Optimal Load-Balancing Association Scheme for C-RANs with Mobile IoT Devices

In this paper, we study an optimal load balancing association scheme for a C-RAN (Cloud-based Radio Access Network) with mobile IoT (Internet of Things) devices. In C-RANs, short-range low-complex RRHs (Remote Radio Heads) are densely deployed to provide coverage. However, due to their limited processing power, it is critical to evenly distribute the traffic load. In addition, when user devices are mobile, frequent handovers can generate significant amount of control messages. In this regard, we propose an optimal load balancing association scheme between RRHs and mobile devices that minimizes the handovers as well. We first formulate an optimal load-balancing problem. Then, we revise the formulation such that an occurrence of handovers is penalized. We implement a discrete-time network simulator to evaluate and compare the performance of the proposed algorithm to conventional load balancing schemes. The evaluation results show that the proposed scheme can evenly distribute the traffic load, while minimizing the handovers.