Utility-Aware Optimal Resource Allocation Protocol for UAV-Assisted Small Cells with Heterogeneous Coverage Demands

Abstract: In this paper, we consider a UAV-assisted small-cell having heterogeneous users with different data rates and coverage demands. Specifically, we propose a novel utility-aware resource-allocation protocol to maximize the utility of UAV by allowing it to simultaneously serve the highest possible number of heterogeneous users with available energy resources. In this regard, first, we derive a closed-form expression for the rate-coverage probability of a user considering Rician fading to incorporate the strong line of sight (LoS) component in UAV communication. Next, since this UAV utility maximization problem is non-convex and combinatorial, to obtain the global optimal resource allocation policy we propose an iterative feasibility checking method for fixed integers ranging from lower to upper bound on the number of users that can be served by UAV. To further reduce the complexity, we formulate an equivalent problem aimed at minimizing per user energy consumption, where tight analytical relaxation on rate-coverage probability constraint is used along with semi-closed expressions for joint-optimal power and time allocation. Lastly, via detailed numerical investigation, we validate our analytical claims, present insights on the impact of key system parameters, and demonstrate that 60% more users can be served using the proposed scheme, as compared to relevant benchmarks.