Decomposing Complexity: Strategies for Problem Decomposition in 5G Networks and Beyond
Amr M. Zaki, Sara A. Elsayed, Khalid Elgazzar, Hossam S. Hassanein · 2024
Ultra-dense networks (UDNs) play a pivotal role in 5G and beyond systems, crucial for facilitating the seamless communication of users. However, the dense deployment of numerous small base stations (SBSs) within UDN introduces significant heterogeneity, particularly in tasks such as user allocation for offloading and migration. Traditional centralized strategies become infeasible due to the vast state-action space inherent in UDN. This paper offers a comprehensive overview of various approaches proposed in the literature to address this challenge. It explores horizontal decomposition, utilizing multiple decision makers, vertical decomposition into manageable subproblems, and hybrid strategies combining both approaches. By doing so, this work aims to provide a pragmatic framework for tackling the mathematically intractable problems inherent in future communication networks.