Joint Optimization of Positioning and Computation Offloading in Multi-UAV MEC Networks for Low Latency Applications

The advent of multi-unmanned aerial vehicle (multi-UAV) networks in mobile edge computing (MEC) introduces dynamic computational topologies where UAVs, acting as mobile edge servers, are tasked with processing data from ground-based user equipment (UE). This paper addresses the dual challenges of optimizing both UAV deployment and task offloading within such networks to minimize communication latency and efficiently utilize UAV resources, which are limited by battery life and processing capabilities. We propose a bi-level optimization framework that simultaneously tackles the placement of UAVs and the distribution of computational tasks among them. At the higher level, UAV deployment is optimized to ensure minimal distance to the UEs, thereby reducing latency and energy consumption during data transmission. At the lower level, task offloading is optimized to balance the computational load across the UAV network, considering each UAV's capacity and battery constraints. We demonstrate through extensive simulations the significant improvements in system efficiency, latency, and resilience. This approach not only enhances the performance of UAV-assisted MEC networks but also provides scalable solutions adaptable to various operational scenarios.