Switching to alternative communication channels to enhance reliability in shared bands

摘要

Channel reliability for mobile communications deployed on shared bands (e.g. TV white space) is enhanced by switching to alternative channels in the event that a current channel becomes unusable. A list of channels useable for communication is maintained and if a currently used channel becomes unusable, for example due to interference, a switch to one of the channels in the list is prompted. The list is constructed at a network node S10 and includes channel bandwidths and centre frequencies (fig. 3), wherein at least one of the bandwidth and centre frequency are configured by the node. At least one entry on the list comprises a code indicative of a relationship between a centre frequency of a channel on the list and a centre frequency of another channel (e.g. TV channel). The channel list may be updated and distributed to communication terminals.