Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Communication

Framework for co-simulation of UAV flight dynamics and UAV-BS network communications and network performance analysis.

  • UAV flight dynamics modeled using MATLAB UAV toolbox.
  • For Each UE in NetSim, a UAV is instantiated in MATLAB as per the UE (UAV) ID.
  • MATLAB calculates the flight path and passes this as a mobility file (x, y, z vs. time) to NetSim.
  • In NetSim UE movement is modelled per this mobility file
  • Pathloss model in NetSim per TR 36.777 (Aerial Vehicles)


UAV Takes off and flies away

  • UAV take off: Z axis varies from 0m to 750m
  • Saturation (full buffer) traffic
  • Simulation Time: 100s
  • Application Throughput over simulation time is plotted.

Performance Analysis


UAV flies in a holding pattern over the gNB

  • UAV takes off and flies in a holding pattern around the gNB
  • Saturation (full buffer) traffic
  • Simulation Time: 100s
  • Application Throughput over simulation time is plotted

Case 1: Discussion

  • UAV is closest to gNB at takeoff. The throughput is ~8Mbps
  • As it climbs and flies, at round 10s the throughput reduces to ~4Mbps
  • The UAV loses the connection with the gNodeB at ~ 45s

Case 2: Discussion

  • UAV at take-off (nearest to gNB) can see a throughput of ~ 15 Mbps
  • The throughput drops as it flies away from the gNB
  • The throughput then varies periodically. It is highest at two points when UAV’s flight path brings it close to the gNB.

Reference:

Check out detailed documentation, for code and scenario explanation