Multi-UAV Hierarchical Intelligent Traffic Offloading Network Optimization Based on Deep Federated Learning

With the exponential growth in mobile data volume, cellular networks are under severe capacity pressure. To address this issue, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are being used as mobile base stations (BSs) for traffic offloading. However, coordinating and scheduling traffic across multiple UAVs and BSs remains a challenge in complex environments. This article proposes a solution that optimizes UAV deployment locations and user resource allocation, the goal is to maximize traffic offloading and minimize UAV energy consumption simultaneously. We introduce a hierarchical intelligent traffic offloading network optimization framework based on deep federated learning (DFL). Through federated learning, the UAV swarm is organized hierarchically. Additionally, we developed the CPRAFT algorithm, which uses capacity values as criterion to select the leader UAV (L-UAV). The L-UAV then becomes the top-level central server for model aggregation in the federated learning environment. Furthermore, we formalize the traffic offloading problem as a Markov decision process (MDP). Based on MDP, this article proposes an FL-SNTD3 algorithm to optimize dynamic decision making, which adapts to the ever-changing network environment and fluctuating traffic demands. Simulation experiments demonstrate that the proposed framework and algorithm exhibit outstanding performance in various aspects, providing robust support for future research in intelligent traffic offloading networks.