CORE: A Clustering Optimization Algorithm for Resource Efficiency in LTE-A Networks

In a fluctuating mobile environment where operators have to confront the ever increasing demands of their subscribers, insufficient spectrum poses capacity limitations. This is more evident in the downlink (DL) direction, since DL resources are over-utilized compared to the uplink (UL) ones as a result of asymmetry in the generated traffic and intense interference. In this framework, we propose the creation of Device-to-Device (D2D) based clusters of users where intra-cluster communication will be achieved over UL resources. The minimization of the required resources (equivalent to the maximization of the spectral efficiency), is formulated as an integer (binary) linear optimization problem. Finally, a low- complexity clustering optimization algorithm for resource efficiency (CORE), is devised. Illustrative results prove that CORE, manages to increase the spectral efficiency and the network's capacity.