Pareto Optimal Power Control Scheduling for OFDMA Networks

In this paper, a novel scheduling mechanism that enhances both network spectral and energy efficiency is presented. In Pareto Optimal Scheduling (POS), mobile stations (MSs) are scheduled based on path gains such that the sufficient conditions for Pareto optimal power control (POPC) are fulfilled. This is performed in such a manner to maximise the number of concurrently transmitting MSs. Furthermore, a Stepwise Removal (SR) algorithm is introduced for the situation where links do not meet the sufficient conditions for power control. In this case, links are removed in order for other MSs to achieve their signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) targets. The targets of these remaining MSs are updated to prevent losses in system spectral efficiency caused by the link removals. Large network simulation results show that significant gains in spectral efficiency can be achieved over standard power control techniques, while additionally providing substantially improved energy efficiency.