Resource Allocation for Wireless Networks: Basics, Techniques and Applications, Zhu Han and K.J. Ray Liu (Cambridge University Press, ISBN-13: 9780521873857, £50.00)
Radio resource management (RRM) is one of the key aspects of radio comms systems. RRM is the difference between a base station or radio terminal causing network interference or wasting electrical power; the difference between a telephone call being as clear as day or a noisy hiss; the difference between a network operator being able to support five or fifty users in a coverage area.
Highly mathematical/algorithmic in nature, RRM is one of the "dark arts" of radio comms systems, and the authors of this book attempt to bring light to the subject matter.
The book is structured in three parts. Part I is an overview of the various aspects of radio comms systems, and the general/specific issues that require/trigger RRM solutions. Part II is a summary of mathematical fields such as combinatorial optimisation, game theory, time-honoured in problem-solving. Part III considers specific RRM problems (antenna arrays, radio channel allocation etc).
Radio resource management (RRM) is one of the key aspects of radio comms systems. RRM is the difference between a base station or radio terminal causing network interference or wasting electrical power; the difference between a telephone call being as clear as day or a noisy hiss; the difference between a network operator being able to support five or fifty users in a coverage area.
Highly mathematical/algorithmic in nature, RRM is one of the "dark arts" of radio comms systems, and the authors of this book attempt to bring light to the subject matter.
The book is structured in three parts. Part I is an overview of the various aspects of radio comms systems, and the general/specific issues that require/trigger RRM solutions. Part II is a summary of mathematical fields such as combinatorial optimisation, game theory, time-honoured in problem-solving. Part III considers specific RRM problems (antenna arrays, radio channel allocation etc).
Overall, the book has a good feel to it, even though there is (and has to be) a significant amount of mathematical content.
Part I is very well-written indeed. The bare minimum mathematics is used, and it is relevant not gratuitous. There is a strong case for Part I being re-written/structured as an introductory book on RRM in its own right. Part II is brief, and rather than being a regurgitation of standard prose on the topics, the authors do sprinkle the topics with the occasional example relating to radio comms.
The only critique, borne of working on RRM systems, is the strong bias/emphasis on game theory in Part III. Most aspects of radio comms systems are such that network elements cannot co-operate, nor can allocated services be game players to "punish" or "reward", in any meaningful way.
I would recommend this book to anyone entering or finding their way in the RRM field. Those already involved in the field may find the focus on game-theoretic algorithms not to their liking, but there is some food for thought. And for those working in radio comms who may pass the book: do not be intimidated by the title - pick up and read. For Part I is an education for both the beginner and the experienced.
Steven Perryman
Fancy doing a review in return for the free book? See all the books available for review.
Part I is very well-written indeed. The bare minimum mathematics is used, and it is relevant not gratuitous. There is a strong case for Part I being re-written/structured as an introductory book on RRM in its own right. Part II is brief, and rather than being a regurgitation of standard prose on the topics, the authors do sprinkle the topics with the occasional example relating to radio comms.
The only critique, borne of working on RRM systems, is the strong bias/emphasis on game theory in Part III. Most aspects of radio comms systems are such that network elements cannot co-operate, nor can allocated services be game players to "punish" or "reward", in any meaningful way.
I would recommend this book to anyone entering or finding their way in the RRM field. Those already involved in the field may find the focus on game-theoretic algorithms not to their liking, but there is some food for thought. And for those working in radio comms who may pass the book: do not be intimidated by the title - pick up and read. For Part I is an education for both the beginner and the experienced.
Steven Perryman
Fancy doing a review in return for the free book? See all the books available for review.
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