Improving fairness using ARQ messages in LTE mobile multi-hop relay (MMR) networks

We consider extension of the FRTS (Frame Registry Tree Scheduler) to LTE multi-hop relay networks. In this paper we consider extension of the scheme to LTE multi-hop relay networks. One major contribution of our work lies in developing a scheduler which improves fairness using ARQs. ARQ messages originate from UEs or RNs on missed frames. The node with poor link quality tends to generate more ARQ messages. Based on this observation we elevate the priority of the packet when its transmission returns an ARQ message. This enables the UE/RN with poor link quality to have better chance to improve their throughput, leading to improved fairness for the network. Simulation with a 2-hop relay network with 1 eNodeB and 3 Relay nodes for regular traffic shows improvement of 12.6% and 15.5% respectively in terms of scheduling efficiency and fairness.