Resource Partitioning in Heterogeneous Networks Based on Bargaining Theory

In heterogeneous networks, interference management is a crucial issue. Resource partitioning is one of the solution of enhanced intercell interference coordination (eICIC) in LTE-A. In this paper, we propose a bargaining-based resource partitioning. We model a net profit model considering service profit as well as operating expense, and analyze the Nash bargaining solution (NBS). For solving the NBS, we consider two algorithms: concurrent and sequential bargaining. In sequential bargaining, the NBS is dominated by a bargaining order. To mitigate this effect, we further study a bargaining power adaptation scheme. We verify the performance of the NBS and the bargaining power adaptation scheme by means of simulations. It is shown that proposed NBS can maintain fairness with little throughput degradation. Our results can be applied as a guideline for fair resource partitioning with economic efficiency.