Downlink and uplink splitting user association in two-tier heterogeneous cellular networks

Traditional cellular network standards require users downlink(DL) and uplink(UL) associated to the same BS. However, due to the power gap between BSs and users and different transmission environment(e.g. the path gain) of DL and UL, a serving BS with the strongest downlink would yield to a non-serving BS in the uplink. In this paper we propose the DL/UL splitting user association framework under a two-tier heterogeneous network, in which femtocell base stations are randomly located over a macro base station in a specific area. Downlink and Uplink network ergodic throughput are analysed according to our DL/UL splitting association model. Simulation results show a great throughput promotion compared with the traditional DL/UL coupled association manner. We believe downlink and uplink splitting as a flexible connection mode between users and base stations would be an essential approach to realize the high capacity requirements, which is a evolution of the network connection art.