Mitigating conflict situations in spectrum sharing: a localized and decentralized governance approach

As spectrum sharing matures, usage conflict situations (e.g., harmful interference) remain a common concern. To deal with the challenges associated with conflict situations, multiple solutions have been proposed. Examples of approaches to mitigate conflict situations include the creation of exclusion and coordination zones, the development of spectrum coordinators (e.g., SAS), or the implementation of sensing-based mechanisms. Nonetheless, most of these solutions are designed as “one-size-fits-all” or global solutions. In this paper, we propose a local analysis of conflict situations in spectrum sharing settings through the design, development, and deployment of polycentric and self-governance systems. We have created a multi-tiered spectrum sharing model to analyze such systems using Agent-Based Modeling, Common-Pool Resource frameworks, and the core definitions of Radio Environment Maps (REMs).