On the Modelling of UAV-Aided Networks Using NarrowBand-IoT

In this paper, we consider a NarrowBand-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) network where an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), acting as Unmanned Aerial Base Station (UAB), is employed to collect data from IoT nodes deployed in a service area. Due to the UAB inherent mobility and NB-IoT protocol constraints, the design of proper parameters setting is not an easy task. To try and solve this problem, we analyse the scenario through stochastic tools, allowing to introduce an appropriate relation between protocol and UAB flight parameters, together with application requirements. Specifically, we study a cluster-based scenario, where IoT nodes are assumed to be deployed according to a Thomas cluster process, and we apply a Traveling Salesman Problem to design the UAB trajectory over the area. Notably, our model considers the protocol constraints, in terms of resource units available in the NB-IoT NPUSCH channel, the random access procedure implemented in the NPRACH channel and the data rate that can be provided to IoT nodes. Results allow to quickly deduce optimal design parameters for achieving the maximum network throughput.