Area spectral efficiency and energy efficiency in underlay D2D cellular networks

Abstract Device‐to‐device (D2D) communication has attracted a great deal of attention in the last few years due to its potential to enhance wireless network capacity and reduce energy consumption, among other benefits. Here, the problem of maximisation of the performance of a D2D network in a scenario in which D2D users share communication channels with users of a cellular network is investigated. Using stochastic geometry tools, the problems of maximisation of the performance metrics area spectral efficiency (ASE) and energy efficiency (EE) of the D2D network by adjusting the density, transmit power, and link throughput of D2D users are formulated and solved. The maximisation of ASE and EE is performed by imposing that the successful transmission probabilities of both D2D and cellular networks are not below given minimum acceptable levels. Based on the derived formulation, the effects of several parameters on the network performance are assessed. The study shows the existence of three possible operating regimes for the D2D network, according to the behaviours (increasing or decreasing) of ASE and EE when the quality of the D2D links increases.