Throughput Optimization Using Metaheuristic-Tabu Search in the Multicast D2D Communications Underlaying LTE-A Uplink Cellular Networks

The sum throughput of a cellular network can be improved when nearby devices employ direct communications using a resource sharing technique. Multicast device-to-device (M-D2D) communication is a promising solution to accommodate higher transmission rates. In an M-D2D communication, a multicast group is formed by considering a transmitter that can transmit the same information to multiple receivers by considering the transmission link conditions. In this paper, we focus on the uplink interference generated due to the non-orthogonal sharing of resources between the cellular users and M-D2D groups. To mitigate the interference, we propose a spectrum reuse-based resource allocation and power control scheme for M-D2D communication underlaying an uplink cellular network. We formulate the throughput optimization problem by considering the fractional frequency reuse (FFR) method within a multicell cellular network. In addition, a metaheuristic-tabu search algorithm is developed that maximizes the probability of finding optimal solutions by minimizing uplink interference. To analyze fairness resource distribution among users, we finally consider Jain’s fairness index. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme can improve the coverage probability, success rate, spectral efficiency, and sum throughput of the network, compared with a random resource allocation scheme without a metaheuristic-tabu search algorithm.