Joint Optimization of Pico-Base-Station Density and Transmit Power for an Energy-Efficient Heterogeneous Cellular Network

Heterogeneous cellular networks (HCNs) have emerged as the primary solution for explosive data traffic. However, an increase in the number of base stations (BSs) inevitably leads to an increase in energy consumption. Energy efficiency (EE) has become a focal point in HCNs. In this paper, we apply tools from stochastic geometry to investigate and optimize the energy efficiency (EE) for a two-tier HCN. The average achievable transmission rate and the total power consumption of all the BSs in a two-tier HCN is derived, and then the EE is formulated. In order to maximize EE, a one-dimensional optimization algorithm is used to optimize picocell BS density and transmit power. Based on this, an alternating optimization method aimed at maximizing EE is proposed to jointly optimize transmit power and density of picocell BSs. Simulation results validate the accuracy of the theoretical analysis and demonstrate that the proposed joint optimization method can obviously improve EE.