Computation Offloading and Resource Allocation in NOMA-MEC Enabled Aerial-Terrestrial Networks Exploiting mmWave Capabilities for 6G

Ubiquitous coverage, high data rate connectivity, and mobile edge computing (MEC) are regarded as essential components, exemplifying the advancements anticipated in sixth-generation (6G) technology. Nevertheless, the successful implementation of these services heavily relies on the availability of robust network access and communication infrastructure often lacking in remote areas. In this context, there has been a considerable interest in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) as a mean to compliment terrestrial communication. Targeting the 6G horizon, in this paper, a non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA)-MEC enabled aerial-terrestrial network operating at millimeter wave (mmWave) is proposed where the terrestrial users are provided access and edge computing services by high altitude platforms (HAPs). We analyze the overall performance of the proposed model and aim to reduce the difference in execution time among the users in a NOMA cluster by optimizing the transmission power of users and the computational resource allocation at MEC servers via successive convex approximation method. Equalization of the execution time of paired users minimizes the inefficiencies in both the frequency and computational resource usage along with improving average uplink system throughput.