An UAV-based Experimental Setup for Propagation Characterization in Urban Environment

TL;DR

This paper presents a versatile UAV-based measurement system utilizing millimeter-wave and ultra wideband transceivers for comprehensive 3D urban wireless propagation analysis, enabling detailed characterization of complex urban channels.

Contribution

The work introduces a flexible UAV-mounted measurement setup for urban propagation studies, capable of full 3D analysis and directional channel characterization, adaptable to various urban wireless scenarios.

Findings

Effective 3D propagation analysis in urban environments

Capability to measure above ground level and indoor penetration

Versatile application for UAV-assisted wireless communication research

Abstract

A measurement setup made of millimeter-wave and ultra wideband transceivers mounted on both a customized UAV and a ground station for full 3D wireless propagation analysis is described in this work. The developed system represents a flexible solution for the characterization of wireless channels and especially of urban propagation, as the drone might be easily located almost anywhere from ground level to the buildings rooftop and beyond. The double directional properties of the channel can be achieved by rotating directive antennas at the link ends. Other possible applications in urban contexts include above ground level propagation, outdoor-to-indoor penetration, line-of-sight to non-line-of-sight transition, scattering from buildings and air-to-ground channel characterization for UAV-assisted wireless communications.