62 patents in this list

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Multi-drone networks face significant communication challenges at scale, with signal degradation occurring beyond 2-3 km and network congestion increasing exponentially as node count grows. Field tests show that conventional point-to-point architectures struggle to maintain reliable data rates above 10 Mbps when supporting more than 8-10 simultaneous aerial nodes.

The fundamental challenge lies in balancing network resilience and coverage extension against the inherent limitations of bandwidth, power consumption, and routing complexity in dynamic aerial environments.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including dual-frequency heterogeneous topologies, hybrid star-mesh architectures, adaptive long-range routing protocols, and multi-level network structures. These and other approaches focus on maintaining reliable communication while supporting the mobility and scalability requirements of drone swarms.

1. Mobile Aerial Nodes with Directional Antennas Forming Adaptive Mesh Network in Millimeter Wave Spectrum

Matrixspace Corporation, 2024

Extending network coverage in dynamic RF environments using a swarm of mobile aerial nodes with directional antennas operating in the millimeter wave spectrum. The nodes form a mesh network that can adaptively route data around interference sources by steering antenna beams and selecting paths. This allows nodes to mitigate interference and extend range compared to omnidirectional antennas. The nodes can also adjust beam patterns to null out interferers. The millimeter wave frequencies offer higher bandwidth and smaller antennas for compact drone nodes.

2. Drone Swarm Network Topology and Power Allocation with Two-Step Optimization Process

ARMY ENGINEERING UNIV OF PLA, ARMY ENGINEERING UNIVERSITY OF PLA, 2024

Optimizing the topology and power allocation for large-scale drone swarm networks to improve capacity in the presence of interference. The method involves a two-step optimization procedure. First, given a fixed network topology, an interior point method is used to find the optimal power levels for each drone to maximize network capacity. Then, a network topology optimization is performed by simultaneously finding the best connections between drones and their power levels to further increase capacity subject to constraints. The method handles interference from jammers and internal drone interference by introducing redundant variables and converting non-convex constraints into easier forms.

3. Ad Hoc Wireless Mesh Network System with Self-Configuring Nodes Featuring Channel Selection, Video Compression, Error Correction, and Interference Mitigation

GUANGZHOU JINHENG INSTR CO LTD, GUANGZHOU JINHENG INSTRUMENT CO LTD, 2024

Ad hoc wireless mesh network system for robust, flexible, and scalable communication in challenging environments. The system uses a mesh network topology where nodes forward data packets. Nodes can be gateways, repeaters, or terminals. The gateway connects to other networks, the repeater extends range, and terminals access services. The mesh network self-configures when nodes move or fail. It provides coverage extension, redundancy, and resilience compared to point-to-point links. The nodes have features like channel selection, video compression, error correction, and interference mitigation.

4. Hierarchical Opportunistic-Geographic Routing Protocol for UAV and Ground Vehicle Networks

BEIHANG UNIV, BEIHANG UNIVERSITY, 2024

Heterogeneous network communication method for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and ground vehicles in dynamic clusters. The method uses a hierarchical opportunistic routing protocol that combines the energy efficiency of opportunistic routing with the low latency of geographic routing. Ground vehicles use opportunistic routing and UAVs use geographic routing. Clustering based on signal strength and obstructions helps deploy UAVs at critical locations. This avoids routing holes and improves connectivity.

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5. Network Topology Control System for Dynamic Path Estimation and Adaptive Configuration in Drone Clusters

CHANGCHUN UNIV SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, CHANGCHUN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, 2024

Network topology control for large-scale drone clusters to improve communication efficiency, fault tolerance, and robustness. The method involves estimating dynamic path changes based on drone flight information, adaptively adjusting communication overhead, calculating node lifespans, reconfiguring important nodes, and reconstructing the topology. This allows autonomous optimization and adaptation of the drone network structure in response to environmental changes and task requirements.

6. Self-Organizing Communication Network Topology for Autonomous Drone Collaboration

SHENYANG AIRCRAFT DESIGN INSTITUTE YANGZHOU COLLABORATIVE INNOVATION RES INSTITUTE CO LTD, SHENYANG AIRCRAFT DESIGN INSTITUTE YANGZHOU COLLABORATIVE INNOVATION RESEARCH INSTITUTE CO LTD, 2024

Self-organizing communication network topology for collaborative drone operations that allows drones to autonomously form adaptive networks for collaborative missions. The network structure allows drones to connect and communicate with each other as well as the ground station. The network dynamically adjusts when nodes join, leave, or fail to maintain functionality. It enables drones to coordinate and share information without relying on centralized control. This allows extended range, depth, and resilience for collaborative drone missions compared to centralized or distributed architectures.

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7. Dual-Frequency Heterogeneous Ad Hoc Network Data Link with Central Star and Non-Central Mesh Configurations

Shandong Jiahang Electronic Information Technology Co., Ltd., SHANDONG JIAHANG ELECTRONIC INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2024

Dual-frequency heterogeneous ad hoc network data link for reliable long-distance communication between platforms like military unmanned vehicles. The system uses a central star-shaped link over a long-range frequency like L band, and a non-central mesh link over a short-range frequency like U band. The central star link has a central node and child nodes, and the mesh link connects child nodes when their central link quality is poor or broken. This provides fallback and redundancy through the mesh link while leveraging the central star's real-time capability. The dual frequencies mitigate interference.

8. Adaptive Multi-Hop Transmission for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Networking with Congestion-Based Link Prioritization

Siyi Technology Co., Ltd., SIYI TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, Siyi Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., 2024

Method and system for reliable networking of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) using adaptive multi-hop transmission to improve connectivity and stability. The method involves prioritizing transmission in the same link and then hopping to adjacent links when congestion exceeds 95%. This prevents disconnections from isolating UAVs. The system has multiple UAVs forming transmission packets with at least one link per UAV. Long-range links are repaired instead of adding nodes, while short-range links use multiple nodes to maintain distance.

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9. UAV Network Routing with Table-Driven Protocol and Radio Environment Map for Weighted Graph Topology Modeling

NANJING UNIVERSITY OF AERONAUTICS AND ASTRONAUTICS, UNIV NANJING AERONAUTICS & ASTRONAUTICS, 2024

UAV network routing method that improves stability and reliability of data transmission in spectrum interference environments. The method combines a table-driven routing protocol with a radio environment map to model the network topology as a weighted graph. Nodes allocate weights based on neighbor count, then use interference area info from the map to quickly detect faulty nodes and recalculate routes that bypass interference areas. This avoids packet loss and combines network and physical layers for stable routing in spectrum interference.

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10. Self-Organizing Communication Network for UAVs with Satellite and Mesh Connectivity

BEIJING HANXUN TECH CO LTD, BEIJING HANXUN TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2023

Self-organizing network for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that allows UAVs to communicate with each other and ground stations without relying on fixed infrastructure. The network uses satellite links and mesh networking to connect a command center, portable satellite station, UAV swarm, ground mobile base, and individual soldiers. The UAV swarm can operate autonomously with direct links between UAVs and ground stations. The satellite station provides connectivity to the UAV swarm when out of range of ground stations. The command center coordinates the network and has satellite links to the satellite station and ground stations. This allows UAVs to communicate with each other and ground stations without relying on fixed infrastructure.

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11. Hierarchical UAV Swarm Network Topology with Fixed and Temporary Cluster Heads

XIAN YUFEI ELECTRONIC TECH CO LTD, XIAN YUFEI ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2023

Constructing a dynamic network topology for swarms of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that adapts to changing network conditions. The network has two levels: a first level with fixed cluster heads formed by medium/large UAVs, and a second level with temporary cluster heads formed by small UAVs. The small UAVs communicate with the fixed cluster heads through their temporary cluster heads. This allows flexible network organization that can quickly adapt to node mobility and topology changes.

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12. Hybrid Network Topology System with Distinct Mesh and Star Node Roles for Concurrent Multi-Protocol Communication

SIGNIFY HOLDING BV, 2023

Wireless control system for large networks with improved efficiency and reliability compared to conventional flooding-based methods. The system uses a hybrid network topology combining mesh and star networks. Nodes have separate roles in the mesh (routing) and star (local control) networks. This allows efficient routing around dense node clusters while avoiding collisions. Mesh nodes use multi-hop routing, star nodes have point-to-point links. The topology leverages different protocols with separate frequency bands to enable concurrent communication.

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13. LoRa-Based Wireless Mesh Network Architecture with Multi-Layer Protocol Stack and Private Address Allocation Mechanism

GUANGXI POWER GRID CO LTD, 2023

Communication method for wireless mesh networks using LoRa technology. It involves constructing a network topology with coordinators and terminals, a wireless protocol stack, and a private communication protocol. The coordinators form a mesh network, terminals connect to them. The protocol stack has layers for physical, access, network, application. It uses LoRa for long-range transmission. The private protocol allows terminals to request addresses from coordinators. This method enables multi-hop routing between terminals via coordinators.

14. Hybrid Wireless Sensor Network System with Star and MESH Topology for Long-Range and Short-Range Communication

Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, ZHEJIANG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, 2023

Hybrid wireless sensor network system for field activities that combines long-range and short-range communication to provide reliable, flexible, and battery-efficient communication over long distances. The system has a hybrid network topology with a star network for point-to-point communication between terminals and an MESH network between gateways and relays. The star network uses fixed gateways and terminals for direct communication, while the MESH network with relays provides routing and synchronization for long-range coverage. This allows extending the range beyond terminal limits without needing relays at every hop. The hybrid topology balances range, reliability, and complexity.

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15. Wireless Mesh Network with Relay Node Root Determination and Direct Parent-Child Transmission

HAIER SMART HOME CO LTD, QINGDAO HAIER TECHNOLOGY CO, QINGDAO HAIER TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2023

Reducing network load and improving transmission rate in a wireless mesh network by having each relay node determine if it's the root node based on conditions, and having child nodes connect to a specific parent node found through scanning. This ensures each child node has only one parent and one root in its path, reducing network complexity. Data is transmitted directly between parent and child nodes, avoiding multiple hops.

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16. Method for Constructing Self-Organizing Multi-Mode Network for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

XIAN YUFEI ELECTRONIC TECH CO LTD, XIAN YUFEI ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2023

A method for constructing a self-organizing network that allows unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to cooperate in dynamic environments without infrastructure. The network is composed of multiple, independent subnetworks that interconnect and communicate with each other. UAVs connect to their nearest subnetwork, and ground control stations connect to UAVs' subnetworks. UAVs use one networking mode within their subnetwork, while UAVs and ground stations use a different mode between subnetworks. This allows a self-organizing ad hoc network with robustness and flexibility.

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17. Network Connectivity Enhancement via Drone Relay Deployment with Sub-network Self-organization and Heuristic Greedy Selection Algorithm

NANJING UNIV OF AERONAUTICS AND ASTRONAUTICS, NANJING UNIVERSITY OF AERONAUTICS AND ASTRONAUTICS, 2022

Maximizing network connectivity using drones as relays when a limited number of drones are available. The method involves having ground nodes self-organize into sub-networks, and then selecting drone deployment locations to connect those sub-networks. The selection is done using a heuristic greedy algorithm that iteratively adds sub-networks until the drone limit is reached, prioritizing sub-networks with the most disconnected nodes. This prevents falling into local optima by connecting distant sub-networks. The algorithm keeps track of the restored connectivity count for comparison if it exceeds the drone limit.

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18. L-band Digital Aeronautical Communications System with Mesh Network Topology and Advanced Feature Integration

SKYSTREAM LLC, 2022

Enhanced LDACS system that improves the performance and efficiency of the L-band Digital Aeronautical Communications System (LDACS) by adding advanced features like voice, data, A-PNT, enhanced security, UAS, channel aggregation, and more. The enhanced LDACS uses a mesh network topology to connect aircraft and ground stations, allowing for peer-to-peer communications and device-to-device communications. The mesh network enables more advanced LDACS features and services, while also improving the system's resilience and performance.

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19. Broadcast Routing Method for Remote Control Signal Transmission in Wireless Mesh Networks

XIAN YUFEI ELECTRONIC TECH CO LTD, XIAN YUFEI ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2022

Efficiently transmitting remote control signals in a wireless mesh network ad hoc network where each node can communicate with others directly. The method involves acquiring the physical links between nodes, generating broadcast routing for the remote control signal based on the links, and having each node forward the signal once in a frame using the routing. This ensures nodes receive the signal once instead of collisions when receiving from multiple sources.

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20. Hybrid Mesh Network Topology with Dual Medium Relay Nodes for Concurrent Retransmission

IOTIVE INC, MOBIX WIRELESS SOLUTIONS LTD, 2022

Hybrid mesh network topology that allows high throughput communication with reduced latency by using multiple physical media and relay nodes. The network has a tree structure where some links are on the primary medium and others on the secondary medium. Relay nodes initiate retransmission over both media before completing reception. This allows balancing link quality and avoiding media congestion. The tree is calculated based on network topology and link availability.

21. Hybrid Wide Area Network Configuration for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles with Dynamic Master Node Selection and Ad Hoc Integration

22. Hierarchical Wireless Mesh Networking System with Dynamic Node Integration and Persistent Network Identification Management

23. Mesh Network Architecture for UAV Communication with Edge Gateways and Star Terminals

24. Cluster-Based Routing Method with Dynamic Energy-Responsive Node Management for UAV Networks

25. Method and Device for Ad-Hoc Communication in Drone Swarms Using UWB-Based Dynamic Coordinate Systems

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