Methods and apparatus for supporting sidelink communication between devices when at least one of the devices is in a network coverage area

Abstract

Efficient sidelink communications between devices, e.g., user equipment (UE) devices, is supported when at least one of the user devices is within a network coverage area. Various embodiments are well suited for use in a communications system including a network of CBRS base stations. A core network implements a sidelink control component (CNSCC), working in conjunction with a spectrum access system (SAS) and/or an interference management module. The CNSCC manages the allocation of air link resources, e.g., PAL channels and/or GAA channels, to UEs to support efficient sidelink device to device communications while limiting interference levels and/or increasing throughput in the communications system. In some embodiments the allocation of a channel to UEs for sidelink communications is based on one more or all of: i) the current location of the UEs, ii) the current usage of spectrum in the system, and/or iii) the current levels of interference in the system.