Licensed Shared Access (LSA) trial demonstration using real LTE network

Abstract

This paper presents a demonstration of the new Licensed Shared Access (LSA) concept using a TD-LTE access network in the 2.3 GHz spectrum band in Finland. In the demonstrated trial, the TD-LTE network shares the spectrum of an incumbent spectrum user, who is focused on programme making and special events (PMSE) services. The demonstrator implements the new LSA concept and the required new building blocks including LSA Repository for spectrum protection information and LSA Controller for controlling the mobile communication network in the same band. The trial uses commercial network components like multiband-terminals, TD-L TE base stations, network management system, and core network. Spectrum usage data of incumbents is collected to LSA Repository using two incumbent user tools and is actively updated to LSA Controller for radio network planning to protect the incumbent's activity in the area. LSA Controller uses the information from the base stations and incumbents to protect incumbent spectrum users' rights. This is demonstrated by providing different algorithms, which analyze base stations and sectors that need to be reconfigured to prevent interference from LTE to incumbent (and vice versa). The demonstration shows that the new LSA concept can be implemented with existing network elements and a minimum amount of new components.