The Essential Guide to Realizing 5G-Connected UAVs with Massive MIMO

TL;DR

This paper advocates for using massive MIMO technology to enable reliable command, control, and high-throughput communication for 5G-connected UAVs, supported by simulations demonstrating its effectiveness.

Contribution

It presents evidence that massive MIMO, combined with additional solutions, can effectively support 5G-connected UAVs for control and data streaming.

Findings

Massive MIMO enhances UAV command and control channels.

It achieves high uplink data rates for UAVs.

Ensures coexistence with legacy ground users.

Abstract

What will it take for drones -- and the whole associated ecosystem -- to take off? Arguably, infallible command and control (C&C) channels for safe and autonomous flying, and high-throughput links for multi-purpose live video streaming. And indeed, meeting these aspirations may entail a full cellular support, provided through 5G-and-beyond hardware and software upgrades by both mobile operators and manufacturers of these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In this article, we vouch for massive MIMO as the key building block to realize 5G-connected UAVs. Through the sheer evidence of 3GPP-compliant simulations, we demonstrate how massive MIMO can be enhanced by complementary network-based and UAV-based solutions, resulting in consistent UAV C&C support, large UAV uplink data rates, and harmonious coexistence with legacy ground users.