Distributed Bayesian pricing for sum-rate maximization in small-cell networks

Abstract

In this paper we address the problem of distributed sum-rate maximization in small cell networks in the special case where users have incomplete information about the interfering cross-channels. The sum-rate maximization problem admits a decentralized solution based on pricing mechanism. This requires the exchange of some control parameters (prices) over a common signaling channel. In femtocell networks, this exchange of control data may occur through the wired backhaul (e.g., an ADSL channel) connecting the femto-access points (FAP's). The problem with the implementation of pricing is that it requires knowledge of the cross channels between the interfering nodes and this information typically is not available. In this paper, we address this problem by using only statistical information about the cross-channels. This leads to a Bayesian pricing mechanism. We start modeling the interference mechanism through a directed random graph. Then, we model the interference incorporating the fading statistics and the spatial distribution of the nodes. We provide a closed form expression for the expected value of the pricing term and derive distributed schemes able to converge to a stationary point of the sum-utility function. Finally, we compare the proposed approach to a purely competitive mechanism and to a clairvoyant (gene-aided) scheme

Energy-Efficient Noncooperative Power Control in Small-Cell Networks

“…Due to the large number of SBSs deployed in SCNs, conventional centralized power control schemes which require cooperation among all base stations (BSs) may not be practical. Most of the existing works on distributed power control for SCNs aimed at improving the sum throughput or decreasing the interference [2]- [7]. In [2], the authors proposed a distributed scheme based on pricing mechanism to maximize the sum-rate.…”

“…Most of the existing works on distributed power control for SCNs aimed at improving the sum throughput or decreasing the interference [2]- [7]. In [2], the authors proposed a distributed scheme based on pricing mechanism to maximize the sum-rate. A distributed utility was proposed to alleviate the cross-tier interference at the macrocell from cochannel femtocells in [3].…”