Traffic simulation and losses estimation in stratospheric drone network

Abstract

The use of stratospheric drones for data transmission requires reliable two-way communication. In this regard, it is necessary to explore the possibilities of combining existing air and ground networks for effective interaction with stratospheric drones during heavy data traffic. This article focuses on calculating the packet loss and the impact of traffic parameters on communication with drones. For the first time, traffic characteristics of the complex network “Base Station—Stratospheric Drone – Remotely Piloted Air System—Ground Cellular Network” are obtained. The original models are created based on MATLAB Simulink and NetCracker software. Packet loss dependences on the transaction size for different numbers of cellular users are estimated using NetCracker software. Average load dependences on the size of the transaction are obtained. Channels with different throughput are considered and the influence of channel loading on the bit error rate is studied. Data transmission is simulated using MATLAB Simulink depending on the signal-to-noise ratio, nonlinearity levels of the base station amplifier, types of signal modulation and diameters of base station antennas. Data obtained make it possible to predict the operation of stratospheric drones.