Utility-based uplink scheduling algorithm for enhancing throughput and fairness in relayed LTE networks

Relaying is one of the key techniques considered by the 3GPP LTE-Advanced as part of 4G cellular technologies, aiming to increase the coverage and capacity of the network especially for the edge nodes. In this work, we have considered the uplink scheduling of an LTE network with the help of positioned relay nodes. We have projected the entire problem as a constrained optimization problem. As a solution, we have considered sub-gradient based approach to divide the utility maximization of all nodes, including relay nodes, in the cell into sub-problems of utility optimization of each individual node. Based on this solution we have proposed a scheduling algorithm to allocate resource blocks across all nodes. Numerical calculations and results have been shown to justify that relay nodes can potentially achieve the trade-off between throughput and fairness.