An Improved Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm for UAV Base Station Placement

Author(s)

Pasandideh, Faezeh ; Cesen, Fabricio E. Rodriguez ; Pereira, Pedro Henrique Morgan ; Rothenberg, Christian Esteve ; de Freitas, Edison Pignaton

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: WIRELESS PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS; v. N/A, p. 28-pg., 2023-03-22.

Abstract

In cellular networks, a set of Base Stations (BSs) might be out of service and failed in the aftermath of natural disasters. One of the promising solutions to fix this situation is to send low altitude drones equipped with a small cellular BS (DBSs) to the target locations. This can provide cellular networks with vital communication links and make available temporary coverage for the users in unexpected circumstances. However, finding the minimum number of DBSs and their optimal locations are highly challenging issues. In this paper, a Mixed-Integer Non-Linear Programming formulation is provided, in which the DBSs' location and the proper number of DBSs are jointly determined. An improved PSO-based algorithm is proposed to jointly optimize DBSs' locations and find the minimum number of DBSs. As in the original PSO algorithm, the particles are randomly distributed in the initialization phase and a K-means-based clustering method is employed to generate the positions of the first-generation particles (DBSs). In addition, a custom communication protocol is presented for data exchange between the users' equipment (UE) and the network controller. The proposed approach is evaluated through four simulation experiments implemented using Mininet-Wifi integrated with CopelliaSim. The acquired results show that the proposed solution based on the integration of PSO and K-means algorithms provides a low packet loss and latency. Moreover, it indicates that most of the users in the considered scenarios are covered by the DBSs. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/00199-8 - SMART NEtworks and ServiceS for 2030 (SMARTNESS)
• Grantee: Christian Rodolfo Esteve Rothenberg
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research Centers in Engineering Program