Scheduling algorithms for policy driven QoS support in HSDPA networks

Increasing demand for high data-rate multimedia services has led to the emergence of high-speed data transfer features such as High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) for WCDMA networks. The role of the MAC-hs scheduler is vital in HSDPA in improving overall system performance. Using Opportunistic scheduling to exploit multi-user diversity for efficient transmission of best effort services or considering user fairness constraints has been the main focus of most scheduling algorithms. However the need for strict QoS support for services such as streaming, gaming, and VoIP is growing. Service operators can enforce their own policies in meeting these QoS requirements. In this paper we introduce two QoS-aware policy driven scheduling algorithms. We developed an HSDPA system in OPNET, and implemented our scheduling algorithms along with other well-known algorithms. OPNET simulations show that unlike other schedulers, our Strict and Loose Policy Scheduling (SPS and LPS) algorithms comply with the policy constraints if allowed by radio conditions and cell capacity.