Intelligent network selection for data offloading in 5G multi-radio heterogeneous networks

Abstract

In next generation networks, multi-radio networks are emerging in order to deal with exponential data traffic increasing. Integrated Femto-WiFi (IFW) small cells have been introduced by 3GPP to offload data from cellular networks recently. These IFW cells are multi-mode capable (i.e., both licensed bands via cellular interface and unlicensed bands via WiFi interface). Therefore how to offload data effectively has become one of the most significant discussions in 5G Multi-Radio Heterogeneous Network. So far, most researches mainly focus on the generality of UEs, few attention has been paid to UEs' individual requirements. Considering UE's preference vary from individual to individual, in this paper, we present an UE preference-aware network selection scheme for mobile data offloading. It intelligently supports the distribution of heterogeneous classes of services, considers different types of UEs and delay-tolerant flows, and handles the mobility of UEs. The simulation results show the superiority of the proposed algorithm in user fairness, enhanced capacity and energy saving maximization.