Sub-carrier allocation for downlink multi-user OFDM cooperative cellular networks

In this paper we focus on the allocation of sub-carriers for the downlink OFDM-based cooperative wireless cellular networks. Based on equal power allocation, a simple sub-carrier allocation algorithm is proposed. An optimization problem is formulated to maximize the achievable system throughput with a minimum data rate guarantee for all users. The proposed algorithm has been evaluated in terms of total achievable system capacity and achievable individual capacity for each user. The good tradeoff between spectral efficiency and fairness is observed in the proposed allocation scheme. Three variants of allocation schemes are described and compared using computer simulations.