UAV caching in 6G networks: A Survey on models, techniques, and applications

Abstract

The rapid development road map of 6G networks has posed a new set of challenges to both industrial and academic sectors. On the one hand, it needs more disruptive technologies and solutions for addressing the threefold issues including enhanced mobile broadband, massive machine-type communications, and ultra-reliable and low-latency communications. On the other hand, the ever-massive number of mobile users and Internet of Things devices conveys the huge volume of traffic throughout the 6G networks. In this context, caching is one of the most feasible technologies and solutions that does not require any system architecture changes nor costly investments, while significantly improve the system performance, i.e., quality of service and resource efficiency. Ground caching models deployed at macro base stations, small-cell base stations, and mobile devices have been successfully studied and currently extended to the air done by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to deal with the challenges of 6G networks. This paper provides a comprehensive survey of UAV caching models, techniques, and applications in 6G networks. In particular, we first investigate the entire picture of caching models moving from the ground to the air as well as the related surveys on UAV communications. Then, we introduce a typical UAV caching system and describe how it works in connection with all types of the transceivers, end users, and applications and services (A&Ss). After that, we present the recent advancements and analyses of the UAV caching models and common system performance metrics. Furthermore, the UAV caching with assisted techniques, UAV caching-enabled mechanisms, and UAV caching A&Ss are discussed to demonstrate the role of UAV caching system in 6G networks. Finally, we highlight the ongoing challenges and potential research directions toward UAV caching in 6G networks.