Apparatus and method for resource sharing between a plurality of communication networks

摘要

An apparatus for resource sharing between a plurality of communication networks (103, 107, 111) each having a nominal resource allocation of a shared air interface resource and a resource exchange allowance is provided. The apparatus (201) comprises a sharing instigation processor (205) which initiates a temporary resource allocation of a first air interface resource from a nominal resource allocation of a first network (103). A network interface (201) receives offer messages from a plurality of networks (107, 111). Each offer message comprises a resource exchange offer value for at least part of the first air interface resource. A selection processor (207) selects a second network (107) for example by selecting the highest offer value for a given resource. An allocation message generator (211) transmits a resource allocation message to the second network (107) indicating a temporary allocation of at least part of the first air interface resource. The resource exchange allowance of the second network (107) is then reduced by a value corresponding to the resource exchange offer value from the second network (107).