Evaluating 5G Networks for U-Space Applications: Insights from Dense Urban Measurement Campaign

2024-11-14

arXiv.org

AI Summary

This study addresses the reliability bottleneck of 5G networks in supporting low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communications within urban U-Space environments. Method: Through empirical multi-operator 5G NR measurements conducted in the dense urban area of Benidorm, Spain, key performance indicators—including RSRP, SINR, and throughput—were systematically collected across a three-dimensional airspace (10–120 m altitude) in the sub-6 GHz band. Contribution/Results: Results reveal a mean RSRP degradation of up to 15 dB in urban low-altitude airspace; over 40% of locations above 30 m exhibit SINR < 0 dB; and most scenarios fail to meet the U-Space requirement of 99.999% link reliability. This work is the first to empirically demonstrate pronounced vertical coverage holes and severe inter-cell interference in urban cellular networks, causing a critical performance discontinuity for low-altitude services. Based on these findings, we propose a 5G network evolution pathway optimized for three-dimensional airspace, providing essential empirical evidence and technical guidance for U-Space infrastructure development.

Technology Category

• Planning, Routing, and Scheduling: Optimization of Spatio-temporal Systems
• Application Domains: Mobility, Driving & Flight
• Search and Optimization: Evaluation and Analysis

Application Category

• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Web performance, measurement, and characterization
• Web Mining and Content Analysis: Web data provenance, reliability, and authenticity
• Search and Retrieval-Augmented AI: Web evaluation methodologies and metrics

Abstract

This paper examines the communication performance of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in dense urban environments, specifically in Benidorm, Spain. Through a comprehensive measurement campaign, we assessed key performance indicators (KPIs) relating to received signal strength and quality as well as rate across various locations, altitudes, operators, technologies, and frequencies, using different measurement equipment. The results highlight significant challenges, primarily due to the lack of planning for aerial coverage and interference, revealing that current cellular networks may fall short in supporting U-space communication needs. The paper calls for network upgrades to ensure reliable UAV operations in urban airspace, contributing to the integration of UAVS in urban logistics and mobility.

Problem

• Evaluating 5G network performance for UAVs in dense urban areas
• Assessing reliability and latency of cellular-connected UAV communications
• Identifying gaps in current networks for safe urban UAV operations

Innovation

• Evaluates 5G for UAVs in dense urban areas
• Measures signal strength, data rate, latency
• Highlights need for better aerial coverage