Game-Theoretic Resource Allocation Algorithms for Device-to-Device Communications in Fifth Generation Cellular Networks: A Review

Game-theoretic resource allocation algorithms are essential to managing the interference that Device-toDevice (D2D) and cellular transmissions could generate to each other in cellular networks since game-theoretic solutions are naturally autonomous and robust. In this paper, we present a survey on D2D communication in cellular networks with respect to the performance of the existing and accessible game-theoretic resource allocation algorithms published in 2013-2019. Each of the game-theoretic resource allocation algorithms with its properties such as utility, complexity, fairness, overhead cost, and convergence rate are reviewed and compared. The survey proved that gametheoretic solutions could be a viable strategy for practical implementation in 5G networks as each of the reviewed scheme attempts to optimize one or various essential performance metrics in the system. Finally, the paper recommends that serious efforts should be made by standardization bodies in incorporating game-theoretic strategy in D2D-enabled 5G networks while considering it as a road map for reliable and resource-efficient solutions in future cellular networks.