• ETRI Journal
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.787-798
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• 2021

This paper applies learning automata to improve the performance of a Q-learning based random access channel (QL-RACH) scheme in a cellular machine-to-machine (M2M) communication system. A prioritized learning automata QL-RACH (PLA-QL-RACH) access scheme is proposed. The scheme employs a prioritized learning automata technique to improve the throughput performance by minimizing the level of interaction and collision of M2M devices with human-to-human devices sharing the RACH of a cellular system. In addition, this scheme eliminates the excessive punishment suffered by the M2M devices by controlling the administration of a penalty. Simulation results show that the proposed PLA-QL-RACH scheme improves the RACH throughput by approximately 82% and reduces access delay by 79% with faster learning convergence when compared with QL-RACH.