Game-theoretic approach of fair bandwidth allocation in DVB-RCS networks

Abstract

In the present paper we study the problem of bandwidth allocation in DVB-RCS networks. DVB-RCS networks operate at Ku band and above. At these frequencies, rain attenuation is the dominant fading mechanism and exhibits significant spatial-temporal variation among the users. Firstly, the resource allocation is modeled as a non cooperative game and we find the Nash equilibrium employing the Nikaido-Isoda function and a relaxation algorithm. Moreover, we force the game to converge to a more fair equilibrium point, by introducing a pricing scheme. The bandwidth allocation to users that are affected more by rain fading is improved. Finally, we apply the principles of a cooperative game to describe the problem of resource allocation and we compare the results of the three approaches. Some useful conclusions are drawn.