Distributed resource allocation in femtocell networks

Abstract

This paper presents a distributed algorithm for optimizing a given dynamic frequency allocation in open-access femtocell networks. This approach builds on previous work which mitigates interference by assigning physical resource blocks (PRBs) to femtocell access points (FAPs) through a graph-coloring algorithm. The algorithm presented in this paper further optimizes this graph coloring in a distributed manner, using automatic negotiation for PRBs between interfering FAPs. The major advantage of this approach is increased frequency reuse within the cellular network. The performance of this algorithm is simulated in the context of the LTE standard. The impact of regular-versus-fractional graph coloring on frequency allocation is also investigated.