Distributed algorithm for uplink scheduling in WiMAX networks

This work proposes an algorithm to perform the resource allocation in the uplink of an IEEE802.16 standard-based system. The approach is valid for Point to Multi-Point (PMP) and also for tree-deployed mesh networks, already defined for the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX). Our solution is based on a proportionally fair distribution of resources and it is formulated using the Network Utility Maximization (NUM) framework. Thanks to convex decomposition techniques, we derive a novel way of solving the NUM problem in a distributed manner. The goal is to attain the global optimal scheduling at the Subscriber Stations (SS) without the need of gathering information at a central node in the network. The results show significant gains in the time required to reach the optimal resource allocation for a given set of demands.