Analysis of UAV Corridors in Cellular Networks

TL;DR

This paper presents a new mathematical framework for optimizing cellular network coverage for UAV corridors, considering realistic deployment and antenna patterns, resulting in improved coverage without harming ground users.

Contribution

It introduces a novel framework using quantization theory to optimize base station tilts for UAV corridor coverage in realistic cellular networks.

Findings

Optimized tilts improve UAV corridor coverage.

Cell partitioning differs from traditional hexagonal patterns.

Coverage is maintained for ground users while supporting UAVs.

Abstract

In this article, we introduce a new mathematical framework for the analysis and design of UAV corridors in cellular networks, while considering a realistic network deployment, antenna radiation pattern, and propagation channel model. By leveraging quantization theory, we optimize the electrical tilts of existing ground cellular base stations to maximize the coverage of both legacy ground users and UAVs flying along specified aerial routes. Our practical case study shows that the optimized network results in a cell partitioning that significantly differs from the usual hexagonal pattern, and that it can successfully guarantee coverage all over the UAV corridors without degrading the perceived signal strength on the ground.