Cost-efficient data aggregation schemes for Small Cell Networks

Small Cells (SCs) are considered as a key enabling technique for future 5G cellular networks; whether they are deployed for Macro Cells networks densification or ensuring a standalone broadband access service. However, one of the critical challenges facing SCs deployments is a stable and an economical backhaul network. Particularly, if we consider SC for green-field deployments where operator transport infrastructure is bad or absent. Indeed, the question that arises in this specific case: what is the backhaul design that best meets economic constraints and end users Quality of Service (QoS) requirements? In this paper, we propose a novel method to design a cost-efficient SCs backhaul for green field deployment, while respecting linking technologies constraints. In fact, we formulate the problem of backhaul planning as a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP), wherein the objective is to minimize SCs-Core Network connection cost while providing necessary access to operator mobile broadband by using a set of different technologies. Implementation results corroborate the benefit of wireless backhaul over wired one, and give to mobile operator insightful guidelines for designing a SCs backhauls for green field deployment.