Cellular-Connected UAV: Potential, Challenges, and Promising Technologies

TLDR

Cellular‑connected UAVs demand high‑rate, low‑latency, ultra‑reliable links and present distinct challenges and opportunities compared to terrestrial users. The article reviews cellular‑connected UAV technology, outlining its benefits, communication and spectrum requirements, and design considerations, and proposes technologies for future 3D heterogeneous networks. The authors survey the technology’s potential, requirements, and design aspects, and introduce enabling technologies for 3D heterogeneous networks with coexisting aerial and ground users. Simulation results validate the discussion and identify key directions for future research.

Abstract

Enabling high-rate, low-latency and ultra-reliable wireless communications between UAVs and their associated ground pilots/users is of paramount importance to realize their large-scale usage in the future. To achieve this goal, cellular- connected UAV, whereby UAVs for various applications are integrated into the cellular network as new aerial users, is a promising technology that has drawn significant attention recently. Compared to conventional cellular communication with terrestrial users, cellular-connected UAV communication possesses substantially different characteristics that present new research challenges as well as opportunities. In this article, we provide an overview of this emerging technology, by first discussing its potential benefits, unique communication and spectrum requirements, as well as new design considerations. We then introduce promising technologies to enable the future generation of 3D heterogeneous wireless networks with coexisting aerial and ground users. Last, we present simulation results to corroborate our discussions and highlight key directions for future research.