Optimal LAP Altitude for Maximum Coverage

TLDR

Low‑altitude aerial platforms (LAPs) are increasingly used to rapidly deploy relief networks, providing wireless coverage via onboard radio heads, especially for public safety in remote or disaster‑affected areas. The study aims to analytically determine the LAP altitude that maximizes ground radio coverage. The authors employ an analytical framework and a closed‑form line‑of‑sight probability formula to optimize LAP altitude for maximum coverage. The analysis shows that the optimal altitude depends on the maximum allowed pathloss and on the statistical parameters of the urban environment defined by the ITU.

Abstract

Low-altitude aerial platforms (LAPs) have recently gained significant popularity as key enablers for rapid deployable relief networks where coverage is provided by onboard radio heads. These platforms are capable of delivering essential wireless communication for public safety agencies in remote areas or during the aftermath of natural disasters. In this letter, we present an analytical approach to optimizing the altitude of such platforms to provide maximum radio coverage on the ground. Our analysis shows that the optimal altitude is a function of the maximum allowed pathloss and of the statistical parameters of the urban environment, as defined by the International Telecommunication Union. Furthermore, we present a closed-form formula for predicting the probability of the geometrical line of sight between a LAP and a ground receiver.