Ai-enabled Uav-assisted Massive Mimo: Relaying for 5g-and-beyond Wireless Networks

The authors explore various Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-assisted massive Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output (MIMO) relaying systems designed for 5G-and-Beyond wireless networks.  This book also addresses scenarios where a direct connection between a base station and users is blocked, and a UAV acts as a relay to ensure seamless connectivity. The goal is to maximize the total achievable rate by solving key optimization problems in UAV placement, power allocation, and beamforming design. To tackle these challenges, the authors present novel artificial intelligence (AI)-driven solutions that achieve near-optimal performance in complex environments.

The first part introduces particle swarm optimization (PSO), a nature-inspired algorithm, for both single-user and multi-user massive MIMO settings, extending to multiple-UAV relay configurations. Our results demonstrate that PSO-based approaches can effectively enhance network capacity and coverage.  The second part focuses on reducing computational complexity, while maintaining high performance. The authors develop deep learning (DL)-based approaches, from supervised learning for UAV placement and power allocation to deep reinforcement learning for trajectory optimization in dynamic conditions. Numerical evaluations confirm that these DL-based methods achieve reduced runtime without sacrificing achievable rates.

This book targets researchers, advanced-level students and engineers interested in the challenges and practical solutions for UAV-assisted MIMO communications in  wireless networks. Professionals working in wireless communications focused on this topic will also want to purchase this book. 

Tho Le-Ngoc received the B.Eng. degree in electrical engineering and the M.Eng. degree in microprocessor applications from McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, in 1976 and 1978, respectively, and the Ph.D. degree in digital communications from the University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada, in 1983. From 1977 to 1982, he was with Spar Aerospace Ltd., Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada, involved in the development and design of satellite communications systems. From 1982 to 1985, he was with SRTelecom, Inc., Saint Laurent, QC, Canada, where he developed the new point-to-multipoint DA-TDMA/TDM Subscriber Radio System SR500. From 1985 to 2000, he was a Professor with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal. Since 2000, he has been with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, McGill University. His research interest includes broadband digital communications. Dr. Le-Ngoc was a recipient of the 2004 Canadian Award in Telecommunications Research and the IEEE Canada Fessenden Award in 2005. He is a Distinguished James McGill Professor, and a Fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada, the Canadian Academy of Engineering, and the Royal Society of Canada.

Mohammadmahdi Ghadaksaz received the B.Sc. (Hons.) degree in electrical engineering from the Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran, in 2023, the M.Sc. degree in electrical and computer engineering from the McGill University, Montreal, QC, in 2025. He is the recipient of McGill Graduate Excellence Fellowship, and the member of National Elite Foundation of Iran. His main research interests include reinforcement learning, deep learning, signal processing, wireless communication, and communication networks.

Mobeen Mahmood received his B.Sc. (Hons.) in Electrical Engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Taxila, Pakistan in 2013, M.Sc. (Hons.) Electrical Engineering from the American University of Sharjah (AUS), Sharjah, UAE in 2019, and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada in 2024. From 2014 to 2017, he was with China Mobile Pakistan (CMPak), Islamabad, Pakistan. He is the recipient of AUS teaching assistantship, AUS research assistantship, Fonds de Recherche du Québec-Nature and Technologies (FRQNT), IEEE VTS Student Travel Award, IEEE Canada Vehicular Technologies Grant, McGill Graduate Research Enhancement and Travel Award (GREAT Award), McGill Graduate Excellence Fellowship, McGill Engineering Class of 1936 Fellowship and J.W.McConnell Memorial Fellowship as part of McGill Engineering Doctoral Award (MEDA). His main research interests include massive MIMO, hybrid beamforming, UAV communications, AI-enable wireless networks, and full-duplex communications.