A proportional-fair power allocation scheme for fair and efficient multiuser OFDM systems

Abstract

In this paper we investigate adaptive resource allocation schemes in multiuser OFDM systems for fair share of resources and efficient operation. We employ the CDF-based scheduling (CS) algorithm for the subcarrier allocation, taking advantage of its distinctive feature of analyzability and multiuser diversity. Noting that conventional power allocation schemes do not exhibit efficient and fair operations in heterogeneous user channel environments, we present a new algorithm called proportional-fair power allocation (PFPA). This algorithm is designed to allocate transmission power in such a way that the resulting relative throughput-increment is identical for all subcarriers. The PFPA algorithm is shown to be equivalent to the power allocation of the asymptotically optimal algorithm which exhibits the largest achievable region in the asymptotic case. Numerical results reveal that the combined CS-PFPA algorithm improves the overall system capacity in terms of time-average throughput and provides efficient estimation of user performance. Further, the CS-PFPA algorithm can meet each user's requirements using a minimum amount of resources, so it renders an efficient and fair means for resource allocation in multiuser OFDM systems.