Dynamic Spectrum Management in Multi-Radio Access Technology (RAT) Cellular Systems

Abstract

Fixed Spectrum Allocation (FSA) results in suboptimal spectrum utilization, unbalanced system loading and the inability to adapt to system traffic variations when employed in multi-Radio Access Technology (RAT) systems. This paper proposes the use of flexible spectrum management techniques in multi-RAT systems. A Dynamic Spectrum Management (DSM) framework that addresses the shortcomings of FSA, while ensuring the reliable operation of all co-deployed RATs, is presented. Simulations for a system co-deploying HSPA and LTE show that the proposed framework outperforms FSA schemes and is capable of adapting to system traffic variations.