Warrier, AnirudhAl-Rubaye, SabaTsourdos, Antonios2025-01-062025-01-062024-09-29Warrier A, Al-Rubaye S, Tsourdos A. (2024) Towards 6G UAV networks: experimental performance analysis. In: 2024 AIAA DATC/IEEE 43rd Digital Avionics Systems Conference (DASC), 29 September 2024 - 3 October 2024, San Diego, CA, USA2155-7195https://doi.org/10.1109/dasc62030.2024.10749391https://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/23321Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are becoming increasingly prevalent across industries, from surveillance to delivery services, necessitating seamless handover between base stations for continuous operation and safety. Challenges arise due to the need to maintain connectivity and control as the UAV transitions between different access technologies, for Fifth Generation (5G) and beyond such as Sixth Generation (6G). Factors like altitude, mobility, and dynamic operation patterns pose hurdles to achieving smooth handovers critical for mission success. Traditional strategies often lack adaptability and efficiency, prompting the exploration of innovative approaches. To address these challenges, an experimental flight trial evaluates UAV handover performance in a heterogeneous network environment compared to simulation-level analysis. The trial involves UAV flight in an urban area with non-standalone (NSA) 6G connectivity, monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) such as reference signal received power (RSRP), signal-to-noise interference ratio (SINR), throughput, and number of handovers. The system architecture encompasses an airborne measurement platform (DJI F450 UAV with XCAL mobile measurement tool and Pixhawk 4 Autopilot) and a ground-based counterpart interfacing through the core network. The analysis focuses on three key metrics: RSRP, RSRQ, and SINR, revealing temporary interruptions attributed to the UAV's exclusive connection to the wireless network. Insights from experimental trials highlight complexities and challenges associated with UAV handover performance, informing the design of improved protocols and communication systems. By addressing these challenges, the aim is to enhance operational reliability and mission success, unlocking the full potential of UAV technology across applications like surveillance, reconnaissance, delivery services, and more.enAttribution 4.0 Internationalhttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/4605 Data Management and Data Science46 Information and Computing Sciences7 Affordable and Clean EnergyConference paper2155-7209559339