IoT Techniques and Elements for Drone Package Delivery Networks
5.3 OTHER GROUND SUPPORT RESOURCES
To build a trustworthy drone delivery service at high scale , a few other ground support elements that are not directly related to cargo management may be needed . These include wireless networks base stations , air traffic control sensors , and security screening devices .
5.3.1 WIRELESS NETWORK NODES
The various types of landing pads can be supported by wired networks ( and probably should be , to support the bandwidth , reliability , security and privacy they require , and to preserve radio spectrum for the drones ). This will typically use distributed broadband access network elements for DSL , DOCSIS / Cable and fiber-based telecommunication networks ) and connect to these networks as additional endpoints .
However , drones themselves obviously can ’ t use wired networks in flight , and therefore must use wireless communications networks to stay in touch with their pilots ( if used ) and the layers of autonomous operation support processors . There are two broad categories for air-ground wireless networking : licensed RF spectrum and unlicensed RF spectrum . In licensed radio networks , the radio frequencies used are reserved by government license for a specific network . Examples include 4G / LTE / 5G cellular networks , and satellite networks .
Unlicensed radio systems don ’ t dedicate frequencies for specific uses or transmitters but use shared radio spectra that are vulnerable due to interferences by unknown number of users . Examples include Wi-Fi , Bluetooth , LoRaWAN , Sigfox , and the remote-control uplink and video downlink systems used by most commercial drones . Because of the critical reliability and security requirements of drone delivery services , most systems in operation today use licensed spectrum for their critical control and telemetry uplinks and downlinks – usually 4G or 5G cellular , and unlicensed bands are not recommended for critical drone communication links .
5.3.2 SENSOR ARRAYS
Various sensor arrays help keep the airspace safe . Weather sensor networks measure temperature , wind speed and direction , visibility distance , and other parameters . These readings from multiple sensing locations can be fused into a map so a drone knows if it is safe to take off and what to expect ahead on its flight plan . There are cameras , RADAR and LiDAR systems that scan the sky for drones , piloted aircraft , bird flocks , hazardous weather and other conditions that could impact drone operations in the area .
Microphone arrays can be trained to recognize the sound of drones and other aircraft and measure their approximate heading . Radio transceivers can identify the bearing of any flying radio source . Radio transponder systems can send out interrogation signals , and wait for any drones or aircraft in the area to respond with their position , velocity , heading , altitude , etc . Remote ID systems require a drone to broadcast certain information about its position and status .
42 August 2023