# Adaptive Modulation and Coding based on Reinforcement Learning for 5G Networks

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1912.04030 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1912.04030/

## Key facts

- Cited by 4 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 25 Nov 2019.

## Built on by (most cited first, 4 of 4)

- [Generalization in Reinforcement Learning for Radio Access Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2507.06602/) (2025)
- [Joint Link Adaptation and Device Scheduling Approach for URLLC Industrial IoT Network: A DRL-based Method with Bayesian Optimization](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2512.23493/) (2025)
- [LOLLA: Deep Reinforcement Learning for Closed-Loop Link Adaptation Towards a GPU-Accelerated AI-RAN](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2606.23110/) (2026)
- [Combining Contention-Based Spectrum Access and Adaptive Modulation using Deep Reinforcement Learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2109.11723/) (2021)

## Abstract (arXiv)

We design a self-exploratory reinforcement learning (RL) framework, based on the Q-learning algorithm, that enables the base station (BS) to choose a suitable modulation and coding scheme (MCS) that maximizes the spectral efficiency while maintaining a low block error rate (BLER). In this framework, the BS chooses the MCS based on the channel quality indicator (CQI) reported by the user equipment (UE). A transmission is made with the chosen MCS and the results of this transmission are converted by the BS into rewards that the BS uses to learn the suitable mapping from CQI to MCS. Comparing with a conventional fixed look-up table and the outer loop link adaptation, the proposed framework achieves superior performance in terms of spectral efficiency and BLER.