RSSI-based heading control for robust long-range aerial networking using directional antennas

Abstract

Aerial networking using directional antennas (ANDA) is considered as a promising solution for the networking of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over long distance. The cyber constraints on communication channel characteristics and physical constraints on the payload, power, and mobility of UAVs produce challenges to achieve a robust ANDA. In this paper, an RSSI and fuzzy logic based control algorithm is developed to control directional antennas mounted on two moving UAVs to achieve a robust broad-band long-distance communication channel. In particular, the self-alignment of UAV-mounted directional antennas over a long distance is achieved through fusing GPS and communication channel characteristic measured by received signal strength indicator (RSSI), using unscented Kalman filter and fuzzy logic strategies. Simulations are performed to validate the RSSI and fuzzy logic based directional antenna control approach. The solution developed in this paper can significantly enhance the performance of wireless communication channel in imperfect environment subject to the unavailability of GPS and unstable strength of wireless signals.