Optimal Resource Allocation for Wireless Networks with Inter-Cell Interference

Abstract: The paper describes a Resource allocation is an important issue in orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems. For multicell systems, the interference across different cells makes the optimization of resource allocation difficult. While inter cell interference (ICI) for the downlink of multi-cell systems in general and orthogonal frequency division multiple access networks, the uplink has received less attention. Inter-cell interference coordination (ICIC) schemes can be viewed as a scheduling strategy used to limit the inter-cell interference such that cell-edge users in different cells preferably are scheduled on complementary parts of the spectrum when needed. The common theme of ICIC avoidance schemes is to apply restrictions to the usage of downlink resources such time/frequency and/or transmit power resources. Such coordination of restrictions will provide an opportunity to limit the interference generation in the area of the cellular network. Accordingly, Signal to Interference and Noise Ratio (SINR) can be improved at the receivers in the coverage area, which will provide capability for increased (cell-edge) data-rates over the coverage area, or increased coverage for given data-rates.

Keywords: OFDMA, resource allocation, inter-cell interference, signal-to-interference and noise ratio, inter-cell interference coordination.