CELLULAR NETWORK PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS FOR LTE CONTROLLED UAVs

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) communication systems have emerged as a prompt, cheap, and flexible solution to many problems of the future generation wireless network. Particularly, UAV communication systems are instrumental in dealing with challenges such as abrupt traffic demands, network recovery,

Project Title

CELLULAR NETWORK PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS FOR LTE CONTROLLED UAVs

Project Area of Specialization

Electrical/Electronic Engineering

Project Summary

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) communication systems have emerged as a prompt, cheap, and flexible solution to many problems of the future generation wireless network. Particularly, UAV communication systems are instrumental in dealing with challenges such as abrupt traffic demands, network recovery, aerial relays, and edge computing. However, the conventional and license-free radio-controlled UAV activities are limited to a line-of-sight (LOS) operational range. One of the alternatives to operate the UAV beyond the Visual Line-of-Sight (BVLoS) range is replacing the UAV wireless communications system from the conventional industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) radio band to a licensed cellular-connected system. The Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology that has been established for the terrestrial area lends the opportunity to command & control communications between the UAV and ground station BVLOS. However, the true potential of the LTE communication network cannot be realized without an extensive analysis of its readiness for future UAV deployment scenarios. Thus, the project aims to develop a UAV prototype, and conduct an extensive performance analysis of the current LTE state in terms of various performance parameters such as received signal strength and latency. The UAV prototype is assembled using an X450 frame which is integrated with an Ardupilot Mega (APM) flight controller. A Raspberry PI is integrated with the system to enable LTE connectivity between UAV and ground control system. The prototype UAV will be used to collect LTE-related data for different network operators at various locations and altitudes. To the best of our knowledge, the proposed project will allow the first aerial test drive of the LTE network in Pakistan. Conclusively, the project will enable cellular operators to optimize their LTE networks to meet the need of future aerial communication systems. 

Project Objectives

The objectives of the project are:

• To develop LTE-controlled UAVs prototype
• To collect network performance metrics such as Reference Signal Receiving Power.
• To compare the performance of different cellular operators in terms of their readiness for future UAV deployment.

Project Implementation Method

Following are the main project developmental stages:

• Assembly of UAV prototype
• Integration of Raspberry PI with the flight controller
• Connectivity between UAV prototype and ground station using LTE modem and Raspberry PI
• Selection of test location and altitudes
• Ground Test Drive
• Aerial Test Drive
• Performance Analysis

The UAV prototype is assembled using an X450 frame along with brushless motors. The flight of the UAV will be controlled by the APM flight controller which will be connected to the electronic speed controller. Subsequently, the flight controller will be integrated with the Raspberry PI which would be equipped with the LTE modem. The UAV will also be mounted with an android device having G-Net Track lite installed. The G-Net Track lite will be used to collect LTE-related data such as signal strength and latency during the aerial test drive. The next phase of the project involves the selection of an appropriate flight path for the UAV prototype to enable data collection and analysis. Initially, the ground and aerial testing will be conducted in the Fatima Jinnah Park for safety issues. Next, the testing will also be concluded within the Main campus of NUML. The collected data during the aerial test drive will be analyzed and compared with the results of the ground test drive. The test will be conducted for different altitude and LTE operators. Finally, the current state of LTE networks for future aerial deployment will be presented along with the recommendation of ideal flight altitude for safe UAV operation in Pakistan.

Benefits of the Project

UAVs are forecasted to play a significant role in many application domains such as agriculture and logistics. The project aims to fill a major research gap for a fruitful LTE UAV deployment in Pakistan. The proposed project will highlight shortcomings in a network of various cellular operators and will give a head start in optimizing their performance for future collaborations with aerial applications. It will also allow policymakers to determine the best operational altitudes for UAVs with due consideration to the required performance for specific application domains. Thus, the project will open new avenues for future research in the beneficial adaption of UAVs for many civilian and commercial applications within Pakistan.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

• Quadcopter (X450 UAV)
• Mission Planner (Computer Software)
• G- Net Track Lite (Mobile App)

Final Deliverable of the Project

HW/SW integrated system

Core Industry

Telecommunication

Other Industries

Agriculture , Media , Security , Telecommunication

Core Technology

Internet of Things (IoT)

Other Technologies

Internet of Things (IoT), Robotics

Sustainable Development Goals

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Sustainable Cities and Communities

Required Resources

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