Weighted-Sum Computation Rate Maximization for Multi-Cluster AirComp Networks

Over-the-air computation (AirComp) is an emerging technology that enables computation in wireless networks beyond conventional communication functionalities. In this paper, we extend the AirComp to a multi-cluster scenario, where the higher-flexibility computation is challenged by the interference therein. Towards this issue, we intend to maximize the weighted-sum computation rate, where the transmission scalar and receive beamforming are jointly investigated to achieve efficient AirComp under an interference environment. The problem is then decomposed and solved within an alternating optimization framework, where the receive beamforming is analyzed with closed-form expression, and the transmission is obtained through successive convex approximation. Simulation results demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed scheme over existing schemes, and also reveal the impacts of key parameters in terms of AirComp performance.