[Paper Review] A Telecom Perspective on the Internet of Drones: From LTE-Advanced to 5G

Guang Yang, Xingqin Lin+6 more|arXiv (Cornell University)|Mar 29, 2018

UAV Applications and Optimization8 references83 citations

TL;DR

The paper explains how mobile networks from LTE-Advanced to 5G can support drone operations, including field trials in 4G+ and a vision for 5G-enabled drone applications.

ABSTRACT

Drones are driving numerous and evolving use cases, and creating transformative socio-economic benefits. Drone operation needs wireless connectivity for communication between drones and ground control systems, among drones, and between drones and air traffic management systems. Mobile networks are well positioned to identify, track, and control the growing fleet of drones. The wide-area, quality, and secure connectivity provided by mobile networks can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of drone operations beyond visual line-of-sight range. In this article, we elaborate how the drone ecosystem can benefit from mobile technologies, summarize key capabilities required by drone applications, and analyze the service requirements on mobile networks. We present field trial results collected in LTE-Advanced networks to gain insights into the capabilities of the current 4G+ networks for connected drones and share our vision on how 5G networks can further support diversified drone applications.

Motivation & Objective

• Motivate the socio-economic benefits of drones and the need for wireless connectivity.
• Analyze the drone ecosystem's requirements for mobile-network support.
• Present field-trial insights from LTE-Advanced networks to evaluate current capabilities for drones.
• Discuss how 5G can further enable diversified drone applications and operations beyond visual line of sight.

Proposed method

• Contextual analysis of drone use cases and required capabilities for reliable connectivity.
• Summary of service requirements imposed on mobile networks by drone applications.
• Presentation and interpretation of field-trial results in LTE-Advanced networks for connected drones.
• Discussion of a roadmap and vision for how 5G can enhance drone operations.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 What drone use cases and operational scenarios necessitate mobile-network connectivity and management?
• RQ2 What are the service requirements that mobile networks must meet to support drone applications?
• RQ3 How capable are LTE-Advanced (4G+) networks in supporting connected drones based on field trials?
• RQ4 In what ways can 5G extend and improve drone applications and operations beyond current capabilities?

Key findings

• Field trials in LTE-Advanced networks provide insights into the capabilities and limits of current 4G+ connectivity for drones.
• Mobile networks can play a role in identifying, tracking, and controlling drone fleets.
• 5G networks are envisioned to further support a diverse set of drone applications with enhanced connectivity features.
• The paper discusses a roadmap for leveraging mobile technologies to augment drone operations and management.