A Game-Theoretic Approach for Joint Optimization of Sensing and Access in Cognitive Cellular Heterogeneous Networks

Abstract

Cellular heterogeneous networks comprising small-cells coexisting with macro-cells have emerged as a promising solution to improve in-building coverage and capacity of wireless networks. By assuming the scenario of cognitive radio enabled cellular heterogeneous network (CCHN), where the small base stations (SBSs) carry out spectrum sensing, severe cross-tier interference are portable, however, the joint design of spectrum sensing and access poses new technology challenges. Furthermore, the joint optimization encompasses affluent heterogeneous nodes and connections, which renders the centralized paradigm messy for enormous signaling and great computation. In this paper, we propose a decentralized approach by formulating the non-cooperative power allocation game (NPAG) wherein each SBS competes for the maximization his own opportunistic throughput by joint choice of the sensing factors and the resource allocation strategy, involving interference and energy constraints. Further, the iterative water-filling (IWF) algorithm is utilized to deal with the non-convexity of the game. Simulation results show that the proposed game theoretical formulations yield a considerable performance improvement for the joint optimization problem.