Enabling Cellular Communication for Aerial Vehicles: Providing Reliability for Future Applications

Due to safety concerns, a reliable radio communication link is a key component in the future application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, as it will enable Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight operations. In terms of cost and deployment time, radio communication for aerial vehicles will greatly benefit from the ready to market infrastructure and ubiquitous coverage of cellular networks. But these are optimized for terrestrial users, and the different propagation environment experienced by aerial vehicles poses some interference challenges. In this article, system level simulations are used to assess interference mitigation solutions that can improve aerial link reliability. Thereafter, we discuss how the 5G New Radio flexible air interface, and beamforming-suited frequencies, favour the integration of UAVs into cellular networks by offering better ground for interference management solutions.