Resource Optimization in Heterogeneous Networks Using Discrete Firefly Algorithm

Heterogeneous networks (HetNets) in cellular technology is an important concept, especially to overcome the problem of limited radio resource and to improve networks coverage. However, due to the shared spectrum concept, interference has become the main problem. An appropriate spectrum or resource allocation to mitigate the interference is therefore essential to tackle the problem. In this research, a modified firefly optimization algorithm has been proposed for optimal resource allocation management in HetNets, where the femtocell network is under the coverage area of the macrocell network. A discrete firefly algorithm (DFA) has been utilized to optimize resource allocation in the femtocell network to reduce the cross-tier and co-tier interferences occurred while any users use the same resource blocks (RBs), which lead to the inefficiency of the network system. The simulation results showed that DFA was capable of finding the optimal resource allocation in HetNets and achieved higher network performance compared to random resource allocation.