Cognition-based dynamic spectrum access and interference coordination for heterogeneous networks

We define and propose a cognition-based radio architecture for multi-tiered spectrum access in next-generation wireless heterogeneous networks (HetNets). In this architecture, femtocell nodes are embedded in a macrocell environment to increase spectrum utilization. In order to realize the potential benefits of HetNets and achieve a frequency reuse factor of 1, we investigate the radio resource allocation strategy and efficient inter-cell interference coordination. A novel scheme based on full system cognition and base station cooperation is proposed. We claim that the proposed scheme can be an enabler for high capacity HetNets and that a careful design of the cognitive radio architecture can lead to improved spectral efficiency for the overall system.