VCG Auction Based Hierarchical Bandwidth Sharing Scheme for Integrated Heterogeneous Networks

Bandwidth resource management is an important issue in integrated heterogeneous wireless networks. In this paper, we propose a two-level bandwidth sharing scheme in integrated WiMAX, UMTS and WLAN networks. Based on Vickrey-Clarke-Groves (VCG) auction theory, this hierarchical integrated structure aims to optimize the reallocation of unused bandwidth in primary network (PN), and to provide secondary network (SN) with quality guaranteed service. In order to further enhance the rationality in bandwidth allocation, a novel pricing scheme is adopted in VCG mechanism. In our proposed model, WiMAX and UMTS serve the WLAN AP as backbone, sharing their licensed spectrum with WLANs as double auction. Based on the bandwidth allocation result, admission control among WLAN connections is launched as a manner of second-price sealed-bid auction. Simulation results prove the proposed scheme could significantly improve the utility of PNs´ spectrum, and bring better services for WLAN users.