Energy efficiency analysis of relay-assisted cellular networks

Huan Yu,Yunzhou Li,Jing Wang,Xibin Xu,Marios Kountouris

doi:10.1186/1687-6180-2014-32

Huan Yu, Yunzhou Li + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/1687-6180-2014-32

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Abstract

Abstract To meet the demand for higher throughput, improved coverage and enhanced reliability, future wireless cellular networks face significant technical challenges. One promising solution is to place relay stations between transmitters and receivers in the cellular network. Meanwhile, as energy consumption reduction has been an important concern for the wireless industry, energy-efficient communications is of prime interest for future networks. In this paper, we study whether and how relays can improve the energy efficiency of cellular networks. Specifically, the energy efficiency of relay-assisted cellular networks is analyzed using tools of stochastic geometry. We first derive the coverage probability for the macro base station (MBS) to user (UE), the MBS to relay station (RS), and the RS to UE links, and then we model the power consumption at the MBS and RS. Based on the analytical model and expressions, the energy efficiency of relay-assisted cellular networks is then evaluated and is shown to be strictly quasi-concave on the transmit power for MBS to UE link or the RS to UE link. Numerical results show that the energy efficiency first improves while it hits a ceiling as the MBS density increases.

Highlights

With the exponential growth of wireless traffic, future cellular networks face huge challenges for catering higher data rate and transmission reliability
In [9], an approach to derive the coverage and rate in cellular networks based on stochastic geometry is proposed, which is more tractable compared to the traditional grid models
We analyze the energy efficiency for relayassisted cellular networks using models based on stochastic geometry [9], where the macro base stations (MBSs) and relay stations(RSs) locations are distributed according to independent homogeneous Poisson point process (HPPP)

Summary

Introduction

With the exponential growth of wireless traffic, future cellular networks face huge challenges for catering higher data rate and transmission reliability. In [9], an approach to derive the coverage and rate in cellular networks based on stochastic geometry is proposed, which is more tractable compared to the traditional grid models Under this approach, in [10], the design of energy-efficient heterogeneous cellular networks through the employment of base station sleeping mode strategies as well as small cells are investigated, in which some methods can be considered in the relay-assisted cellular networks. In [12], the effect of base station density on the energy efficiency of relay-assisted cellular networks is investigated using the stochastic geometry model. We analyze the energy efficiency for relayassisted cellular networks using models based on stochastic geometry [9], where the macro base stations (MBSs) and relay stations(RSs) locations are distributed according to independent homogeneous Poisson point process (HPPP).

Coverage probability for the MBS-UE link

Coverage probability for the RS-UE link

Power consumption model

Conclusions