UavNetSim-v1: A Python-based Simulation Platform for UAV Communication Networks

TL;DR

UavNetSim-v1 is an open-source Python platform enabling rapid development, testing, and visualization of UAV communication protocols and algorithms, facilitating research and education in UAV networks.

Contribution

It introduces a lightweight, user-friendly simulation platform with comprehensive features for UAV network protocol development and evaluation, filling a gap between complex simulators and educational tools.

Findings

Supports routing, MAC, topology control, mobility, and energy models

Provides interactive visualization for in-depth analysis

Facilitates rapid prototyping and educational use

Abstract

In unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) networks, communication protocols and algorithms are essential for cooperation and collaboration between UAVs. Simulation provides a cost-effective solution for prototyping, debugging, and analyzing protocols and algorithms, avoiding the prohibitive expenses of field experiments. In this paper, we present ``UavNetSim-v1'', an open-source Python-based simulation platform designed for rapid development, testing, and evaluating the protocols and algorithms in UAV networks. ``UavNetSim-v1'' provides most of the functionalities developers may need, including routing/medium access control (MAC) protocols, topology control algorithms and mobility/energy models, while maintaining ease of use. Furthermore, the platform supports comprehensive performance evaluation and features an interactive visualization interface for in-depth algorithm analysis. In short, ``UavNetSim-v1'' lends itself to both rapid prototyping and educational purposes, and can serve as a lightweight yet powerful alternative to mature network simulators for UAV communication research.