A Resource-Efficient Approach on User Association in 5G Networks Using Downlink and Uplink Decoupling

Abstract

A user-centered network model can significantly optimize connectivity issues between a user and the corresponding base station (BS). This article shall evaluate the user-centric (UC) model targeted for Fifth Generation telecommunication systems and will attempt to optimize communication between users and BSs. The authors suggest a resource-aware mechanism that targets improving coverage through the network decoupling into two separate and independent uplink and downlink networks. The mechanism shall fully respect each user's initially requested throughput demands and aims to solve the network user BS association problem with efficient resource management techniques. Simulations revealed that the mechanism perfectly preserves quality of service (QoS) and offers increased data rates in favor of ultimate user coverage, in both scenarios. Additionally, Frequency Range 2 offers an increased amount of resources, both increased data rates and higher amounts of devices that are covered by the overall network.