Energy-Efficient Heterogeneous Cellular Networks With Spectrum Underlay and Overlay Access

In this paper, we provide joint subcarrier assignment and power allocation schemes for quality-of-service-constrained energy-efficiency (EE) optimization in the downlink of an orthogonal frequency division multiple access based two-tier heterogeneous cellular network. Considering underlay transmission, where spectrum efficiency (SE) is fully exploited, the EE solution involves tackling a complex mixed-combinatorial and nonconvex optimization problem. With appropriate decomposition of the original problem and leveraging on the quasi-concavity of the EE function, we propose a dual-layer resource allocation approach and provide a complete solution using difference of two concave functions approximation, successive convex approximation, and gradient-search method. On the other hand, the inherent intertier interference from spectrum underlay access may degrade EE particularly under dense small-cell deployment and large bandwidth utilization. Therefore, we develop a novel resource allocation approach based on the concepts of spectrum overlay access and resource efficiency (RE) (normalized EE-SE tradeoff). Specifically, the optimization procedure is separated where the macro-cell optimal RE and the corresponding bandwidth is first determined, then the EE of small cells utilizing the remaining spectrum is maximized. Simulation results confirm the theoretical findings and demonstrate that the proposed resource allocation schemes can approach the optimal EE with each strategy being superior under certain system settings.