UAV Ad Hoc Network Routing Algorithms in Space–Air–Ground Integrated Networks: Challenges and Directions

Abstract

With the rapid development of 5G and 6G communications in recent years, there has been significant interest in space–air–ground integrated networks (SAGINs), which aim to achieve seamless all-area, all-time coverage. As a key component of SAGINs, flying ad hoc networks (FANETs) have been widely used in the agriculture and transportation sectors in recent years. Reliable communication in SAGINs requires efficient routing algorithms to support them. In this study, we analyze the unique communication architecture of FANETs in SAGINs. At the same time, existing routing protocols are presented and clustered. In addition, we review the latest research advances in routing algorithms over the last five years. Finally, we clarify the future research trends of FANET routing algorithms in SAGINs by discussing the algorithms and comparing the routing experiments with the characteristics of unmanned aerial vehicles.