Distributed Algorithms for Resource Allocation in Cellular Networks with Coexisting Femto- and Macrocells

This paper introduces two distributed algorithms for resource allocation in cellular networks with coexisting femtocells and macrocells. Network interference in these complex networks is modeled by a random graph to maintain the complexity of the examined networks´ interference scenarios while abstracting away details such as node density and propagation characteristics. We propose two distributed algorithms for interference-free resource assignment: An uncoordinated algorithm designed for a case with no communications between base stations, and a coordinated algorithm designed to exploit information sharing between base stations. We assess the two algorithms by comparing their performance against a centralized heuristic algorithm and a centralized genetic algorithm, which together approximate the (computationally intractable) optimal allocation.