eICIC Optimization Improvements in Downlink Resource Allocation in LTE-A HetNets

Abstract

Resource allocation mechanisms and management of inter-cell interference coordination (ICIC) are fundamental characteristics of the LTE-A network for achieving maximum capacity. Cell densification serves as a promising candidate solution for meeting the demand posed by mobile users, as well as optimizing coverage. However, the transmit power difference between the introduced picocells and the legacy macrocells essentially leads to challenges that limits system performance, especially for those users located at the edge of the cell. As a means of providing a clear understanding, the authors thus formulate the optimization problem as game theory, in order to maximize a modified utility function, which aims at making improvements on the eICIC. Based on exact potential game formulation, we optimize almost blank subframe (ABS) and cell selection bias (CSB) settings for both macrocells and picocells in a distributed manner. Simulation results illustrate important performance gains on the service fairness of the users, and especially for cell edge users, where the averaged throughput increases by up to 51%, when compared to eICIC optimization without our modified utility function.