Multi-Operator Small Cells Collaboration using Simultaneous Bilateral Negotiation

Abstract

The ubiquitous coverage/connectivity requirement to wireless cellular networks has shifted mobile network operators' (MNOs) interest toward dense deployment of small cells with coverage areas that are much smaller as compared to macrocell base stations (MBSs). Multi-operator small cells could provide virtualization of network resources (infrastructure and spectrum) and enable its efficient utilization, such as: uninterrupted services to users and opportunity to avoid under-utilization of resources. However, a MNO with exclusive ownership to network resources would have little incentive to utilize its precious resources to serve users of other MNOs. In this regards, considering network resources scarcity and under-utilization, this paper provides mechanism for multi-operator small cells collaboration through negotiation that establishes mutual agreement acceptable to all involved parties, i.e., a win-win situation for the collaborating MNOs.