Optimal joint RAN selection and resource allocation strategy in hetnet under co-channel and user centric deployment

In this article, a joint Radio Access Network selection strategy and a sub-channel resource allocation scheme are introduced, in which the downlink of a two-tier HetNet system is deployed in a co-channel deployment. With this scenario in mind, a Semi Markovian Decision Process based-model is proposed to find an optimal policy for user association and the channel allocation, where the long-term expected reward is maximized. For the proposed strategy, the sub-channel allocation is only considered for those new and handoff petitions that potentially can be allocated in one of the SCs. In addition, with the aim of contributing to the enhancement of the overall usage of radio resources, a traffic offloading process is considered at the departure of the sessions. In order to motivate the session offloading from the MC to the SCs at departure times, we have defined that two sub-channels will be allocated in the SC for each offloaded session. Analytical results quantify and show the effectiveness of the proposed strategy. © The author; licensee Universidad Nacional de Colombia