Multi-connectivity resource allocation with limited backhaul capacity in evolved LTE

Multi-connectivity is considered as a 5G key technique to improve both the user performance and the overall resource utilization. In this paper, we examine a resource allocation problem under multi-connectivity in evolved LTE and propose a utility proportional fair (UPF) resource allocation that preserves users quality-of-service (QoS) considering backhaul capacity limitations. The proposed policy is compared with proportional fair (PF) resource allocation through extensive simulations. Presented results show that multi-connectivity outperforms single-connectivity in terms of network aggregated rate and users QoS satisfaction in different network case studies, i.e., empty and loaded cell scenarios with fixed and variable backhaul capacity.