Interference mitigation in femtocell networks with joint channel sensing and resource allocation

Joint channel sensing and resource allocation in femtocell networks is investigated. An approach consisting of using jointly a sensing module in addition to a normal femto module performing resource allocation simultaneously with channel sensing is proposed. The sensed interference levels are used to define an interference transformation function that prioritizes the allocation of subcarriers based on the level of interference they are subjected to. Then, a resource allocation algorithm based on using interference transformation functions is presented. By incorporating interference information in a transformed channel gain, it permits the allocation of subcarriers subjected to little or no interference with high priority, and unfavors the allocation of the more interfered subcarriers. Simulation results show significant performance improvement when the proposed method is implemented.