Cloud-RAN platform for LSA in 5G networks — Tradeoff within the infrastructure

The focus of this paper is to provide a unique perspective on new network architectures supporting novel spectrum sharing mechanisms. A Cloud-based MD-MIMO RAN (Massive Distributed Multiple-Input Multiple-Output Radio Access Network) is proposed for exploitation of Licensed Shared Access (LSA) spectrum sharing concept. In order to deliver a particular service, the virtual network operator leases spectrum and antennas from the LSA spectrum pool and the Cloud-RAN platform following the pay-per-use model. The spectrum is turned into a consumable resource along with the infrastructure resources and there is a tradeoff in the system between using more antennas or more bandwidth. In this paper we propose a physical platform that can consume these resources dynamically.