Optimal Power Allocation in Multiuser OFDM Systems

Multiuser orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MU-OFDM) is a promising technique for achieving high downlink capacities in future cellular systems. A key issue in MU-OFDM is the allocation of the OFDM subcarriers and power among users sharing the channel. Previous allocation algorithms cannot ensure fairness in advance. In this paper, a proportional rate adaptive resource allocation method for MU-OFDM is proposed. Subcarrier and power allocation are carried out sequentially to reduce the complexity, and an optimal power allocation procedure is derived, through which proportional fairness is achieved. Simulation results show that this low-complexity MU-OFDM system achieves double the capacity of a fixed time division approach to OFDM multiple access, and also has higher capacity than previously derived suboptimal power distribution schemes.