Channel management in microcell/macrocell cellular radio systems

In this paper, we study spectrum management in a two-tier microcell/macrocell cellular system. Two issues are studied: micro-macro cell selection and frequency spectrum partitioning between microcells and macrocells. To keep the handoff rate in a two-tier cellular system at an acceptable level, low mobility users (with speed /spl upsi/V/sub 0/) should undergo handoffs at macrocell boundaries. The mobile determines user mobility from microcell sojourn times and uses it for channel assignment at call origination and handoff. The probability of erroneous assignment of a mobile to a microcell or macrocell is shown to be significantly lower than previous approaches. We investigate the optimal velocity threshold, V/sub 0/, and propose that it may be dynamically adjusted according to traffic load. Finally, we propose a systematic way for finding an optimal partition of frequency spectrum between microcells and macrocells. This partitioning is based on the traffic load and velocity distribution of mobiles in the system.