Joint Energy and Performance Aware Relay Positioning in Flying Networks

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have emerged as suitable platforms for transporting and positioning communications nodes on demand, including Wi-Fi Access Points cellular Base Stations. This paved the way deployment of flying networks capable temporarily providing wireless connectivity reinforcing coverage capacity existing networks. Several solutions been proposed UAVs acting Flying (FAPs). Yet, Communications Relays (FCRs) in charge forwarding traffic to/from Internet has not received equal attention. In addition, state art works are focused optimizing both network performance energy-efficiency from point view, leaving aside a relevant component: energy spent UAV propulsion. We propose Energy Performance Aware relay Positioning (EPAP) algorithm. EPAP defines target performance-aware Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) values links established between FCR FAPs and, based that, computes trajectory to be completed by so that propulsion is minimized. was evaluated terms endurance, considering multiple networking scenarios. Simulation results show gains up 25% while compromising Quality Service offered network.