This invention relates to a centralized packet scheduler for a
wireless communications network such as HSDPA, 1×EV-DO Revisions 0, A and B,
WiMAX, infrastructure-mode WiFi and any other type of network where centralized
packet scheduling is applicable. The invention provides a utility-opportunity cost
packet scheduling scheme for high-speed access that simultaneously achieves efficiency, fairness,
user satisfaction, and flexibility. The scheme employs a flexible utility function that incorporates the channel quality conditions of the users as well as a fairness measure. The utility function maximizes
user satisfaction as perceived by the
service provider while ensuring that users with favourable instantaneous channel quality conditions do not monopolize the radio resources. In addition, the scheme uses an opportunity cost function to allow the
service provider to optimize fairness in the context of network
throughput and hence, to control the
system capacity. The scheme combines the requirements of users (e.g.,
throughput,
delay, fairness, etc.) with the requirements of the
service provider (e.g., revenue) in making scheduling decisions.