A survey on the channel assignment problem in wireless networks

TLDR

Efficient channel allocation in wireless networks is critical, yet NP‑complete, and practical time limits often necessitate near‑optimal solutions. The paper surveys challenges and approaches to channel allocation in cellular and cognitive radio networks, addressing interference and efficient channel use. It reviews existing methods that tackle interference and maximize channel utilization in cellular and cognitive radio settings. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abstract

Abstract Efficient allocation of channels for wireless communication in different network scenarios has become an extremely important topic of recent research. The main challenge lies in the fact that the channel allocation problem is NP‐complete. Because of a maximum allowable time limit imposed in practical situations for allocation of channels, sometimes we may need to be satisfied with a near‐optimal solution. In this correspondence, we present a discussion on the various challenges and approaches that have been used by different researchers to solve the problem of channel allocation taking into account different interference issues and efficient utilization of available communication channels for cellular mobile (including multimedia communication) environment and cognitive radio based networks. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.