Multi-UAV Relay Connectivity Optimization for Heterogeneous Users Based on Load Balancing and Throughput Maximization

Abstract

By relaying messages between users, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which are frequently utilized in the communication industry, can be used as airborne communication relays to resolve connectivity problems. In order to effectively connect a large number of heterogeneous users dispersed on the ground, we deploy a large number of UAVs for reliable relay coverage and message transmission between users. We initially put forth a relay coverage algorithm that continuously optimizes the position of UAVs and the cell division of terrestrial users in order to provide users with full coverage. Second, we study several relay message forwarding methods between UAVs while taking into account the features of heterogeneous users. A relay selection method, which takes the relay link throughput as the optimization goal, is proposed to ensure full connectivity between UAVs. Finally, we contrast and analyze how various relay forwarding methods affect the effectiveness of the relay network. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed relay coverage algorithm can balance the UAV relay load better and reduce transmission delay, while the suggested relay selection strategy can minimize the number of isolated UAVs and maximize the throughput of UAV relay links.