Validation of Large-scale Propagation Characteristics for UAVs within Urban Environment

Cellular networks based on current LTE Advanced or coming 5G technology, constitute an attractive candidate to provide communication links for drones in low level airspace. This paper extends previous findings on path loss exponent and shadow fading variation for an urban environment, by adding new and more extensive empirical evidence. Specifically, by way of the measurements methodology we study also the spatial correlation of the shadow fading, including the lateral spatial autocorrelation (decorrelation distance) and the cross-correlation in shadowing variability between different heights. Data was obtained with the use of a drone flying at heights up to and above rooftop, using a radio network scanner measuring live LTE signals at 1800 MHz. The path loss analysis confirmed the validity of previously presented modelling frameworks for the behaviour versus height, as well as the characteristics of the increased interference observed when the drone if above rooftop level. As for the spatial correlation of the shadow fading, the results indicate that decorrelation distance does not change appreciably from ground level up to and above rooftop level, and remains in the order of 10m. The shadow fading variability is generally uncorrelated versus height, although with a trend to be correlated below rooftop level, but not above.