Spectrum Sharing for LTE-A Network in TV White Space

TL;DR

This paper proposes a spectrum sharing approach using LTE-A in TV white space to connect rural areas, introducing a novel FCCA algorithm that enhances spectral efficiency and fairness through graph theory and LTE-A features.

Contribution

The paper introduces a new FCCA algorithm for spectrum sharing in LTE-A middle mile networks, leveraging graph theory, Carrier Aggregation, and Listen Before Talk features.

Findings

FCCA improves spectral efficiency in rural LTE-A networks.

FCCA enhances fairness among multiple operators.

System simulations validate the effectiveness of FCCA.

Abstract

Rural areas in the developing countries are predominantly devoid of Internet access as it is not viable for operators to provide broadband service in these areas. To solve this problem, we propose a middle mile Long erm Evolution Advanced (LTE-A) network operating in TV white space to connect villages to an optical Point of Presence (PoP) located in the vicinity of a rural area. We study the problem of spectrum sharing for the middle mile networks deployed by multiple operators. A graph theory based Fairness Constrained Channel Allocation (FCCA) algorithm is proposed, employing Carrier Aggregation (CA) and Listen Before Talk (LBT) features of LTE-A. We perform extensive system level simulations to demonstrate that FCCA not only increases spectral efficiency but also improves system fairness.