Macrocell batch resource allocation for a closed access femto-macro cellular wireless network

Femtocell is an emerging technology that promises increased network capacity and enhanced indoor coverage at a low capital and operational cost. However, macrocell network performance depreciates when macrocell users (mUEs) are located indoors with femtocell base stations (FBSs), and these users are not allowed access to the FBSs (closed access). This is a critical issue that needs to be addressed in order to successfully deploy femtocell tier over existing macrocell networks. This paper proposes a macrocell proportional fair-based batch resource allocation strategy that enables FBS to be aware of macrocell resource usage schedule. In this context, batch means multiple time-slots. The knowledge of macrocell resource usage schedule enables the FBS to effectively mitigate interference caused to mUEs in its neighborhood. We show by simulation results that our proposed cross-layer interference coordination approach significantly increases the total macrocell throughput through interference reduction.