ABSTRACT
Long-term evolution advanced (LTE-A) and fourth-generation (4G) communication networks implement a multicellular architecture over traditional IP networks and offload the network traffic from a macro base station to multiple small-cell base stations. This approach improves network performance. Advanced coding, multiplexing (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing [OFDM]), multiple access (orthogonal frequency division multiple access [OFDMA]), intercell interference (ICI) mitigation (enhanced intercell interference coordination [eICIC]), and antenna synchronization (multiple-input-multiple-output [MIMO]) techniques are used in 4G and beyond networks to improve spectrum efficiency and achieve high throughput rates (100 Mbps to 10 Gbps). Even though 4G networks accommodate heterogeneity in network interfaces and device connectivity, challenging aspects such as exploding data, dynamic network traffic technology, efficient spectrum allocation, resource sharing, and energy management are yet to be resolved. Software-defined radio (SDR) and cognitive radio (CR) networking features are yet to be explored for managing spectral and network resources.
