RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND INCOME GENERATION IN HYBRID WIFI-LTE SYSTEMS FOR 5G CONNECTIVITY

Abstract

The increasing demand for wireless communication and data traffic has led to a significant challenge in mobile networks – the scarcity of available licensed spectrum. Mobile operators, constrained by limited and costly spectrum, face the crucial task of efficiently managing their radio resources. This paper explores the potential of offloading mobile data between licensed and unlicensed spectrum as a solution to address this challenge. To mitigate channel access conflicts, two key technologies are examined: LTE Unlicensed (LTE-U) with its duty cycle approach, and LicenseAssisted Access (LAA) utilizing the Listen-Before-Talk (LBT) mechanism. Moreover, considering that a substantial portion of macro-cellular traffic originates from indoor locations or mobile users with fixed positions, this work delves into the concept of Multi Radio Access Technologies (RATs). Specifically, it investigates the integration of Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) to optimize the distribution of connected users across Heterogeneous Networks (HetNets). This integration aims to ensure stable throughput, enhance Quality of Service (QoS), and effectively manage capacity limitations. In the realm of offloading strategies, numerous methods have been proposed to shift traffic from cellular networks, reliant on licensed spectrum resources, to 802.11x WiFi networks operating in unlicensed spectrum. Unlike licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum offers cost-effective advantages, including improved throughput and reduced power consumption compared to cellular networks. Additionally, the ease and speed of deploying WiFi Access Points (APs) in residential and indoor environments make it a viable and adaptable solution. This paper investigates these offloading methods and their potential to reshape the landscape of wireless communication and data traffic management.