Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) Algorithms for Spatio-Temporal, Opportunistic Spectrum Sharing in 6G Networks with Heterogeneous Wireless Devices

As highlighted in the National Spectrum Strategy, Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) is key for enabling 6G networks to meet the growing demand for spectrum from various, heterogeneous emerging applications. In this study, we consider heterogeneous wireless networks with multiple 6G base stations (BSs) and limited frequency bands available for transmission. Each BS is given a geographical location, a coverage area, and a bandwidth requirement. To avoid interference, we impose that BSs with overlapping coverage must use distinct frequency bands. We address the problem of efficiently allocating contiguous frequency bands to BSs as they stochastically enter/exit the network over time. We develop and evaluate three bandwidth allocation strategies—continual recoloring, non-recoloring, and partial-periodic recoloring—and five different DSA algorithms that prioritize BSs based on different features. Through extensive spatiotemporal, Monte Carlo-based simulations, we test all combinations of these approaches across several metrics, including feasibility, bandwidth usage, recoloring overhead, and frequency disruption, to gain insight into their performance trade-offs. Our findings indicate that partial-periodic recoloring strategies, paired with higher-degree DSA algorithms, offer an ideal balance between spectrum utilization efficiency and minimal frequency disruption, particularly under increasingly stochastic arrival patterns–directly informing DSA implementation in real-world 6G deployments where network traffic continuously evolves.