coordination, all enabled by O-RAN interfaces. A cooperative spectrum-sharing framework is introduced via a convex game with coalition payoffs, illustrating enhanced benefits when operators pool resources. The work highlights practical implications for worldwide IoT coverage, emphasizing regulatory, security, and governance considerations essential for real-world deployment across borders and diverse actors.

Abstract

Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), including low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, are expected to play a pivotal role in achieving global coverage for Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications in sixth-generation (6G) systems. Although specific frequency bands have been identified for satellite use in NTNs, persistent challenges arise due to the limited availability of spectrum resources. The coexistence of multiple systems, including terrestrial networks (TNs), sharing these frequencies, presents a technically challenging yet feasible solution. Furthermore, the effective management and regulation of such coexistence should be under the purview of regional authorities. To facilitate efficient spectrum sharing among various systems, including NTNs and TNs, adopting open architectures is desirable, allowing for the seamless exchange of key information for spectrum sharing. Therefore, it is essential to consider open radio access networks (O-RAN) for future NTNs and TNs. In addition to O-RAN, the establishment of spectrum marketplaces, enabling different operators to trade their spectrum and dynamic resource allocation information, is necessary. In this article, we highlight the role of spectrum marketplaces and discuss a few examples.

Spectrum Sharing through Marketplaces for O-RAN based Non-Terrestrial and Terrestrial Networks

TL;DR

The paper tackles spectrum scarcity in joint NTN-TN deployments for 6G IoT by advocating open, interoperable architectures (O-RAN) and dynamic spectrum marketplaces. It proposes a dual approach: (i) use-case driven exploration of cognitive satellite systems (LEO/GEO and Ka-/L-band reuse) and (ii) cognitive NTNs with terrestrial spectrum sensing and REM-based coordination, all enabled by O-RAN interfaces. A cooperative spectrum-sharing framework is introduced via a convex game with coalition payoffs, illustrating enhanced benefits when operators pool resources. The work highlights practical implications for worldwide IoT coverage, emphasizing regulatory, security, and governance considerations essential for real-world deployment across borders and diverse actors.

Abstract

Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), including low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, are expected to play a pivotal role in achieving global coverage for Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications in sixth-generation (6G) systems. Although specific frequency bands have been identified for satellite use in NTNs, persistent challenges arise due to the limited availability of spectrum resources. The coexistence of multiple systems, including terrestrial networks (TNs), sharing these frequencies, presents a technically challenging yet feasible solution. Furthermore, the effective management and regulation of such coexistence should be under the purview of regional authorities. To facilitate efficient spectrum sharing among various systems, including NTNs and TNs, adopting open architectures is desirable, allowing for the seamless exchange of key information for spectrum sharing. Therefore, it is essential to consider open radio access networks (O-RAN) for future NTNs and TNs. In addition to O-RAN, the establishment of spectrum marketplaces, enabling different operators to trade their spectrum and dynamic resource allocation information, is necessary. In this article, we highlight the role of spectrum marketplaces and discuss a few examples.
Paper Structure (16 sections, 4 figures)

This paper contains 16 sections, 4 figures.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Open-RAN and Spectrum Marketplaces
  3. Open-RAN
  4. Spectrum Marketplaces
  5. Use Case 1: Cognitive Satellite Systems
  6. Co-Existing LEO and GEO
  7. Opportunistic Updating Models for Intelligent IoT
  8. Roles of Marketplaces
  9. Use Case 2: Cognitive NTNs
  10. Co-Existing Terrestrial and Satellite Systems
  11. Spectrum Sensing by O-RAN based TNs
  12. Cooperative Spectrum Sharing
  13. Cooperative O-RAN Game
  14. Cooperative NTNs and TNs
  15. Challenges
  16. ...and 1 more sections

Figures (4)

  • Figure 1: Integrated GEO-LEO SAT networks where GEO SATs are primary and LEO SATs are secondary.
  • Figure 2: Average throughput of the LEO system as a function of altitude.
  • Figure 3: Frequence-reuse by satellite IoT services: (a) a trajectory of LEO satellite; (b) the SINR over revolution time.
  • Figure 4: Payoff of cooperative O-RAN game: (a) payoff versus QoS exponent (with $B_1 = 10$ and $B_2 = 5$); (b) sum of payof versus $N$ (with $e^{-\gamma} = 10^{-3}$ and $B_n = 10$ for all $n$).