Joint optimization on inter-cell interference management and user attachment in LTE-A HetNets

To optimize the network utility in 3GPP Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A) heterogeneous networks (HetNets), it is necessary to jointly consider inter-cell interference mitigation and user attachment. Based on potential game formulation, we optimize almost blank subframe (ABS) and/or cell selection bias (CSB) settings for both macrocells and picocells in a distributed manner. We demonstrate the need of joint ABS and CSB optimization via simulation case studies. Extensive simulations confirm that joint ABS and CSB optimizations can lead to a 20% improvement in spectral efficiency and a 46% improvement in energy efficiency while increasing the fairness of the achieved rates of users.