Dynamic Spectrum Sharing for Future LTE-NR Networks

5G is the next mobile generation, already being deployed in some countries. It is expected to revolutionize our society, having extremely high target requirements. The use of spectrum is, therefore, tremendously important, as it is a limited and expensive resource. A solution for the spectrum efficiency consists of the use of dynamic spectrum sharing, where an operator can share the spectrum between two different technologies. In this paper, we studied the concept of dynamic spectrum sharing between LTE and 5G New Radio. We presented a solution that allows operators to offer both LTE and New Radio services using the same frequency bands, although in an interleaved mode. We evaluated the performance, in terms of throughput, of a communication system using the dynamic spectrum sharing feature. The results obtained led to the conclusion that using the dynamic spectrum sharing comes with a compromise of a maximum 25% loss on throughput. Nevertheless, the decrease is not that substantial, as the mobile network operator does not need to buy an additional 15 MHz of bandwidth, using the already existing bandwidth of LTE to offer 5G services, leading to cost reduction and an increase in spectrum efficiency.

Automated summary

5G, the next generation of mobile communication technology, is expected to revolutionize society with high target requirements. Dynamic spectrum sharing, allowing operators to provide both LTE and 5G services in the same frequency bands, is a solution for improving spectrum efficiency. Despite a compromise of up to 25% loss in throughput, cost reduction and increased spectrum efficiency can be achieved by utilizing existing LTE bandwidth for 5G services.