On the extension of traditional resource allocation algorithms in LTE-A to joint UL-DL scheduling with FDD carrier aggregation

Through and spectral efficiency maximization are two of the most challenging issues to be addressed by current and future cellular networks. To achieve these goals however, radio resources need to be utilized in a coordinated manner to provide better network performance and ensure adequate user quality of service (QoS). The radio resources are controlled by LTE base station (eNodeB) and can be scheduled either independently or jointly by considering both uplink (UL) and downlink (DL). This paper addresses the joint UL-DL scheduling in a carrier aggregation (CA) supportive LTE-advanced networks. This work provides good insights of the implementation of the traditional scheduling algorithms for joint UL-DL scheduling for LTE-A utilizing the functionality of CA. We present preliminary results from a MATLAB-based IS-Wireless system level simulator that confirm the importance of the fair sharing of the resources between the UL and DL channels while maintaining a good QoS. Furthermore, simulation results show that the resource utilization and spectral efficiency can be significantly improved by dynamically changing the bandwidth portion between the UL and DL. Finally, we also show that there is a significant improvement in both UL and DL data rates using the proposed CA and joint scheduling schemes.