Robust power allocation based on hierarchical game with consideration of different user requirements in two-tier femtocell networks

Abstract In this paper, we focus on optimal power allocation for uplink transmission in two-tier femtocell networks, where femtocells share the same frequency with macrocells. Due to dynamic communication environment, channel gains are actually uncertain. A probabilistic constraint is formulated to describe the uncertainty closely. To satisfy the different service requirements and design objectives for macrocell users and femtocell users, we adopt the framework of hierarchical game with a multiple-leader-multiple-follower model. The purpose of the problem under investigation is to propose a robust hierarchical game method with the targets of enhancing the robustness of two-tier network systems and maximizing the utilities of all users. A distributed iterative power algorithm is provided for the problem to obtain the game equilibrium. Moreover, it also demonstrates the game equilibrium is unique. Finally, numerical results are given to illustrate the performance of this scheme.