An algorithm for cross-layer subcarrier and power allocation in cellular networks

Inter-cell interference is a major challenge in multi-user multi-carrier cellular networks, especially for cells with overlapping coverage. Several subcarrier and power allocation algorithms have been developed to deal with this problem. However, they focus on maximizing data rates using only physical layer information, disregarding upper layer information like the queue backlogs. Assigning subcarriers to the users based only on physical layer information like the channel conditions maximizes data rates, but may lead to network instability. To tackle this problem, we propose a cross-layer subcarrier and power allocation algorithm that uses physical layer information to reduce inter-cell interference and upper layer information to stabilize the network. Furthermore, our approach achieves a larger rate region than the baseline approach by protecting users in neighboring cells.