Energy-efficient user association in extremely dense small cell networks

Abstract

Dense heterogeneous networks constitute the paradigm for the future networks. In fact, recent studies demonstrate that the data traffic demand increases exponentially and the traditional cellular networks are not able to provide enough capacity. For this reason operators and standardisation bodies are particularly eager to solve the problem, hence there is a lot of ongoing research on this direction. In this paper we focus on extremely dense networks, that could be found, e.g., in crowded public places or in offices. In such deployments, energy consumption must be kept proportional to the traffic dispatched, otherwise operational costs will render them unsustainable from an economic perspective. In this paper, we propose a network model for the estimation of the power consumption of an LTE dense network of small cells, which takes into account the backhaul network. Furthermore, we introduce a new mechanism for the association of the users to base stations, aiming at minimizing the energy consumption of the LTE access network. The achieved trade-off among capacity and power consumption is then evaluated by means of a classical association policy that connects each user to the base station which received signal is the strongest.

Fuzzy Q-learning-based user-centric backhaul-aware user cell association scheme

“…Similarly, load balancing with regard to backhaul latency and reliability limitations is studied in [15]. Authors in [16] propose a UA strategy that conserves the overall network energy, at the cost of the reduction in users' throughput, by minimizing both the number of active cells and backhaul switches. The concept of intelligent small cells, which exploit Q-learning for dynamic optimization of CREO values in view of the joint radio and backhaul capacity constraints, for maximizing users' quality of experience (QoE) is presented in [17].…”

“…In (15), T n is the throughput achieved by the cell n and is computed using (16). To render minimum QoE requirements to the users, cells take backhaul throughput constraint, defined by (17), into account.…”

Cross-Entropy-Based Energy-Efficient Radio Resource Management in HetNets with Coordinated Multiple Points

“…A HetNet is a hierarchical network where low-power access points (APs, also named small cell sites [3,4]) are included in a macro-cell, in order to provide highly qualified services. Typical small cell sites include pico, femto, relay and so forth.…”

“…Relay [7] is usually built in a remote area far from the macro-cell site (named the Evolved Node B, or eNodeB, in LTE-A HetNet) to extend the coverage of the macro-cell. Although HetNets are widely considered as the main trend in the development of mobile communication systems [3], several challenges should be dealt with before implementation in the real world. One of the major challenges is severe intercell interference aggravated by the dense deployment, which crucially affects the performance of HetNets.…”

2‐bit polarisation agile antenna with high port decoupling

“…Introduction: In recent years, wireless service providers and base station manufacturers have pushed towards deployment of small cell base stations with stringent performance requirements [1]. Base station antennas with ±45°slant linear polarisation are routinely used in order to employ polarisation diversity.…”