A nearly optimal resource allocation algorithm for the downlink of OFDMA 2-D networks with multicell interference

In this paper, we address the problem of power control and subcarrier assignment for the downlink of a sectorized two-dimensional (2-D) OFDMA cellular network assuming statistical Channel State Information (CSI) and fractional frequency reuse. The latter reuse scheme has been recommended for several cellular systems such as WiMAX. In this context, we provide a resource allocation algorithm with low computational complexity that can be implemented in a distributed fashion without the intervention of any central controller. The performance of this allocation scheme is analyzed assuming fast fading Rayleigh channels and Gaussian distributed multicell interference. Interestingly, it is shown that the proposed algorithm is asymptotically equivalent to an optimal resource allocation i.e., its total transmit power is equal in the limit of large numbers of users to the transmit power associated with a global solution to the joint resource allocation problem.