Energy Saving Enhancement for LTE-Advanced Heterogeneous Networks with Dual Connectivity

In this paper, we consider the use of heterogeneous networks with close integration between the cells, using dual connectivity and fiber optic backhaul. The energy efficiency of such a network is evaluated in comparison with some of the existing traffic offloading mechanisms. We try to enhance the mechanisms taking the system energy efficiency, and user quality of experience based on the offloaded traffic type into account. Detailed evaluations of the offloading mechanism is done using LTE-Advanced heterogeneous network settings, with dual connectivity architecture assumptions and scenarios. Based on the performance results in terms of energy efficiency, system power consumption and throughput, it is shown that the considered scheme provides significant energy savings, as well as provides the network operator the flexibility to offload traffic depending on tradeoffs between competing network priorities.