A Fix-and-Relax Model for Heterogeneous LTE-Based Networks

We envision a next-generation cellular network, where base stations allow Internet connectivity through different wireless interfaces (e.g., LTE and WiFi), and licensed cellular frequencies can be used also for device-to-device communications. With this scenario in mind, we develop a model that synthetically and consistently describes the diverse communications opportunities offered by the above network system. Then, we propose a fix-and-relax approach that makes the model solvable in real time. As one of its possible applications, our numerical results show how the model can be effectively used to design and analyze policies for dynamic frequency allocation.