THE CHALLENGE
Spectrum managers operating in shared-spectrum environments (e.g., the CBRS band) face a critical challenge: protecting high-priority incumbents such as Navy radar while maintaining reliable service for commercial users. Static move lists—the prevailing industry approach—repeatedly shut down the same base stations during each incumbent event, placing a disproportionate burden on a fixed subset and deactivating more infrastructure than necessary. The outcome? Certain base stations face persistent service outages, users experience degraded performance, and valuable spectrum goes underutilized—while operators absorb the cost in both lost revenue and reduced network efficiency. While the static method relies on rigid worst-case assumptions and complex terrain models, it often overlooks smarter coordination approaches that could significantly reduce commercial impact. The challenge—and opportunity—lies in developing dynamic coordination methods that balance regulatory compliance with optimal service continuity and network performance, all without overwhelming spectrum managers with overly complex real-time calculations.
OUR SOLUTION
Our solution delivers a fair, and efficient approach to interference management in dynamic shared spectrum environments (e.g., CBRS), replacing the static move list with multiple rotating move lists (R MLs). Powered by advanced optimization, R MLs reduce how often the same base stations are affected, while also minimizing the overall number that must be shut down helping wireless operators maintain service continuity while staying compliant with regulatory interference limits. By factoring in real‐time radar activity, device locations, and environmental conditions, the system dynamically adapts to current network conditions and distributes service impact efficiently and fairly across base stations. A centralized control interface allows spectrum managers to monitor network status in real time, fine‐tune operational priorities, and feed performance data back into the system, making it more responsive and efficient over time. The result is a scalable, field‐ready solution that safeguards incumbents, minimizes disruptions, and unlocks greater value from limited spectrum assets.
Figure: Illustration of the Revolving Move Lists (R-MLs) for dynamic spectrum sharing in bands such as CBRS. Each R-ML (R-ML 1 and 2) contains a different subset of 5G base stations designated for shutdown during incumbent activity. The Spectrum Manager rotates through these lists across successive events to distribute shutdowns fairly and improve spectrum efficiency.
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