Analytical Optimal Joint Resource Allocation and Continuous Trajectory Design for UAV-Assisted Covert Communications

Globecom, pp. 2034–2039

Abstract

In this paper, we focus on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-assisted covert communication scenario, and introduce an optimal joint resource allocation and continuous UAV trajectory design. Our goal is to maximize the information throughput between UAV and a ground user, while protecting the transmission behavior from being detected by a warden. To tackle the formulated non-convex continuous trajectory design problem, we provide an artificial potential field (APF)-based approach, with which a closed-form optimal solution is for the first time obtained for considered UAV-assisted covert communication. In particular, by characterizing the covertness constraint and decoupling the original joint problem, we then convert the resulting pure trajectory design into a mechanical problem in the APF, which can be optimally solved based on mechanical equivalence technique. Specifically, the force field in the conducted APF corresponding to covert transmission rate is actually twisted due to the presence of the warden, for which we reorganize a brand new mechanical analysis process accordingly, including reanalyzing the direction of the force field and updating the force balance expression. Then, according to the minimum total potential energy principle, the closed-form solution of the optimal rope shape is constructed following the equilibrium analysis. Finally, we also verify our proposed algorithm and confirm the optimality of the obtained solution via simulations.

Authors 5

1. Yuxi Huang

   Wuhan University

   Affiliation as printed

   Wuhan University,School of Electronic Information,China

2. Yulin Hu

   Wuhan University

   Affiliation as printed

   Wuhan University,School of Electronic Information,China

3. Xiaopeng Yuan Aachen INDA Institute

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   RWTH Aachen University,INDA Institute,Germany

4. Mingliu Liu

   Wuhan University

   Affiliation as printed

   Wuhan University,School of Electronic Information,China

5. Anke Schmeink Aachen INDA Institute

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   RWTH Aachen University,INDA Institute,Germany