Weighted Max-Min Resource Allocation for Frequency Selective Channels

In this paper, we discuss the computation of weighted max-min rate allocation among N users, using joint FDM/TDM strategies under a power spectral density (PSD) mask constraint. We show that the weighted max-min solution allocates the rates according to a predetermined rate ratio defined by the weights, a fact that has considerable implications for telecommunication service providers. Furthermore, we show that the problem can be efficiently solved using a linear programming technique, where at most N-1 frequency bins are shared by more than one user. We also address the resource allocation problem in the mixed services scenario where certain users have the required rates, while the others have flexible rate requirements. The solution is applicable to many communication systems that are limited by a power spectral density mask constraint such as UWB. The theoretical results are followed by simulations for various allocation schemes.