Optimized resource allocation in LTE networks incorporating delay-sensitive smart grid traffic

Abstract

The inclusion of a previously non-existent traffic class required by the Smart Grid poses many difficulties on OFDMA based wireless communication systems. In this paper, we develop a resource allocation algorithm based on the ecological research Lotka-Volterra equations. Each class of traffic is modelled as a species and they compete over the telecommunications resources. Constraints were then placed on the classes to ensure fairness between the traffic classes and improved average user throughput. Our results show a high level of fairness between competing classes of communication data, whilst ensuring Smart Grid packets attain their low delay constraints. Furthermore, we apply an optimization algorithm to ensure efficient allocation of subcarriers to Smart Grid periodic traffic. When compared against other resource allocation schemes, the proposed Lotka-Volterra solution provides low variability in performance. This shows that the resource allocation is able to adapt to changing channel conditions and still ensure fairness between competing user equipment of other traffic classes.