An improved throughput estimation method and dynamic user association in multi-cell networks

In this paper, we propose an effective user association rule for resolving the unbalanced loading problem in multi-cell cellular networks. We first derive an improved user throughput estimation formula for the proportional fair (PF) scheduling algorithm under the Rayleigh fading environment. Our simple and accurate throughput estimation can be regarded as an extended version of the conventional scheme which is only valid when the data rate function is linear. Based on this result, we also develop a centralized user association framework, where a central node periodically determines the overall association of the system. The simulation results show that our load balancing algorithm achieves almost 90% of the upper limit of the system.