TV white space devices using structured databases

摘要

A two-level database structure for use by unlicensed TVBD devices operating in TV white space comprises a central database and local databases. The central database comprises two sub-database: the central licensed database which maintains information about all licensed TV devices and the central unlicensed database which maintains information about unlicensed wireless devices operating in TV spectrum. The local database is created by each TVBD device or TVBD network when it initiates and it stores information related to all transmitters in the local area including location, power transmission levels, operating schedule, sensing results, backup channel information. The local databases communicate with central database to query it about licensed usage of TV spectrum and register with central database. The local databases communicate with each other to exchange information about channel usage, sensing results, transmission patterns and other information that will allow the local databases to negotiate coexistence without central coordinator. The locally implemented negotiation prevents the overloading of the central database.

主权项

1. A method of managing a TV spectrum available for non-licensed applications, comprising the steps of:
i) saving, in a first data storage medium at a central database, identification information and operational parameters for licensed TV band users operating in a geographical area; ii) saving, in a second data storage medium at the central database, central identification information and central operational parameters for unlicensed TVBDs currently operating in the geographical area; iii) negotiating local operational parameters with a local database for an unlicensed TVBD requesting access to the TV spectrum in the geographical area; and iv) registering the unlicensed TVBD on the second data storage medium in the central database once the unlicensed TVBD has obtained the local operational parameters from the local database.