Load estimation and balancing in heterogeneous wireless networks with cognitive small cells

Abstract

A heterogeneous wireless network (HetNet) that consist of macro cells and massively deployed small cells within the same region is one of the solutions to increase network capacity. Cognitive small cells offer an attractive solution for HetNets to minimize the need for coordination between the macro and the small cells. Adequately associating users to the macro and the small cells is critical in heterogeneous wireless networks for load balancing, especially those with cognitive small cells. Ih this paper, we develop a scheme for load balancing in HetNets with cognitive small cells. Our scheme uses a model-based solution to estimate the load measured by the number of active users in cognitive small cells and balances load between the macro and small cells to avoid congestion in small cells. We use simulation to show the accuracy of our model-based solution and effectiveness of our solution.