Network Selection for seamless connectivity through edge caching in 5G Heterogeneous Networks

Abstract

In the current context of the massive data traffic surge, the densification of the network seems to be an efficient alternative solution, which demands the installation of small cells (SCs) in the 5G networks leading to its complexity. This calls for an efficient way to manage such complex systems through centralized control and content delivery strategy to help the end-users access high data rate multimedia services quicker wherein the storage and the bandwidth resources are used more effectively. In this paper, we have proposed a cache aided content delivery strategy for the 5G heterogeneous network, where the base stations of all the SCs and the macro cell are connected to the local cache-enabled content server. Moreover, a centralized controller, having a global view of the underlying network, stands responsible for delivering the multimedia content from the local server to the requisite base stations. The strategy mentioned above is found to be a promising solution resulting in the perception of seamless connectivity, thereby improving the QoE (Quality of Experience) of multimedia services. The proposed Network Selection and Resource Allocation (NSRA) strategy are observed to provide a tradeoff between the system throughput and churn rate. Moreover, the minimum rate requirement for all served users in the system is ensured.