Methods and apparatus for allocating and/or using partial and bulk spectrum in a network

Abstract

A first citizens broadband radio service device (CBSD), which is part of a first cluster of CBSDs, determines total needed spectrum for the first cluster, based on a determination of its own spectrum needs and received information from other CBSDs in the cluster communicating their determined spectrum needs. The first CBSD communications the total spectrum needs for the first cluster to a spectrum access system (SAS). The first CSBD receives a spectrum allocation for the first cluster from the SAS, which allocates spectrum on a per cluster basis. The first CSBD selects a first portion of spectrum for itself from the received allocation and communicates the SAS first cluster spectrum allocation and the first CSBD selected first portion of spectrum to a second CBSD in the cluster. The second CBSD determines the remaining spectrum of the SAS allocation and selects a second portion of spectrum from remaining spectrum for itself.