In this letter, a device association algorithm is proposed to consider the diverse association requirements for human-to-human devices (H2HDs) and Internet of Things devices (IoTDs) coexisted in heterogeneous cellular network. The association strategy was developed to jointly maximize downlink (DL) sum rate and minimize total uplink (UL) transmit power for H2HDs while maximizing UL energy efficiency for IoTDs. The association problem is formulated as a cooperative Nash bargaining game. We first develop a two-player bargaining algorithm for two base stations to bargain their associated devices. Then, based on this algorithm and the Hungarian method, a multi-player bargaining algorithm is developed. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms the comparable schemes, especially in terms of DL rate distribution for H2HDs, device side energy efficiency for IoTDs, as well as fairness performance among devices.
['Mohamed K. Elhattab', 'Mahmoud M. Elmesalawy', 'Ibrahim I. Ibrahim']
A Game Theoretic Framework for Device Association in Heterogeneous Cellular Networks With H2H/IoT Co-Existence