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When to offload in two-tier smallcell networks: a Stackelberg game approach with pre-offloading-decision

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Abstract

In this paper, we consider the problem of traffic offloading in a two-tier downlink smallcell network with hybrid access. We formulate a Stackelberg game with pre-offloading decision, which includes two steps, to study the problem. The utility of the MBS is designed as a piecewise function, corresponding to the two possible decisions of the MBS. We design a bonus-based incentive mechanism to motivate smallcell base stations (SBSs) serve the MUEs. We prove the existence and uniqueness of the Stackelberg equilibrium. We also consider the incomplete information game, where the SBSs have private information. A Bayesian Stackelberg game with pre-offloading decision is formulated and the existence of Bayesian Stackelberg equilibrium is proved. Our proposed approach achieves much higher utilities than the existing approach does under some circumstances in both cases, which proves the necessity and superiority of our proposed game structure.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of communications Engineering, PLA University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210007, China

    Kailing Yao, Shihua Zhang, Shengnan Li & Yuhua Xu

  2. National Digital Switching System Engineering and Technological Research Center, Zhengzhou, 450000, China

    Youming Sun

  3. College of Communications Engineering, Naval University of Engineering, Wuhan, 430033, China

    Zheng Zhang

Authors
  1. Kailing Yao
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  2. Youming Sun
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  3. Zheng Zhang
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  4. Shihua Zhang
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  5. Shengnan Li
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  6. Yuhua Xu
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Yuhua Xu.

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Yao, K., Sun, Y., Zhang, Z. et al. When to offload in two-tier smallcell networks: a Stackelberg game approach with pre-offloading-decision. Wireless Netw 23, 2499–2508 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11276-016-1303-2

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