Delay aware resource allocation scheme for a cognitive LTE based radio network

We explore the problem of resource allocation in a Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) long-term evolution (LTE) based cognitive radio network (CRN). The network model consists of a number of service providers (SPs) with fixed licensed spectrum bands. The network offers the wireless services to two types of users: primary and secondary. The primary users (PUs) get prioritized access to the licensed spectrum bands. The secondary users (SUs) are served on the best-effort (non-prioritized) basis. In this paper we consider the specific design features of LTE radio interface associated with the uplink spectrum access, scheduling process, and limited control channel capacity of the LTE system. We establish the relation between the number of users in the system, and the scheduling delay (which is the largest contributor to the packet end-to-end delay in LTE network). Using these results, we propose a simple algorithm to assign the spectrum for the SUs without violating the quality of service (QoS) requirements of the PU, and implement it in an LTE-based CRN. Consistent performance of the algorithm is verified using OPNET-based simulations.