Multi-flow Carrier Aggregation Research Articles

Packet Scheduling in Multi-Flow Carrier Aggregation with QoS Provisioning: Cross-Layer Design and Performance Analysis

Packet Scheduling in Multi-Flow Carrier Aggregation with QoS Provisioning: Cross-Layer Design and Performance Analysis

Two-Level Game Based Spectrum Allocation Scheme for Multi-Flow Carrier Aggregation Technique

Nowadays, the number of mobile devices have increased rapidly, and require different amounts of spectrum with the limited carrier resource. As an emerging technique, multi-flow carrier aggregation (MCA) has been recently proposed to improve the capacity of 5G heterogeneous network systems. In this paper, we present an effective MCA control scheme for the future heterogeneous network (HetNet). With the MCA-enabled HetNet, we aim at maximizing the system throughput while considering each mobile device's benefit. To strike an appropriate performance balance between network operators and mobile users, our proposed scheme is designed as a two-level game model. The upper and lower level games are developed as different type game models, and work together interactively to reach a fair-efficient spectrum allocation solution. Our hierarchical game approach can achieve reciprocal advantages, and clarifies what is the best solution for the MCA-enabled system. Using extensive simulations, we compare the performance and confirm the superiority of our game-based approach. Finally, the conclusions are presented, and some research challenges are identified for the future study.

Co-Tier and Cross-Tier Spectrum Allocation Scheme Based on Interval Shapley and Banzhaf Values

Current evolution of 5G heterogeneous network (HetNet) leads to unprecedented traffic demands and user quality of service requirements. It is extremely challenging to meet these needs for future generation communications. Multi-flow carrier aggregation (MCA) is an emerging technique that is implemented to improve the capacity of cellular networks. In this paper, we present an effective spectrum allocation scheme for the HetNet platform under the MCA technology. For the joint co-tier and cross-tier collaborations in HetNets, we adopt the ideas of interval Shapley and Banzhaf values as solution concepts. To strike an appropriate performance balance while dynamically distributing the limited spectrum resource, our scheme is formulated as a coalition game model, and both interval values are applied for different type applications. Based on the main features of cooperative game theory, the proposed scheme takes various benefits in a rational way. Through extensive simulations, we compare the performance of the proposed scheme with existing state-of-the-art spectrum allocation protocols, and confirm the superiority of our coalitional game based approach. Finally, the conclusions are presented, and some research challenges are identified for the future study.

Cross-Layer Performance Analysis of Downlink Multi-Flow Carrier Aggregation in Heterogeneous Networks

Multi-flow carrier aggregation (CA) is an emerging technique that is implemented to improve the capacity of cellular networks. In this paper, we study the cross-layer performance of user equipments (UEs) in heterogeneous networks under multi-flow CA. We develop a queuing analytical model for measuring packet-level performance parameters, e.g., packet loss probability and queuing delay. Our developed model accounts for the time-varying channels, the channel scheduling algorithm, partial channel quality information feedback, and the number of component carriers deployed at each tier. Our model also takes into consideration stochastic packet arrivals, the packet scheduling algorithm, and out-of-sequence packet delivery. The developed model can be used to tune the various system and operating parameters in order to offload traffic from the macrocells to the small cells while maintaining the quality of service requirements of UEs. The accuracy of the analytical model developed in this paper is validated through computer simulations.

Distributed Power Allocation for Multi-Flow Carrier Aggregation in Heterogeneous Cognitive Cellular Networks

In this paper, we study distributed power allocation for multiflow carrier aggregation in cognitive cellular networks. Our approach differs from the conventional water filling (WF) algorithm since we deal with heterogeneous fading channels, wherein all of the Lagrange multipliers are not handled equally over the heterogeneous cells. The distributed power control solution is carried out over heterogeneous fading channels that are considered nonidentically distributed Nakagami- $m$ fading channels. We first formulate the optimization problem, and we then solve it using the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM), which allows the required decomposition for each channel and the required statistical learning among the different subproblem solutions. We also provide comparison with the dual decomposition method and WF solutions considered as solutions without cognition. Simulation results highlight the performance gain of ADMM in terms of the number of iterations. Furthermore, we provide a multiuser application scenario, where the analysis on the fading channel model with Nakagami- $m$ distribution is carried out. We distinguish into the synchronous and the asynchronous ADMM implementations tackling the asynchronous user updates that can be found in a heterogeneous network deployment. The simulation results are obtained to highlight the impact of the partial barrier and the bounded delay in the asynchronous use case.

LTE-WiFi Carrier Aggregation for Future 5G Systems: A Feasibility Study and Research Challenges

Multi-Radio Access Technology (multi–RATs) carrier aggregation (CA), also known as multi-Flow CA, is an envisioned future technique that allows channels from different RATs to be aggregated and allocated to the end user. This technique allows for an efficient utilization of the fragmented and crowded spectrum, as well as for coordination and load balancing between the different RATs. The concept of CA was introduced in 3GPP's Release 10 for the Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, and the feasibility of LTE-LTE CA scenarios has been studied. In this work, we conducted a preliminary study of the feasibility of LTE-WiFi CA. We assume a CA mode where the LTE system borrows from the WiFi spectrum. Our study shows that this CA mode is compatible with the LTE-Advanced physical layer specifications, and is therefore theoretically achievable. For practical deployments, we show that the current advances in cellular technologies form good grounds for actual deployment of integrated LTE-WiFi systems. We also highlight the main research challenges and suggestions for future work.