Multi-Level Sequence-Based Frequency-Hopping in Multi-Cell Networks

In heterogeneous multi-cell networks (HetNets), inter-and intra-cell interference are critical issues impairing the performance. In this paper, the frequency-hopping (FH) technique based on an attractive FH sequence (FHS) set with two-level Hamming correlations is exploited in such networks. Motivating from the idea of no-and low-hit-zone FHS sets, a construction algorithm of the new FHS set is proposed by utilizing the interleaving technique. Then, the performance metric of such FHS set in terms of Hamming correlation properties are derived, which are verified by an example. Compared with classic FHS sets (patterns), the proposed FHS set offers a zero Hamming cross-correlation for intra-cell users, and a low Hamming cross-correlation for inter-cell users (i.e., multi-level quality-of-services). The intra-and inter-interference in multi-cell HetNets can be significantly reduced by the proposed sequence-based FH technique.