Sophia Antipolis, 6 April 2017

Enabling spectrum sharing and improved Quality of Service

The ETSI Technical Committee for Reconfigurable Radio Systems (TC RRS) has announced the completion of the specification for the support of Licensed Shared Access (LSA).

This provides a means to enable spectrum sharing coordination between LSA licensees and existing spectrum licensees, thereby ensuring Quality of Service (QoS).

The recently completed specification, ETSI TS 103 379 addresses information elements and protocols for the operation of Licensed Shared Access in the 2 300 MHz - 2 400 MHz band. The document defines the application protocol, also known as LSA1 protocol, on the interface between the LSA Controller and the LSA Repository, and the content of the information conveyed by this protocol.

With this new specification, ETSI TC RRS completes a set of specifications that opens the way for interoperable implementation of LSA Repositories and LSA Controllers to support LSA deployments in the initial target band (2 300 MHz - 2 400 MHz). Extensions to other bands are not precluded, in response to future regulatory requirements. It is the intention to take such future requirements as well as additional features into consideration when starting a new release of the LSA specifications.

“ETSI’s LSA activities are a perfect example of the efficient interaction between the European Commission, CEPT and ETSI. Within the EC mandate M/512 framework, the regulation and standards challenges were efficiently addressed, leading to a ready-to-use package for Licensed Shared Access technology in Europe. Furthermore, ETSI’s specifications have substantially influenced related activities in other regions, such as the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Report and Order on the Citizens Broadband Radio Service in the 3 550 - 3 700 MHz band,” says Markus Mueck, chairman of ETSI TC RRS. “Licensed Shared Access based spectrum sharing is expected to be a key element in the tool box of regulatory administrations in order to address future 5G spectrum needs.” he adds.

In the LSA architecture, the LSA repository contains information on spectrum resource availability, which is dependent on existing current holder of spectrum rights of use required usage and in accordance with each country’s specific regulatory regime. The LSA Controller resides in the network operator’s domain to ensure that the network configuration complies with the instructions received from the LSA Repository. The LSA1 protocol thus provides a reliable and flexible means to ensure that the information is synchronized between controller and repository, including confirmation of compliance by the LSA Controller after any change of restrictions.

The ETSI work was initiated in response to the European Commission’s Mandate M/512 on RRS, and closely followed related CEPT work, particularly the ECC Report 205 on “Licensed Shared Access”. It completes and complements existing ETSI specifications including:

  • ETSI TR 103 113: System Reference document (SRdoc); Mobile broadband services in the 2 300 MHz – 2 400 MHz frequency band under Licensed Shared Access regime
  • ETSI TS 103 154: System requirements for operation of Mobile Broadband Systems in the 2 300 MHz - 2 400 MHz band under Licensed Shared Access (LSA)
  • ETSI TS 103 235: System architecture and high level procedures for operation of Licensed Shared Access (LSA) in the 2 300 MHz - 2 400 MHz band

In addition, ETSI TC RRS has started new work to address the different technical possibilities for local high-quality wireless networks to access spectrum temporarily on a shared basis. A Technical Report will be finalized during this year.

About ETSI
ETSI produces globally-applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT), including fixed, mobile, radio, aeronautical, broadcast and internet technologies and is officially recognized by the European Union as a European Standards Organization. ETSI is an independent, not-for-profit association whose over 800 member companies and organizations, drawn from 68 countries, determine its work programme and participate directly in its work.

Contact
Claire Boyer
Tel: +33 (0)4 92 94 43 35
Mob: +33 (0)6 87 60 84 40
Email: claire.boyer@etsi.org
www.etsi.org