Two-Dimensional Location Optimisation of UAV-Mounted Base Stations in Dense Hetnets.
Abstract
As the capacity and coverage requirements of terrestrial networks increase,network operators
respond in di erent ways such as upgrading their network and using capacity enhancement
techniques. These include; sectoring, purchasing spectrum and densifying the network with
terrestrial small cells such as pico, femto and micro cells, these solutions are costly. In this
project, we proposed a solution of deployment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Base stations
(UAVBSs) as small base stations (SBSs) in a heterogeneous network (HetNet). UAV BSs
can replace the setting up of new terrestrial sites and provide on-demand communication.
However,their deployment creates a challenge for the operator's network planning. This is
because high levels of interferences are caused when poorly planned for, thereby degrading the
performance of network.
Therefore, a need for optimal deployment is created so as to maximize their contribution
to the network. An optimal planning algorithm is created for deployment of UAV BSs
where the best placement for UAV BSs were achieved by spreading out the locations of
new BSs from each other and from the existing BSs. This calls for maximizing the distance
between the BSs. Simulation results indicate that fewer UAV BSs are required when placed
in optimal locations as opposed to being placed in non-optimal locations to achieve the same
network performance. Simulation results also show that HetNets have better performance
than homogeneous networks in terms of sum rate and coverage probability.