Abstract: Drone base stations (DBSs) create a radio access network (DRAN) that provides a quick on-demand coverage in areas either for lost coverage due to disasters (providing an emergency communications network (ECN)) or for specific military, governmental and IoT application needs. DRAN Control Functions may be modeled as Virtualized Network Functions (VNFs) to operate and control a flying DRAN that comprises a plurality of DBSs, providing near real-time configuration control functions. These unique functions apply to the combined drone and base station sub-components of each DBS. Unique configuration control actions are determining the number of drones, optimal 3D drone positioning, and the inter-drone graph topology by maximizing served cellular user clusters, while factoring in user slices, remaining drone flight times and RF interference.

Abstract: Drone base stations (DBSs) create a radio access network (DRAN) that provides a quick on-demand coverage in areas either for lost coverage due to disasters (providing an emergency communications network (ECN)) or for specific military, governmental and IoT application needs. DRAN Control Functions may be modeled as Virtualized Network Functions (VNFs) to operate and control a flying DRAN that comprises a plurality of DBSs, providing near real-time configuration control functions. These unique functions apply to the combined drone and base station sub-components of each DBS. Unique configuration control actions are determining the number of drones, optimal 3D drone positioning, and the inter-drone graph topology by maximizing served cellular user clusters, while factoring in user slices, remaining drone flight times and RF interference.