Multi-Operator Dynamic Spectrum Sharing for Wireless Communications: A Consortium Blockchain Enabled Framework

To enable secure and efficient dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS) with guaranteed revenue and quality of service (QoS) in future wireless communications, we present a consortium blockchain based DSS framework, where the regulators supervise the whole process of DSS, and thus the revenue of each participant can be guaranteed. Each mobile network operator (MNO) on the chain can adaptively act as a spectrum provider or spectrum requestor based on their demand, and the spectrum resource allocation is recorded on the chain with a smart contract. The optimal spectrum pricing and buying strategies are solved based on a multi-leader multi-follower (MLMF) Stackelberg game model, and the equilibrium is solved with the proposed algorithm. We then build a prototype with Hyperledger Fabric consortium blockchain, and the average latency is evaluated. Simulations and prototype evaluations validate the feasibility of blockchain based DSS and show that the average latency increase with the participants, which provides useful insights for real applications.

Automated summary

In order to achieve secure and efficient dynamic spectrum sharing with guaranteed revenue and quality of service in future wireless communications, a consortium blockchain based DSS framework is proposed. Regulators supervise the entire DSS process to ensure revenue for each participant. Each MNO on the chain can act as a spectrum provider or requestor based on their demand, and the spectrum resource allocation is recorded on the chain with a smart contract. Optimal spectrum pricing and buying strategies are solved using a multi-leader multi-follower Stackelberg game model, and the equilibrium is determined with a proposed algorithm. A prototype is built using Hyperledger Fabric consortium blockchain, and the average latency is evaluated. Simulations and prototype evaluations confirm the feasibility of blockchain based DSS and reveal that average latency increases with the number of participants, providing valuable insights for real-world applications.