Spectrum Management Application for Virtualized Wireless Vehicular Networks: A Step Toward Programmable Spectrum Management in Future Wireless Networks

Spectrum management is a key challenge in the domain of wireless network virtualization. An efficient tool is needed to support dynamic, yet policy-compliant allocation of the frequency resources in virtual networks. In this article, we discuss the idea of a spectrum management application (SMA) as a tool for solving this technoeconomic issue in virtualized networks. The generic idea is exemplified in the application of the Citizen Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) model for spectrum sharing, and it has been tested in field trials with real operating networks. The results of this study show that the fully automated allocation of frequency resources, following the rules provided by the SMA, may be used for better spectrum utilization, while preserving the quality of all managed networks. This result may be treated as an important step toward efficient network management in a virtualized wireless networks.