Machine Learning-Based Reliable Transmission for UAV Networks With Hybrid Multiple Access

Emerging applications are placing increasing demands on wireless networks, particularly in terms of ensuring reliable communication for control-related information. However, the complexity of network architectures and the growing number of user devices present significant challenges in achieving reliable multiple access. In this paper, we present a framework that utilizes machine learning (ML) to meet the need for reliable access in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) networks. The K-means algorithm is employed to cluster users according to their communication reliability requirements, grouping together users with similar demands within each cluster. Each cluster adopts a different access strategy: clusters with lower reliability requirements utilize non-orthogonal multiple access to enhance spectrum efficiency, while clusters with higher reliability requirements employ orthogonal multiple access to ensure reliability. Taking into account the impact of UAV altitude and power allocation schemes on reliability, we propose an iterative algorithm to optimize the UAV altitude and power allocation factors, aiming to maximize UAV coverage while meeting the users’ reliability requirements. The simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed ML-based reliable access scheme, highlighting its potential to enhance the design and deployment of reliable communication in future UAV networks.