Joint trajectory and CoMP clustering optimization in UAV-assisted cellular systems: a coalition formation game approach

In this paper, the flexibility of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as well as the benefits of coordinated multi-point (CoMP) transmission, are utilized for mitigating the interference in cellular networks. Specifically, the joint problem of CoMP clusters and UAVs’ trajectories is addressed for downlink transmission in a UAV-assisted cellular system. The problem is presented as a non-convex optimization problem that aims to maximize the sum rate of the ground users by taking into account the clustering, UAV mobility and backhaul capacity constraints. Since the formulated problem is known to be NP-hard, we partition it into two sub-problems. Particularly, by using coalitional game theory, the CoMP clusters are obtained with a given UAVs’ trajectories. Then, UAVs’ trajectories are optimized with given CoMP clusters using successive convex approximation technique. Based on the block coordinate descent method, the two sub-problems are solved alternatively until convergence. Numerical results are conducted and demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.