Demand‐aware resource allocation for ultra‐dense small cell networks: an interference‐separation clustering‐based solution

Abstract

In this paper, we present a novel clustering-based resource allocation framework for downlink transmission in ultra-dense small cell networks. Specifically, we first model a combinatorial optimisation problem that jointly considers subchannel and power allocation and user traffic demand in terms of a large-scale network scenario. Unfortunately, the huge communication overhead and computational complexity make it challenging for traditional centralised/distributed solutions. To address this issue, we propose an interference-separation clustering-based scheme to divide the massive small cells into smaller groups with different priorities, which reduces the network scale. Different from the existing cluster construction scheme, the proposed clustering method effectively avoids the inter-cluster interference through coordination. Then, for a given cluster configuration, we formulate the distributed resource allocation problem as a local interaction game where the utility of each player comprises not only its own profits but also the interests of neighbours. We prove the existence of Nash equilibrium for the formulated game and design a hierarchical learning algorithm to achieve the Nash equilibrium, which only needs local information exchange. Finally, simulation results validate that the proposed solution outperforms some other existing approaches and is more suitable for large-scale networks.

Game theoretic frequency reuse approach in OFDMA femtocell networks

“…Here, we consider spectrum resource allocation in an OFDMA downlink network that composes of a macrocell and number of femtocells. By integrating cognitive potentials into these self‐optimized femto base stations (FBSs), the cognitive femtocell goal increases the spectrum efficacy by using the unused spectrum when mitigating interference to the macro base station (MBS) in a spectrum overlay OFDMA‐based cognitive femtocell networks . The unit of frequency resource to be assigned in an OFDMA CR network is called a resource block (RB) and it consists of 14 subcarriers at a 25 kHz spacing.…”

“…By integrating cognitive potentials into these self-optimized femto base stations (FBSs), the cognitive femtocell goal increases the spectrum efficacy by using the unused spectrum when mitigating interference to the macro base station (MBS) in a spectrum overlay OFDMA-based cognitive femtocell networks. 5 The unit of frequency resource to be assigned in an OFDMA CR network is called a resource block (RB) and it consists of 14 subcarriers at a 25 kHz spacing. Provided the RB utilization of the FBSs, the competitiveness for the spectrum to function effectively among FBSs can be developed in a game-theoretic configuration.…”

Distributed ON/OFF switching and dynamic channel allocation: Decreasing complexity and improving energy efficiency

“…Heterogeneous networks (HetNets), composed of macrocell BSs (MBSs) overlaid with small‐cell BSs (SBSs), have emerged as a promising approach to enhance both spectral efficiency and EE. Therefore, cellular networks are gravitating toward increased heterogeneity and density . On the other hand, BSs' traffic load fluctuates in the time and space domains, whereas the current networks are designed to operate only based on peak traffic load …”

“…Therefore, cellular networks are gravitating toward increased heterogeneity and density. 4 On the other hand, BSs' traffic load fluctuates in the time and space domains, whereas the current networks are designed to operate only based on peak traffic load. 5 In recent years, BS ON/OFF switching, alternatively termed as sleep mode, approaches are considered as effective solutions for reducing the energy consumption of the networks.…”

A distributed learning–based user association for heterogeneous networks

“…[1][2][3][4] Therefore, cellular networks are gravitating toward increasing heterogeneity, especially through the deployment of small-cell base stations (SBSs). 5 The examples of SBSs are microcells, picocells, and femtocells, which differ primarily in maximum transmit power, coverage range, backhaul, ease of deployment, and cost of installation and maintenance. [6][7][8] In HetNets, macrocell base stations (MBSs) and SBSs coexist to meet the ever increasing network capacity demand and improve the energy efficiency by transmitting at low power.…”