Performance analysis of DRX mechanism using batch arrival vacation queueing system with N-policy in LTE-A networks

Abstract

Power saving and Quality of Service (QoS) are the two significant aspects of Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A) networks. DRX (“Discontinuous Reception”) is a mechanism, commonly exercised to enhance the power saving competency of a User Equipment (UE) in LTE-A networks. In this paper, based on the kind of traffic running at the UE, a new appliance is proposed to switch the DRX mechanism from the power active state to the power saving state and vice versa. We mathematically investigate this switching technique in DRX mechanism using the M[X]/G/1 vacation queue system with N-policy. Various performance and energy metrics are obtained and examined numerically. Further, the optimal value of N as well as the maximum number of DRX cycles, are computed to obtain the minimal amount of power consumption. This study concludes the selection guidelines for choosing the optimal values of N and the maximum number of DRX cycles.