ADJUST WIRELESS COVERAGE AREA

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This description relates to wireless communications.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A communication system may be a facility that enables communication between two or more nodes or devices, such as fixed or mobile communication devices. Signals can be carried on wired or wireless carriers.

[0003] An example of a cellular communication system is an architecture that is being standardized by the 3 ^rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). A recent development in this field is often referred to as the long-term evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio-access technology. E-UTRA (evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access) is the air interface of 3GPP's Long Term Evolution (LTE) upgrade path for mobile networks. In LTE, base stations or access points (APs), which are referred to as enhanced Node AP (eNBs), provide wireless access within a coverage area or cell. In LTE, mobile devices, or mobile stations are referred to as user equipments (UE). LTE has included a number of improvements or developments. Aspects of LTE are also continuing to improve.

[0004] 5G New Radio (NR) development is part of a continued mobile broadband evolution process to meet the requirements of 5G, similar to earlier evolution of 3G & 4G wireless networks. In addition, 5G is also targeted at the new emerging use cases in addition to mobile broadband. A goal of 5G is to provide significant improvement in wireless performance, which may include new levels of data rate, latency, reliability, and security. 5G NR may also scale to efficiently connect the massive Internet of Things (loT) and may offer new types of mission-critical services. For example, ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC) devices may require high reliability and very low latency.

SUMMARY

[0005] According to an example embodiment, a method may include: determining, by a first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, that a current resource utilization level of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node is greater than a threshold; transmitting, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle- based network node to at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, a wireless resource assistance request to request an increased coverage area or increased resource utilization by the at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; receiving, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node from the at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, a wireless resource assistance confirmation that confirms the at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node will provide wireless resource assistance; and decreasing, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node based on the wireless resource assistance confirmation, a coverage area of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node.

[0006] According to an example embodiment, a method may include receiving, by a first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node from at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, a wireless resource assistance request to request an increased coverage area or increased resource utilization by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; determining, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, that a current resource utilization level of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node is less than a threshold; and transmitting, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node to the at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node based on the determining and in response to the wireless resource assistance request, a wireless resource assistance confirmation that confirms the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node will provide wireless resource assistance; and increasing, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, a coverage area of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node to provide the wireless resource assistance.

[0007] According to another example embodiment, a method may include transmitting, by a first unmanned aerial vehicle- based network node to at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, a current resource utilization level of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; receiving, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node from the at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, a current resource utilization level of the at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; comparing, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, the current resource utilization level of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node to the current resource utilization level of the at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; performing the following based on a result of the comparing: adjusting, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, a coverage area of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; and transmitting, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, an indication of the adjusting of the coverage area of the first unmanned aerial vehicle- based network node.

[0008] Other example embodiments are provided or described for each of the example methods, including: means for performing any of the example methods; a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one processor, are configured to cause a computing system to perform any of the example methods; and an apparatus including at least one processor, and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform any of the example methods.

[0009] The details of one or more examples of embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wireless network according to an example embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating communication between unmanned aerial vehiclebased network nodes (U AV-based NNs) according to an example embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a circling (or traveling) path and a coverage area for a UAV-based network node according to an example embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating operation of a UAV-based network node that uses a wireless resource assistance request and/or a wireless resource assistance confirmation to adjust its coverage area according to an example embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating operation of a UAV-based network node that periodically transmits its current resource utilization level, and uses a comparison of its current resource utilization level to a resource utilization level of a neighbor UAV-based NN to adjust its coverage area according to an example embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating operation of a UAV-based network node that performs a trigger-based transmission of its current resource utilization level, and uses a comparison of its current resource utilization level to a resource utilization level of a neighbor UAV-based NN to adjust its coverage area according to an example embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating operation of a UAV-based network node according to an example embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating operation of a UAV-based network node according to another example embodiment. [0018] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating operation of a UAV-based network node according to another example embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a wireless station or node (e.g., network node, user node or UE, relay node, or other node).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wireless network 130 according to an example embodiment. In the wireless network 130 of FIG. 1, user devices 131, 132, 133 and 135, which may also be referred to as mobile stations (MSs) or user equipment (UEs), may be connected (and in communication) with a base station (BS) 134, which may also be referred to as an access point (AP), an enhanced Node B (eNB), a gNB or a network node. The terms user device and user equipment (UE) may be used interchangeably. A BS may also include or may be referred to as a RAN (radio access network) node, and may include a portion of a BS or a portion of a RAN node, such as (e.g., such as a centralized unit (CU) and/or a distributed unit (DU) in the case of a split BS or split gNB). At least part of the functionalities of a BS (e.g., access point (AP), base station (BS) or (e)Node B (eNB), gNB, RAN node) may also be carried out by any node, server or host which may be operably coupled to a transceiver, such as a remote radio head. BS (or AP) 134 provides wireless coverage within a cell 136, including to user devices (or UEs) 131, 132, 133 and 135. Although only four user devices (or UEs) are shown as being connected or attached to BS 134, any number of user devices may be provided. BS 134 is also connected to a core network 150 via a SI interface 151. This is merely one simple example of a wireless network, and others may be used.

[0021] A base station (e.g., such as BS 134) is an example of a radio access network (RAN) node within a wireless network. A BS (or a RAN node) may be or may include (or may alternatively be referred to as), e.g., an access point (AP), a gNB, an eNB, or portion thereof (such as a /centralized unit (CU) and/or a distributed unit (DU) in the case of a split BS or split gNB), or other network node.

[0022] According to an illustrative example, a BS node (e.g., BS, eNB, gNB, CU/DU, ... ) or a radio access network (RAN) may be part of a mobile telecommunication system. A RAN (radio access network) may include one or more BSs or RAN nodes that implement a radio access technology, e.g., to allow one or more UEs to have access to a network or core network. Thus, for example, the RAN (RAN nodes, such as BSs or gNBs) may reside between one or more user devices or UEs and a core network. According to an example embodiment, each RAN node (e.g., BS, eNB, gNB, CU/DU, ... ) or BS may provide one or more wireless communication services for one or more UEs or user devices, e.g., to allow the UEs to have wireless access to a network, via the RAN node. Each RAN node or BS may perform or provide wireless communication services, e.g., such as allowing UEs or user devices to establish a wireless connection to the RAN node, and sending data to and/or receiving data from one or more of the UEs. For example, after establishing a connection to a UE, a RAN node or network node (e.g., BS, eNB, gNB, CU/DU, ... ) may forward data to the UE that is received from a network or the core network, and/or forward data received from the UE to the network or core network. RAN nodes or network nodes (e.g., BS, eNB, gNB, CU/DU, ... ) may perform a wide variety of other wireless functions or services, e.g., such as broadcasting control information (e.g., such as system information or on-demand system information) to UEs, paging UEs when there is data to be delivered to the UE, assisting in handover of a UE between cells, scheduling of resources for uplink data transmission from the UE(s) and downlink data transmission to UE(s), sending control information to configure one or more UEs, and the like. These are a few examples of one or more functions that a RAN node or BS may perform.

[0023] A user device or user node (user terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile terminal, handheld wireless device, etc.) may refer to a portable computing device that includes wireless mobile communication devices operating either with or without a subscriber identification module (SIM), including, but not limited to, the following types of devices: a mobile station (MS), a mobile phone, a cell phone, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handset, a device using a wireless modem (alarm or measurement device, etc.), a laptop and/or touch screen computer, a tablet, a phablet, a game console, a notebook, a vehicle, a sensor, and a multimedia device, as examples, or any other wireless device. It should be appreciated that a user device may also be (or may include) a nearly exclusive uplink only device, of which an example is a camera or video camera loading images or video clips to a network. Also, a user node may include a user equipment (UE), a user device, a user terminal, a mobile terminal, a mobile station, a mobile node, a subscriber device, a subscriber node, a subscriber terminal, or other user node. For example, a user node may be used for wireless communications with one or more network nodes (e.g., gNB, eNB, BS, AP, CU, DU, CU/DU) and/or with one or more other user nodes, regardless of the technology or radio access technology (RAT). In LTE (as an illustrative example), core network 150 may be referred to as Evolved Packet Core (EPC), which may include a mobility management entity (MME) which may handle or assist with mobility/handover of user devices between BSs, one or more gateways that may forward data and control signals between the BSs and packet data networks or the Internet, and other control functions or blocks. Other types of wireless networks, such as 5G (which may be referred to as New Radio (NR)) may also include a core network.

[0024] In addition, the techniques described herein may be applied to various types of user devices or data service types, or may apply to user devices that may have multiple applications running thereon that may be of different data service types. New Radio (5G) development may support a number of different applications or a number of different data service types, such as for example: machine type communications (MTC), enhanced machine type communication (eMTC), Internet of Things (loT), and/or narrowband loT user devices, enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), and ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC). Many of these new 5G (NR) - related applications may require generally higher performance than previous wireless networks.

[0025] loT may refer to an ever-growing group of objects that may have Internet or network connectivity, so that these objects may send information to and receive information from other network devices. For example, many sensor type applications or devices may monitor a physical condition or a status, and may send a report to a server or other network device, e.g., when an event occurs. Machine Type Communications (MTC, or Machine to Machine communications) may, for example, be characterized by fully automatic data generation, exchange, processing and actuation among intelligent machines, with or without intervention of humans. Enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) may support much higher data rates than currently available in LTE.

[0026] Ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC) is a new data service type, or new usage scenario, which may be supported for New Radio (5G) systems. This enables emerging new applications and services, such as industrial automations, autonomous driving, vehicular safety, e-health services, and so on. 3 GPP targets in providing connectivity with reliability corresponding to block error rate (BLER) of 10' ⁵ and up to 1 ms U-Plane (user/data plane) latency, by way of illustrative example. Thus, for example, URLLC user devices/UEs may require a significantly lower block error rate than other types of user devices/UEs as well as low latency (with or without requirement for simultaneous high reliability). Thus, for example, a URLLC UE (or URLLC application on a UE) may require much shorter latency, as compared to an eMBB UE (or an eMBB application running on a UE).

[0027] The techniques described herein may be applied to a wide variety of wireless technologies or wireless networks, such as LTE, LTE-A, 5G (New Radio (NR)), cmWave, and/or mmWave band networks, loT, MTC, eMTC, eMBB, URLLC, etc., or any other wireless network or wireless technology. These example networks, technologies or data service types are provided only as illustrative examples.

[0028] 5G (and previous generations) of wireless networks have been designed to provide connectivity for an essentially bi-dimensional space, that is, network nodes (e.g., gNBs, APs, CU/DUs, or other network nodes) have generally been deployed to offer connectivity to devices on the ground. On the other hand, evolved 5G and future 6G heterogeneous architectures are envisioned to provide three-dimensional coverage complementing terrestrial infrastructures with non-terrestrial platforms (e.g., drones, balloons, and satellites). Moreover, these elements could also be quickly deployed to guarantee seamless service continuity and reliability, for example, in rural areas or during events and emergencies, avoiding the operational and management costs of always-on, fixed infrastructures. An example of a non-terrestrial platform may include a unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based network node (UAV-based NN), in which a network node is provided on a UAV.

[0029] Despite such promising opportunities, there are various challenges to be solved before flying (or non-terrestrial) wireless platforms can effectively be used in wireless networks, for example, topology and trajectory optimization, and resource management. For example, UAV-based NNs have been proposed, but have very limited communication or coordination with other UAV-based NNs, and thus, there is little or no coordination among UAV-based NNs to optimize or improve resource usage among the UAV-based NNs. This lack of coordination among UAV-based NNs may lead to an inefficient use of resources, e.g., where over-utilized UAV-based NNs may serve a large number of subscribers or UEs, which may exceed the resources of the UAV-based NN, while under-utilized UAV-based NNs may serve only a small number of subscribers or UEs, which may use only a small portion of the available resources of the UAV-based NN.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating communication between unmanned aerial vehiclebased network nodes (UAV-based NNs) according to an example embodiment. A UAV 210 may include a UAV-based network node 212, and a UAV 220 may include a UAV-based NN 222. UAV-based NNs 212 and 222 may each serve one or more subscribers or UEs, which may be connected to the UAV-based NN. Also, the UAV-based NNs that are neighbors or nearby to each other may be in communication with each other. The nearby or neighbor UAV-based NNs that are neighbors to a UAV-based NN may vary or change over time, since each of the UAV- based NNs may fly or move, e.g., in a circling path or traveling path, for example. According to an example embodiment, UAV-based NNs 212 and 222 may communicate with each other to coordinate resource utilization.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a circling (or traveling) path and a coverage area for a UAV-based network node according to an example embodiment. UAV-based network node (UAV-based NN) 212 may move or travel along a circling (or traveling) path 310. Circling path 310 may include a radius, and may have a perimeter. Circling path 310 may include a center 312. Circling path 310 may be a circle, an ellipse, or any other shape that indicates the path the UAV-based NN 212 may travel or move. Thus, circling path 310 may also be referred to as a traveling path of the UAV-based NN 212. A location (e.g., location of center 312) and/or size of the circling path may change. A coverage area 316 of the UAV-based NN 212 is shown, and may be an area within which the UAV-based NN may provide wireless services to UEs 318 (or subscribers), such as UEs 318A, 318B, 318C and 318D. Thus, the UAV-based NN 212 may communicate with UEs (or may have a connection with UEs) that are located within the coverage area of the UAV-based NN. The coverage area 316 is not the same as the circling path 310, but may typically be larger than the circling path 310, as shown in FIG. 3. Coverage area 316 may include the coverage area encompassed as the UAV-based NN 212 moves around the circling or traveling path 310, and thus, includes, for example, the coverage area within both line 330 (solid line 330, showing coverage area when UAV-based NN is located on left- most point 340 of circling path 310) and line 332 (dashed line 332, showing coverage area when UAV-based NN 212 is located on right-most point 342 of circling path 310). The coverage area 316 of UAV-based NN 212 may be based on (and thus may be adjusted based on) several factors, such as the circling (or traveling) path 310 and/or the radius or perimeter of the circling or traveling path 310, the transmission power of the UAV-based NN 212, environmental interference that may cause or result in signal attenuation and/or multi-path fading, etc. In some cases, the coverage area may vary based on the center of the circling or traveling path, e.g., as the location of the circling or traveling path changes.

[0032] According to an example embodiment, UAV-based NNs may exchange messages that may include or indicate resource-related information (such as a wireless resource assistance request, a wireless resource assistance confirmation, and/or a current resource utilization level, for example). Based on the exchange of these messages between neighbor UAV-based NNs, one or more UAV-based NNs may adjust (e.g., increase or decrease) their coverage area, e.g., in order to adjust (e.g., increase or decrease) their resource utilization. This coordination between UAV-based NNs may result in a more efficient use of resources among multiple UAV-based NNs.

[0033] In an example embodiment, a UAV-based NN may determine its current resource utilization level, and then may compare its current resource utilization level to a threshold, in order to determine whether or not the UAV-based NN should transmit a wireless resource assistance request that requests other UAV-based NNs to provide an increased coverage area, and/or to reply (to another UAV-based NN that sent such wireless resource assistance request) with a wireless resource assistance confirmation that confirms the UAV-based NN will provide wireless resource assistance (e.g., by increasing its coverage area). Based on a received wireless resource assistance confirmation, the UAV-based NN that requested assistance (e.g., the UAV-based NN that has a current resource utilization level greater than a threshold and sent the wireless resource assistance request) may then decrease its coverage area, which may result in a decrease of its resource utilization.

[0034] Also, in another example embodiment, a UAV-based NN may determine its current resource utilization level, and then may compare its current resource utilization level to a current resource utilization level indicated by a neighbor UAV-based NN. Based on a result of the comparing, the UAV-based NN may then adjust its coverage area, in order to adjust its resource utilization, and then transmit an indicating of the adjusting. For example, a UAV- based NN that has a current resource utilization level greater than a neighbor UAV-based NN may decrease its coverage area, while a UAV-based NN that has a current resource utilization level less than a neighbor UAV-based NN may increase its coverage area to increase its resource utilization level, e.g., to provide assistance to another UAV-based NN (and thereby allow that other UAV-based NN to decrease its coverage area).

[0035] A UAV-based NN may consider or evaluate (either individually, or all together) a variety of its resources (e.g., different types of resources) or resource-related parameters, in order to determine its current resource utilization level. Also, for example, at least in some cases, one or more of these resource-related parameters 1) - 8) below (as examples) may be improved when the UAV-based NN decreases its coverage area, and one or more of these resource-related parameters may worsen when the UAV-based NN increases its coverage area. A UAV-based NN may consider, when determining its current resource utilization level, one or more resource-related parameters, including evaluating or considering one or more of the following resources or resource related parameters, as examples:

[0036] 1) A total or cumulative data rate of user devices (UEs) served by the UAV-based

NN. For example, if a total data rate of UE’s served by the UAV-based NN is greater than a first threshold (e.g., greater than 80% of the UAV-based NN’s maximum data rate), then this may indicate that the UAV-based NN should decrease its coverage area in order to decrease its total data rate. Or, for example, if a total data rate of UE’s served by the UAV-based NN is less than a second threshold (e.g., less than 50% of the UAV-based NN’s maximum data rate), then this may indicate that the UAV-based NN may increase its coverage area in order to increase its total data rate, e.g., in order to provide assistance to another (e.g., a neighbor) UAV-based NN.

[0037] 2) A number of UEs served by the UAV-based NN compared to a maximum (or threshold) number of UEs that can be served by the UAV-based NN. For example, if the UAV- based NN serves more than a first threshold number (e.g., an upper threshold) of UEs, this may indicate that the UAV-based NN should decrease its coverage area. While, if the UAV-based NN serves less than a second threshold number (e.g., a lower threshold) of UEs, this may indicate that the UAV-based NN may increase its coverage area, e.g., in order to serve more UEs and thereby provide assistance to another (or a neighbor) UAV-based NN.

[0038] 3) A number or percentage of available time slots for the UAV-based NN. For example, if the UAV-based NN has less than a first percentage (e.g., less than 15%) of available time slots, then this may indicate that the UAV-based NN should decrease its coverage area (e.g., since there is a risk it may run out of time slots for UEs, and thus UE demand may exceed supply of time slots). While, if the UAV-based NN has more than a second percentage (e.g., more than 60%) of available time slots, then this may indicate the UAV-based NN may increase its coverage area, e.g., to use or allocate more of its time slots, and thereby provide assistance to another UAV-based NN.

[0039] 4) A time slot length used by the UAV-based NN. If the length of time slots allocated to UEs is less than a first threshold (which may diminish service or quality of service provided to UEs), this may indicate that the UAV-based NN should decrease its coverage area, so it can offer longer/larger time slots to UEs. Offering a time slot length greater than a second threshold may indicate that the UAV-based NN may increase its coverage area, and thereby provide assistance to another UAV-based NN.

[0040] 5) Resource needs or resource requests of UEs served by the UAV-based NN. If the resource requests or resources needs of UEs served by the UAV-based NN are greater than a first threshold, this may indicate that the UAV-based NN should decrease its coverage area. On the other hand, if the resource needs or resource requests of UEs served by the UAV-based NN are less than a second threshold, this may indicate that the UAV-based NN may increase its coverage area and thereby allocate more of its resources to UEs, and thereby provide assistance to other UAV-based NNs.

[0041] 6) A battery level, a percentage of remaining battery power, or an amount of time of remaining battery power of the first unmanned aerial vehicle- based network node. For example, if the battery level (remaining battery power) for the UAV-based NN is less than a first threshold, this may indicate that the UAV-based NN should decrease its coverage area, in order to reduce battery consumption and extend battery life. While, if the battery level for the UAV- based NN is greater than a threshold (e.g., second threshold), this may indicate that the UE has plenty of battery power and may thus increase its coverage area, e.g., to provide assistance to other UAV-based NNs.

[0042] 7) A transmission power required to transmit to user devices served by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node. For example, different environmental conditions or signal propagation conditions may exist (e.g., lots of trees may cause signal attenuation). Also, in some cases, many of the UEs may be close to the UAV-based NN, while in other cases, many or most of the UEs may be at the edge of the coverage area. These factors, for example, may impact the transmission power that the UAV-based NN may use to provide wireless services to such UEs. Using a higher transmission power (e.g., on average), e.g., greater than a threshold transmission power, may indicate that the UAV should decrease its coverage area, while using a lower transmission power, e.g., less than a threshold, may indicate that the UAV- based NN may increase its coverage area.

[0043] 8) A quality of service (QoS) or average QoS provided to UEs served by the UAV- based NN, wherein QoS may include one or more of a data rate, a latency or other QoS parameter; Or, a percentage or amount of UEs served by the UAV-based NN for which a requested QoS is met by the UAV-based NN. These QoS related factors may also be considered. For example, if the UAV-based NN provides a requested QoS for less than a threshold percentage or number of UEs served by the UAV-based NN, this may indicate that the coverage area for the UAV-based NN should be decreased. While, if the UAV-based NN provides a requested QoS for more than a threshold percentage or number of UEs served by the UAV-based NN, this may indicate that the coverage area for the UAV-based NN may be increased, e.g., in order to assist another UAV-based NN.

[0044] These are merely some example resource-related parameters that may be considered by a UAV-based NN when determining its current resource utilization level and/or determining whether the UAV-based NN may or should adjust (e.g., increase or decrease) its coverage area, in order to improve or optimize (e.g., balance) resource utilization among multiple UAV-based NNs.

[0045] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating operation of a UAV-based network node that uses a wireless resource assistance request and/or a wireless resource assistance confirmation to adjust its coverage area according to an example embodiment. At 410, a first UAV-based NN may send (transmit) a wireless resource assistance request (e.g., possibly with an indication of a requested level of assistance), when necessary (e.g., when its resource utilization level is greater than a threshold). The first UAV-based NN may determine that its current resource utilization level is greater than a threshold, e.g., based on one or more of the resource related parameters 1) - 8) noted above (as examples), which may relate to data rate, number of UEs served, available time slots, time slot lengths, resource needs or requests of served UEs, a battery level of the UAV-based NN, a required transmission power for the UAV-based NN, and/or QoS related parameters. Other factors, parameters or information may be considered as well, when the UAV-based NN determines its current resource utilization level. The first UAV-based NN may send a wireless resource assistance request to other/neighbor UAV-based NNs (e.g., to request assistance) based on the current resource utilization level of the first UAV-based NN being greater than a threshold.

[0046] At 420 of FIG. 4, a neighbor UAV-based NN determines its own current resource utilization level, and may determine that it can offer assistance by increasing its coverage area (e.g., based on its current resource utilization level of the neighbor UAV-based NN being less than a threshold). The neighbor UAV-based NN may then increase its coverage area (e.g., by increasing a radius or perimeter of a circling/traveling path and/or increasing transmission power), and sends a wireless resource assistance confirmation to the first UAV-based NN (possibly with an indication of a provided level of assistance, e.g., 10%) that confirms that the neighbor UAV-based NN will provide wireless resource assistance to the first UAV-based NN.

[0047] At 430 of FIG. 4, based on the received wireless resource assistance confirmation (e.g., which indicates that the neighbor UAV-based NN will provide assistance, and which may possibly include an indication of a provided level of assistance), the first UA-based NN decreases its coverage area (e.g., by decreasing the radius or perimeter of its circling (or traveling) path and/or by decreasing transmission power).

[0048] At 440 of FIG. 4, based on these messages/information exchanged between neighbor UAV-based NNs, each of the UAV-based NNs may adjust its coverage area, e.g., by adjusting a radius or perimeter of its circling (traveling) path and/or adjusting a transmission power, and thus adjust its resource utilization level. Therefore, in this manner, each UAV-based network node may use a wireless resource assistance request and/or a wireless resource assistance confirmation to adjust its coverage area according to an example embodiment. By a UA-based NN adjusting its coverage area, this may cause an adjustment to a resource utilization level of the UA-based NN, e.g., including an adjustment to one or more of the resource related parameters 1) - 8) noted above, for example (or others). Also, by the UAV-based NNs coordinating and/or communicating in this manner, a more balanced resource utilization may be achieved across multiple UAV-based NNs.

[0049] At 450, the first UAV-based NN may continue sending (e.g., sending multiple instances of) wireless resource assistance request(s), e.g., until its resource utilization level drops below the threshold level (or drops below a different threshold). Thus, in this manner, the UAV-based NN may adjust its circling radius or perimeter of its traveling path, and/or time slot usage (and/or other resource related parameter, such as any of resource related parameters 1) - 8) noted above) when adjusting its coverage area.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating operation of a UAV-based network node that periodically transmits its current resource utilization level, and uses a comparison of its current resource utilization level to a resource utilization level of a neighbor UAV-based NN to adjust its coverage area according to an example embodiment.

[0051] At 510, the first UAV-based NN periodically transmits its current resource utilization level to neighbor UAV-based NNs.

[0052] At 520, the neighbor UAV-based NN, which has a lower resource utilization level than the first UAV-based NN, increases its coverage area (e.g., by increasing a radius or perimeter of a circling (or traveling) path and/or increasing transmission power), and sends an increase coverage indication to the first UAV-based NN to indicate that it will provide assistance (e.g., to indicate that it will increase its coverage area).

[0053] At 530, the neighbor UAV-based NN, which has a higher resource utilization level than the first UAV-based NN, decreases its coverage area (e.g., by decreasing a radius or perimeter of a circling (or traveling) path and/or decreasing its transmission power), and sends a decrease coverage indication to the first UAV-based NN to indicate that it will decrease its coverage area.

[0054] At 540, therefore, based on these message(s) that may be exchanged between UAV- based NNs, each UAV-based NN may adjust (e.g., either increase or decrease) its coverage area (e.g., by adjusting a circling radius or perimeter of a traveling path, or by adjusting a transmission power, as examples), and thus adjust its resource utilization level, based on its current resource utilization level as compared to a resource utilization level of one or more neighbor UAV-based NNs. Thus, in this manner, the UAV-based NN may adjust its circling radius or perimeter and/or time slot usage (and/or other resource related parameter, such as any of resource related parameters 1) - 8) noted above) when adjusting its coverage area.

[0055] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating operation of a UAV-based network node that performs a trigger-based transmission of its current resource utilization level, and uses a comparison of its current resource utilization level to a resource utilization level of a neighbor UAV-based NN to adjust its coverage area according to an example embodiment. For example, one or more trigger conditions (such as two trigger conditions, or other number of trigger conditions) may be evaluated by a UAV-based NN, when determining whether to transmit its current resource utilization.

[0056] At 610 of FIG. 6, a first UAV-based NN may determine its current resource utilization level, and may compare its current resource utilization level to both a first (or lower) threshold and to a second (or upper) threshold. The first UAV-based NN may transmit its current resource utilization level to neighbor/other UAV-based NNs when its current resource utilization level is less than the first (or lower) threshold (since this means that the first UAV- based NN can provide assistance to other UAV-based NNs (and/or increase its coverage area) when this condition occurs) or when its current resource utilization level is greater than the second (or upper) threshold (since this may indicate that the first UAV-based NN should request assistance and decrease its coverage area).

[0057] At 620, the neighbor UAV-based NN, which has a lower resource utilization level than the first UAV-based NN, increases its coverage area (e.g., by increasing a radius or perimeter of a circling (or traveling) path and/or increasing transmission power), and sends an increase coverage indication to the first UAV-based NN to indicate that it will provide assistance (e.g., to indicate that it will increase its coverage area).

[0058] At 630, the neighbor UAV-based NN, which has a higher resource utilization level than the first UAV-based NN, decreases its coverage area (e.g., by decreasing a radius or perimeter of a circling (or traveling) path and/or decreasing its transmission power), and sends a decrease coverage indication to the first UAV-based NN to indicate that it will decrease its coverage area.

[0059] At 640, therefore, based on these trigger-based message(s) that may be exchanged between UAV-based NNs when a trigger condition is met, each UAV-based NN may adjust (e.g., either increase or decrease) its coverage area (e.g., by adjusting a circling radius or perimeter of a traveling path, or by adjusting a transmission power, as examples), and thus adjust its resource utilization level, based on its current resource utilization level as compared to a resource utilization level of a (one or more) neighbor UAV-based NN(s). Thus, in this manner, the UAV-based NN may adjust its circling radius or perimeter of a traveling path, transmission power, and time slot usage (or other resource related parameter, such as any of resource related parameters 1) - 8) noted above) when adjusting its coverage area.

[0060] For the various example embodiments described herein, the use of a threshold may be implemented via use of multiple thresholds, such as a first or lower threshold and a second or an upper threshold. Likewise, the embodiments that are described herein as using multiple thresholds may use only one or a single threshold (e.g., the first and second thresholds may be the same, or may be different). Also, an offset may be used in each of the embodiments, such that a condition or trigger condition may be met when the value is greater than another value by at least an offset, or less than another value by at least an offset.

[0061] In addition, for any of the embodiments, a UAV-based NN may also move a circling path or change a center of a circling path, e.g., to provide an adjustment to resource utilization level and/or provide assistance to a neighbor UAV-based NN. In some cases, the moving of the circling path, such as by changing a center of the circling or traveling path, may result in a change in resource utilization level of the UAV-based NN. For example, moving a circling path to an area that has fewer UEs, or that has a better transmission environment (e.g., allowing a lower transmission power to be used by the UAV-based NN) may result in a decreased resource utilization level; whereas, moving a circling path to an area that has more UEs, or that has a worse transmission environment (e.g., requiring a higher transmission power to be used by the UAV-based NN) may result in an increased resource utilization level.

[0062] In one extended implementation, a UAV which sends a wireless resource assistance request or sends (via trigger) a current utilization level that is greater than the upper threshold, may also send at least one of the following information to assist its neighbor UAV-based NNs to decide whether to enlarge (increase) their coverage area: current serving UAV-based NN position, current outermost (in term of distance from the circling center) served UE’s position and power requirement and channel condition for communication with outermost UE. For example, a neighbor UAV-based NN can use such information to determine whether it is the nearest UAV-based NN to the UAV-based NN that needs help (has requested assistance) and has enough power to serve such outermost UE(s).

[0063] In one extended implementation, a UAV-based NN can identify (for example, from the neighboring cells measurement reports) the most suitable neighboring UAV-based NN to hand-over the outermost (in term of distance from the circling center) served UEs to, and sends a wireless resource assistance request or sends (via trigger) a current resource utilization level that is greater than the upper threshold, with at least one of the following information to help it to learn and decide whether to enlarge their target coverage area as well as to prepare for the hand-over procedure: current outermost served UE’s position and power requirement and channel condition, as well as expected power requirement and channel condition after the handover (for example, from the neighboring cell’s measurement reports on this neighboring UAV- based NN). For example, this neighboring UAV-based NN can use such information to decide whether it is the nearest UAV-based NN to the UAV-based NN that needs help and has enough power to serve such outermost UEs after the hand-over.

[0064] Some further examples will be provided. [0065] Example 1. FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating operation of a UAV-based network node according to an example embodiment. Operation 710 includes determining, by a first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, that a current resource utilization level of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node is greater than a threshold. Operation 720 includes transmitting, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node to at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, a wireless resource assistance request to request an increased coverage area or increased resource utilization by the at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node. Operation 730 includes receiving, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node from the at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, a wireless resource assistance confirmation that confirms the at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node will provide wireless resource assistance. Operation 740 includes decreasing, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node based on the wireless resource assistance confirmation, a coverage area of the first unmanned aerial vehicle- based network node.

[0066] Example 2. The method of example 1 wherein the decreasing a coverage area comprises at least one of the following: decreasing a serving radius of a circling path or a perimeter of a traveling path for the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; decreasing a transmission power of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; and changing a center of the circling or traveling path of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node.

[0067] Example 3. The method of any of examples 1-2, wherein the decreasing a coverage area of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node also decreases, or causes a decrease of, the resource utilization of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node.

[0068] Example 4. The method of any of examples 1-3, wherein: the wireless resource assistance request includes an indication of a requested level of assistance that is being requested; and the wireless resource assistance confirmation includes an indication of a provided level of assistance that is being provided; and wherein the decreasing is performed based on the indication of the provided level of assistance.

[0069] Example 5. The method of example 4, wherein at least one of the indication of the requested level of assistance or the indication of the provided level of assistance comprises an indication of at least one of the following: an amount or percentage increase in a serving radius of a circling path or a perimeter of a traveling path for the at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; an amount or percentage increase in a coverage area for the at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; a movement or change in a center of a circling or traveling path for the at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; and an amount or percentage increase in transmission power for the at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehicle- based network node.

[0070] Example 6. The method of any of examples 1-5, wherein the determining, by a first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, that a current resource utilization level of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node is greater than a threshold is performed based on one or more of the following: a total or cumulative data rate of user devices served by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; a total or cumulative data rate of user devices served by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node compared to a maximum data rate of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; a number of user devices served by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node compared to a maximum number of user devices that can be served by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; a number or percentage of available time slots for the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; a number or percentage of time slots used by the first unmanned aerial vehiclebased network node to serve user devices compared to a maximum number of time slots of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; a time slot length used by first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node to serve user devices; resource needs or resource requests of user devices served by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; a battery level, a percentage of remaining battery power, or an amount of time of remaining battery power of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; a transmission power required to transmit to user devices served by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; a quality of service (QoS) or average QoS provided to user devices served by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, wherein QoS comprises one or more of a data rate, a latency or other QoS parameter; and a percentage or amount of user devices served by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node for which a requested QoS is met by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node.

[0071] Example 7. The method of any of examples 1-6, wherein the transmitting comprises: continuing transmitting, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle- based network node to at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, one or more instances of a wireless resource assistance request; and ceasing transmitting, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, further instances of the wireless resource assistance request after the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node decreases a coverage area of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node such that an updated resource utilization of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node is less than the threshold.

[0072] Example 8. The method of any of examples 1-7, wherein the threshold comprises a first threshold, wherein the wireless resource assistance request comprises a first wireless resource assistance request, and wherein the wireless resource assistance confirmation comprises a first wireless resource assistance confirmation, the method further comprising: receiving, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node from at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, a second wireless resource assistance request to request an increased coverage area or increased resource utilization by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; determining, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, that an updated resource utilization of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node is less than a second threshold; transmitting, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node to the at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, a wireless resource assistance confirmation that confirms the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node will provide wireless resource assistance; and increasing, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, a coverage area of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node to provide the wireless resource assistance.

[0073] Example 9. An apparatus comprising means for performing the method of any of examples 1-8.

[0074] Example 10. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one processor, are configured to cause a computing system to perform the method of any of examples 1-8.

[0075] Example 11. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform the method of any of examples 1-8.

[0076] Example 12. FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating operation of a UAV-based network node according to another example embodiment. Operation 810 includes receiving, by a first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node from at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, a wireless resource assistance request to request an increased coverage area or increased resource utilization by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node. Operation 820 includes determining, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, that a current resource utilization level of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node is less than a threshold. Operation 830 includes transmitting, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node to the at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node based on the determining and in response to the wireless resource assistance request, a wireless resource assistance confirmation that confirms the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node will provide wireless resource assistance. And, operation 840 includes increasing, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, a coverage area of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node to provide the wireless resource assistance.

[0077] Example 13. The method of example 12 wherein the increasing the coverage area comprises at least one of: increasing, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, a serving radius of a circling path or a perimeter of a traveling path for the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; increasing a transmission power of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; and changing a center of the circling or traveling path of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node.

[0078] Example 14. The method of any of examples 12-13, wherein: the wireless resource assistance request includes an indication of a requested level of assistance that is requested by the at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; and the wireless resource assistance confirmation includes an indication of a provided level of assistance that is provided by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node.

[0079] Example 15. The method of example 14, wherein at least one of the indication of the requested level of assistance or the indication of the provided level of assistance comprises an indication of at least one of the following: an amount or percentage increase in a serving radius of a circling path or a perimeter of a traveling path for the at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; an amount or percentage increase in a coverage area for the at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; a movement or change in a center of the circling or traveling path for the at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; and an amount or percentage increase in transmission power for the at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node.

[0080] Example 16. The method of any of examples 12-15, wherein the determining, by a first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, that a current resource utilization level of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node is less than a threshold is performed based on one or more of the following: a total or cumulative data rate of user devices served by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; a total or cumulative data rate of user devices served by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node compared to a maximum data rate of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; a number of user devices served by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node compared to a maximum number of user devices that can be served by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; a number or percentage of available time slots for the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; a number or percentage of time slots used by the first unmanned aerial vehiclebased network node to serve user devices compared to a maximum number of time slots of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; a time slot length used by first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node to serve user devices; resource needs or resource requests of user devices served by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; a battery level, a percentage of remaining battery power, or an amount of time of remaining battery power of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; a transmission power required to transmit to user devices served by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; a quality of service (QoS) or average QoS provided to user devices served by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, wherein QoS comprises one or more of a data rate, a latency or other QoS parameter; and a percentage or amount of user devices served by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node for which a requested QoS is met by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node.

[0081] Example 17. An apparatus comprising means for performing the method of any of examples 12-16.

[0082] Example 18. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one processor, are configured to cause a computing system to perform the method of any of examples 12-16. [0083] Example 19. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform the method of any of examples 12-16.

[0084] Example 20. FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating operation of a UAV-based network node according to another example embodiment. Operation 910 includes transmitting, by a first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node to at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehiclebased network node, a current resource utilization level of the first unmanned aerial vehiclebased network node. Operation 920 includes receiving, by the first unmanned aerial vehiclebased network node from the at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, a current resource utilization level of the at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehiclebased network node. Operation 930 includes comparing, by the first unmanned aerial vehiclebased network node, the current resource utilization level of the first unmanned aerial vehiclebased network node to the current resource utilization level of the at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node. And, operation 940 includes performing the following based on a result of the comparing: adjusting, by the first unmanned aerial vehiclebased network node, a coverage area of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; and transmitting, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, an indication of the adjusting of the coverage area of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node.

[0085] Example 21. The method of example 20 wherein the transmitting, by a first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node to at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehiclebased network node, a current resource utilization level of the first unmanned aerial vehiclebased network node, is performed periodically by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node.

[0086] Example 22. The method of example 20, further comprising: determining, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, that either : 1) the current resource utilization level of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node is less than a first threshold; or 2) the current resource utilization level of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node is greater than a second threshold; wherein the transmitting, by the first unmanned aerial vehiclebased network node to at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, a current resource utilization level of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, is performed by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node based on the determining. [0087] Example 23. The method of any of examples 20-22, comprising: determining, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, that the current resource utilization level of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node is greater than the current resource utilization level of the at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; wherein the adjusting comprises decreasing, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, a coverage area of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; and wherein the transmitting an indication of the adjusting comprises transmitting, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, a decrease coverage area indication for the first unmanned aerial vehicle- based network node to indicate that the coverage area of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node has been decreased.

[0088] Example 24. The method of any of examples 20-23, comprising: determining, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, that the current resource utilization level of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node is less than the current resource utilization level of the at least one neighbor unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; wherein the adjusting comprises increasing, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, a coverage area of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; and wherein the transmitting an indication of the adjusting comprises transmitting, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle- based network node, an increase coverage area indication for the first unmanned aerial vehicle- based network node to indicate that the coverage area of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node has been increased.

[0089] Example 25. The method of any of examples 20-24, wherein the adjusting, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, a coverage area of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node comprises at least one of the following: adjusting a serving radius of a circling path or a perimeter of a traveling path for the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; and adjusting a transmission power of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node.

[0090] Example 26. The method of any of examples 20-25, further comprising: moving or changing a center of the circling path or traveling path for the first unmanned aerial vehiclebased network node.

[0091] Example 27. The method of example 23, wherein the decreasing, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, a coverage area of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node comprises at least one of the following: decreasing a serving radius of a circling path or a perimeter of a traveling path for the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; decreasing a transmission power of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; and changing a center of the circling or traveling path of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node.

[0092] Example 28. The method of example 24, wherein the increasing, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, a coverage area of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node comprises at least one of the following: increasing a serving radius of a circling path or a perimeter of a traveling path for the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; and increasing a transmission power of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node.

[0093] Example 29. The method of any of examples 20-28, wherein the adjusting a coverage area of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node also adjusts, or causes an associated adjustment of, the resource utilization of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node.

[0094] Example 30. The method of any of examples 20-29, further comprising: determining, by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, the current resource utilization level of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node, based on one or more of the following: a total or cumulative data rate of user devices served by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; a total or cumulative data rate of user devices served by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node compared to a maximum data rate of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; a number of user devices served by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node compared to a maximum number of user devices that can be served by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; a number or percentage of available time slots for the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; a number or percentage of time slots used by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node to serve user devices compared to a maximum number of time slots of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; a time slot length used by first unmanned aerial vehiclebased network node to serve user devices; resource needs or resource requests of user devices served by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; a battery level, a percentage of remaining battery power, or an amount of time of remaining battery power of the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; a transmission power required to transmit to user devices served by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node; a quality of service (QoS) or average QoS provided to user devices served by the first unmanned aerial vehiclebased network node, wherein QoS comprises one or more of a data rate, a latency or other QoS parameter; and a percentage or amount of user devices served by the first unmanned aerial vehicle-based network node for which a requested QoS is met by the first unmanned aerial vehicle- based network node.

[0095] Example 31. An apparatus comprising means for performing the method of any of examples 20-30.

[0096] Example 32. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions stored thereon that, when executed by at least one processor, are configured to cause a computing system to perform the method of any of examples 20-30.

[0097] Example 33. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform the method of any of examples 20-30.

[0098] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a wireless station or node (e.g., UE, user device, AP, BS, eNB, gNB, RAN node, network node, TRP, or other node) 1200 according to an example embodiment. The wireless station 1200 may include, for example, one or more (e.g., two as shown in FIG. 10) RF (radio frequency) or wireless transceivers 1202A, 1202B, where each wireless transceiver includes a transmitter to transmit signals and a receiver to receive signals. The wireless station also includes a processor or control unit/entity (controller) 1204 to execute instructions or software and control transmission and receptions of signals, and a memory 1206 to store data and/or instructions.

[0099] Processor 1204 may also make decisions or determinations, generate frames, packets or messages for transmission, decode received frames or messages for further processing, and other tasks or functions described herein. Processor 1204, which may be a baseband processor, for example, may generate messages, packets, frames or other signals for transmission via wireless transceiver 1202 (1202A or 1202B). Processor 1204 may control transmission of signals or messages over a wireless network, and may control the reception of signals or messages, etc., via a wireless network (e.g., after being down-converted by wireless transceiver 1202, for example). Processor 1204 may be programmable and capable of executing software or other instructions stored in memory or on other computer media to perform the various tasks and functions described above, such as one or more of the tasks or methods described above. Processor 1204 may be (or may include), for example, hardware, programmable logic, a programmable processor that executes software or firmware, and/or any combination of these. Using other terminology, processor 1204 and transceiver 1202 together may be considered as a wireless transmitter/receiver system, for example.

[0100] In addition, referring to FIG. 10, a controller (or processor) 1208 may execute software and instructions, and may provide overall control for the station 1200, and may provide control for other systems not shown in FIG. 10, such as controlling input/output devices (e.g., display, keypad), and/or may execute software for one or more applications that may be provided on wireless station 1200, such as, for example, an email program, audio/video applications, a word processor, a Voice over IP application, or other application or software.

[0101] In addition, a storage medium may be provided that includes stored instructions, which when executed by a controller or processor may result in the processor 1204, or other controller or processor, performing one or more of the functions or tasks described above.

[0102] According to another example embodiment, RF or wireless transceiver(s) 1202A/1202B may receive signals or data and/or transmit or send signals or data. Processor 1204 (and possibly transceivers 1202A/1202B) may control the RF or wireless transceiver 1202A or 1202B to receive, send, broadcast or transmit signals or data.

[0103] Embodiments of the various techniques described herein may be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations of them. Embodiments may be implemented as a computer program product, i.e., a computer program tangibly embodied in an information carrier, e.g., in a machine-readable storage device or in a propagated signal, for execution by, or to control the operation of, a data processing apparatus, e.g., a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple computers. Embodiments may also be provided on a computer readable medium or computer readable storage medium, which may be a non-transitory medium. Embodiments of the various techniques may also include embodiments provided via transitory signals or media, and/or programs and/or software embodiments that are downloadable via the Internet or other network(s), either wired networks and/or wireless networks. In addition, embodiments may be provided via machine type communications (MTC), and also via an Internet of Things (IOT).

[0104] The computer program may be in source code form, object code form, or in some intermediate form, and it may be stored in some sort of carrier, distribution medium, or computer readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. Such carriers include a record medium, computer memory, read-only memory, photoelectrical and/or electrical carrier signal, telecommunications signal, and software distribution package, for example. Depending on the processing power needed, the computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer or it may be distributed amongst a number of computers.

[0105] Furthermore, embodiments of the various techniques described herein may use a cyber-physical system (CPS) (a system of collaborating computational elements controlling physical entities). CPS may enable the embodiment and exploitation of massive amounts of interconnected ICT devices (sensors, actuators, processors microcontrollers,...) embedded in physical objects at different locations. Mobile cyber physical systems, in which the physical system in question has inherent mobility, are a subcategory of cyber-physical systems.

Examples of mobile physical systems include mobile robotics and electronics transported by humans or animals. The rise in popularity of smartphones has increased interest in the area of mobile cyber-physical systems. Therefore, various embodiments of techniques described herein may be provided via one or more of these technologies.

[0106] A computer program, such as the computer program(s) described above, can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit or part of it suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

[0107] Method steps may be performed by one or more programmable processors executing a computer program or computer program portions to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. Method steps also may be performed by, and an apparatus may be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

[0108] Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer, chip or chipset. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. Elements of a computer may include at least one processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer also may include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. Information carriers suitable for embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0109] To provide for interaction with a user, embodiments may be implemented on a computer having a display device, e.g., a cathode ray tube (CRT) or liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor, for displaying information to the user and a user interface, such as a keyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or a trackball, by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input.

[0110] Embodiments may be implemented in a computing system that includes a back-end component, e.g., as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, e.g., an application server, or that includes a front-end component, e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a Web browser through which a user can interact with an embodiment, or any combination of such back-end, middleware, or front-end components. Components may be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of communication networks include a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN), e.g., the Internet.

[0111] While certain features of the described embodiments have been illustrated as described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the various embodiments.