Methods and apparatus for providing an alternative communications path between a base station and a spectrum access system (sas)

Abstract

An alternative channel for communicating information relating to renewal of a spectrum grant from SAS to a base station is implemented. This alternative channel provides a communications path to communicate status of a grant from an SAS to the base station, while the base station's primary communication channel with SAS, which typically involves a domain proxy remains interrupted. The alternative channel includes a UE with a connection manager (CM). An identified UE sends a grant renewal request message to SAS for the base station and receives a grant renewal request response message indicating grant status from the SAS. The grant status is forwarded to the base station, and if the grant is renewed, the base station renews the grant transmit expiration time and continues to transmit. This approach reduces potential service outages at the base station due to lack of awareness of the actual status of the SAS grant.