Radio Resource Management in Multi-Tier Cellular Wireless Networks

CHAPTER 7

GAME THEORETIC APPROACHES FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN MULTI-TIER NETWORKS

Game theory is a set of mathematical tools used to analyze the interactions among independent rational entities. Recently, game theory has found many applications in wireless communications and networking [1]. Game theory can be used in the decision making process of multiple rational entities, so that the wireless systems can operate efficiently and meet the users’ QoS requirements. In a multi-tier cellular wireless network such as a two-tier macrocell–femtocell network, there are many decision problems involving multiple entities (e.g., macro base stations, femto access points, macro and femto users). These entities can be rational and self-interested to maximize their own benefits (or minimize their own costs).

In this chapter, we discuss the applications of game theory for resource management in two-tier macrocell–femtocell networks. Game theory is a suitable tool to model the interactions among different entities in these networks. We provide an introduction to game theory and discuss different types of game models. Then, we provide a review of the game theoretic models for resource allocation in two-tier networks. We first discuss the game formulations for power control and sub-channel allocation in an orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA)-based two-tier (macrocell–femtocell) network. Then, we review the game formulations for resource management with pricing. Based on economic ...