Saving Lives at Sea with UAV-assisted Wireless Networks

TL;DR

This paper explores how UAV-assisted wireless networks can enhance maritime emergency communications by analyzing the trade-offs between power use and data throughput to improve search and rescue operations.

Contribution

It introduces a system combining UAVs with base stations or C-RAN to extend wireless coverage over the sea during emergencies, analyzing key trade-offs.

Findings

Trade-off between power consumption and throughput for maritime coverage

UAV-assisted networks can improve emergency communication reliability

Deployment link budget analysis supports system optimization

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate traits and trade-offs of a system combining UAVs with BS or C-RAN for extending the terrestrial wireless coverage over the sea in emergency situations. Results for an over the sea deployment link budget show the trade-off between power consumption and throughput to meet the Search and Rescue targets.