Terrestrial Communication Infrastructure Research Articles

On the Topological Aspects of UAV-Assisted Post-Disaster Wireless Communication Networks

In the context of sixth-generation (6G) networks, emergency management systems based on wireless communications have recently gained increasing interest. Hereby, fundamentals and open problems of post-disaster communications are discussed, especially focusing on their topological aspects. The motivation behind this choice is that whenever a natural or man-made disaster occurs, there is a high chance that the terrestrial communication infrastructure is compromised, and therefore alternative networks need to be deployed efficiently in order to enable the majority of the civilians and first responders to communicate. In this article, we first provide a brief review of existing aerial ad hoc networks for post-disaster communications. Next, we shed light on some new aspects of this problem, which are related to the topology of the network supporting the impacted area. Finally, with the aid of selected simulation results, we show how the cellular infrastructure requirements for a disaster-struck region significantly depend on its location and extension.

A survey of radio propagation channel modelling for low altitude flying base stations

The increased utilization of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the commercial market and military on account of their agility, nonpiloted and easy manoeuvering leads their applications in the telecommunication sector as well. It is expected that UAVs will play a vital role in 5G and Beyond 5G (B5G) networks as flying base stations (BSs) and/or relays. Recently, they are also proposed to assist the existing terrestrial communication infrastructure in forthcoming 5G/B5G to provide improved wireless network coverage particularly to the areas difficult to reach, the scenarios demanding high data rate and low latency on emergency needs, transceiving sensors data from field to the ground servers and providing wireless network coverage in a disaster where existing terrestrial communication infrastructure gets partially/severely damaged. However, it is of an utmost challenge to model the radio propagation channel from a UAV (low altitude platforms) to existing terrestrial BSs, the receiver on ground and with other flying UAVs in a network. This paper provides a survey of both measurement and simulation based radio propagation channel modelling investigations for a low altitude UAV enabled wireless network. Furthermore, the potential open research gaps and use cases are highlighted which will be key to define the role of UAVs in future wireless networks for various applications.

Designing and implementing future aerial communication networks

Providing "connectivity from the sky" is the new innovative trend in wireless communications. High and low altitude platforms, drones, aircrafts and airships are being considered as the candidates for deploying wireless communications complementing the terrestrial communication infrastructure. In this article, we report the detailed account of the design and implementation challenges of an aerial network consisting of LTE Advanced (LTE-A) base stations. In particular, we review achievements and innovations harnessed by an aerial network composed of Helikite platforms. Helikites can be raised in the sky to bring Internet access during special events and in the aftermath of an emergency. The trial phase of the system mounting LTE-A technology onboard Helikites to serve users on the ground showed not only to be very encouraging but that such a system could offer even a longer lasting solution provided that inefficiency in powering the radio frequency equipment in the Helikite can be overcome.