TD-LTE virtual cells: An SDN architecture for user-centric multi-eNB elastic resource management

This paper introduces mechanisms and algorithms for managing efficiently the resources of Time-Division Long Term Evolution (TD-LTE) networks in a flexible manner enabling (i) dynamic frame alternation at each evolved Node B (eNB) and (ii) forming virtual cells, which allow diverse resource utilization to users residing within regions that can utilize resources from multiple eNBs. Our approach leverages the benefits of Software Defined Network (SDN) paradigm for monitoring network resource utilization and allowing applications or services to request resources. The resources requested by the applications or services can be allocated on-demand by adjusting the Time Division Duplex (TDD) frames in different regions of the geographical area being considered. This can be accomplished by creating virtual cells in the overlapping regions that can customize service for the residing users. A simulation study has been carried out to elaborate the benefits of this approach and the performance enhancements in comparison with the conventional TD-LTE configurations are presented. The results indicate significant performance gains of around 30%–35% considering both UL/DL directions respectively.