A Cognitive Algorithm for Traffic Steering in LTE-LSA/Wi-Fi Resource Sharing Scenarios

The wireless network traffic is expected to overload the existing licensed spectrum by 2020. One method to deal with this traffic overload is to access unlicensed and shared spectrum bands using an opportunistic approach. Licensed Shared Access (LSA) allows incumbent users to provide temporary access to its spectrum resources. However, licensees must perform traffic steering to vacate the band without causing interference, whenever the incumbent requires. In this paper, a cognitive algorithm is proposed to take in advance decisions to promptly create a list of traffic steering routes whenever an unscheduled evacuation is demanded. This solution aims at guaranteeing the QoS and seamless connectivity during traffic steering. A performance evaluation conducted in a scenario composed of one LTE-LSA and three WiFi network operators demonstrates that the proposed solution fulfills the time required by the unscheduled evacuation as well as guarantees the QoS and seamless connectivity of evacuees.