Towards 6G UAV networks: experimental performance analysis

Date published

2024-09-29

Free to read from

2025-01-06

Supervisor/s

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

IEEE

Department

Type

Conference paper

ISSN

2155-7195

Format

Citation

Warrier A, Al-Rubaye S, Tsourdos A. (2024) Towards 6G UAV networks: experimental performance analysis. In: 2024 AIAA DATC/IEEE 43rd Digital Avionics Systems Conference (DASC), 29 September 2024 - 3 October 2024, San Diego, CA, USA

Abstract

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are becoming increasingly prevalent across industries, from surveillance to delivery services, necessitating seamless handover between base stations for continuous operation and safety. Challenges arise due to the need to maintain connectivity and control as the UAV transitions between different access technologies, for Fifth Generation (5G) and beyond such as Sixth Generation (6G). Factors like altitude, mobility, and dynamic operation patterns pose hurdles to achieving smooth handovers critical for mission success. Traditional strategies often lack adaptability and efficiency, prompting the exploration of innovative approaches. To address these challenges, an experimental flight trial evaluates UAV handover performance in a heterogeneous network environment compared to simulation-level analysis. The trial involves UAV flight in an urban area with non-standalone (NSA) 6G connectivity, monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) such as reference signal received power (RSRP), signal-to-noise interference ratio (SINR), throughput, and number of handovers. The system architecture encompasses an airborne measurement platform (DJI F450 UAV with XCAL mobile measurement tool and Pixhawk 4 Autopilot) and a ground-based counterpart interfacing through the core network. The analysis focuses on three key metrics: RSRP, RSRQ, and SINR, revealing temporary interruptions attributed to the UAV's exclusive connection to the wireless network. Insights from experimental trials highlight complexities and challenges associated with UAV handover performance, informing the design of improved protocols and communication systems. By addressing these challenges, the aim is to enhance operational reliability and mission success, unlocking the full potential of UAV technology across applications like surveillance, reconnaissance, delivery services, and more.

Description

Software Description

Software Language

Github

Keywords

4605 Data Management and Data Science, 46 Information and Computing Sciences, 7 Affordable and Clean Energy

DOI

Rights

Attribution 4.0 International

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Relationships

Resources

Funder/s

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
This work is funded by the UKRI- EPSRC CHEDDAR Project - Communications Hub for Empowering Distributed Cloud Computing Applications and Research) under grant numbers EP/X040518/1 and EP/Y037421/1.