A hybrid simulation framework for the evaluation of common radio resource management scenarios

Abstract

We present a hybrid modeling framework with interacting simulative and analytic submodels for the efficient evaluation of common radio resource management (CRRM). It enables a cost–benefit investigation of different CRRM algorithms and architectures. Centralized as well as decentralized scenarios can be clearly defined by five standard components, namely the radio access system, the environment, the user equipment, the CRRM information manager, and the CRRM decider. The costs and time consumption of CRRM operations are taken into account via chargeable messages. The clarity of the model enables an efficient investigation of CRRM algorithms based on optimization theory, game theory, physical models, and other methods. The resulting framework has been implemented as a hybrid simulation model using the discrete event simulation system OMNeT++. A convenient and straightforward integration of different wireless network technologies and user service demands is also supported; models for the universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) and the global system for mobile communications/enhanced general packet radio service (GSM/EGPRS) are already integrated. The scope of the proposed framework is demonstrated by the evaluation of realistic scenarios.