Joint communication quality assurance algorithm for UAVs flying over urban LTE networks

Abstract

To solve the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) cluster trunked communication problem, firstly, the motion characteristics and communication requirements of UAVs are analyzed based on the building propagation model in an urban environment. This paper proposes a cluster communication architecture based on the Long Term Evolution (LTE) system. Then, by using an ns-3 simulation platform, UAVs, communication nodes of the ground station and the ground infrastructure are modeled, while the signal distribution and node capacity in the area are analyzed. This paper uses the interval handover algorithm to support cross cluster operation. Meanwhile, the communication quality of each flight node in the UAV cluster task is analyzed, which provides important basis and constraints for cluster task planning and route dynamic adjustment. Finally, the feasibility and realization of the LTE communication mechanism applied to the UAV cluster are verified by simulation tests.