Heterogeneous network spectrum allocation scheme based on three-phase bargaining game

Abstract

The fifth generation (5G) networks are envisioned to support the exploding mobile data traffic demands while improving quality of service (QoS) provision. The heterogeneous network (HetNet) platform provides one possible solution for dealing with this traffic explosion problem. However, several technical issues and challenges are associated with the deployment of HetNets. In this paper, we aim to design a new spectrum allocation scheme to effectively use the limited HetNet spectrum resource. By employing the main ideas of relative utilitarian, equality averse and inequality averse bargaining solutions, our approach unfolds into three stages of spectrum allocation process while balancing the efficiency and fairness. Based on the main features of each bargaining solution, we hierarchically apply these three solutions to spectrum assignment among BSs, spectrum allocation among SBSs, and spectrum sharing among applications, respectively. According to the advantages of cooperative bargaining approach, the proposed scheme takes various benefits in a rational way. The numerical simulations demonstrate the effectiveness and potential gain of our proposed three-phase spectrum allocation mechanism over the existing protocols.