An Enhanced Multi-UAVs’ Provider Framework for Delivering 5G Services Using a Game Theoretic Approach

In recent years, the successful utilization of flying ad hoc networks (FANETs) to enhance and extend the capabilities of 5G networks, particularly in settings marked by limited or entirely absent structured networks due to disasters, has been evident. Another interesting application scenario of FANETs is represented by disaster recovery operations. The deployment of a computing element on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), enabling them to deliver data processing services, has empowered 5G networks to broaden their functionalities, leading to the emergence of the so called edge Networking paradigm. This chapter introduces an augmented multi-UAV providers’ network model to improve disaster management operations, delineating the provisioning of services to users and ground devices. The primary objective of each provider within this model is to establish optimal service flows to manage and delegate to or receive from other providers. This is done to maximize revenue while minimizing total execution, execution requests, and transmission costs, all while adhering to constraints such as satisfying total customer demand for each service and meeting capacity requirements. We formulate the nonlinear optimization problem as a non-cooperative game, where each provider acts in a rational and selfish manner. Specifically, we analyze the generalized Nash equilibrium problem (GNEP) and provide an equivalent formulation using the variational inequality theory. To underscore the practical application of our model, we present and analyze an illustrative numerical example, showcasing its effectiveness in disaster management scenarios.