Sequential Resource Distribution Technique for Multi-User OFDM-SWIPT based Cooperative Networks

In this paper, we investigate resource allocation and relay selection in a dual-hop orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)-based multi-user network where amplify-and-forward (AF) enabled relays facilitate simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) to the end-users. In this context, we address an optimization problem to maximize the end-users’ sum-rate subjected to transmit power and harvested energy constraints. Furthermore, the problem is formulated for both time-switching (TS) and power-splitting (PS) SWIPT schemes.We aim at optimizing the users’ SWIPT splitting factors as well as sub-carrier–destination assignment, sub-carrier pairing, and relay–destination coupling metrics. This kind of joint evaluation is combinatorial in nature with non-linear structure involving mixed-integer programming. In this vein, we propose a sub-optimal low complex sequential resource distribution (SRD) method to solve the aforementioned problem. The performance of the proposed SRD technique is compared with a semi-random resource allocation and relay selection approach. Simulation results reveal the benefits of the proposed design under several parameter values with various operating conditions to illustrate the efficiency of SWIPT schemes for the proposed techniques.