Software Defined Radios for Long Range Drone Communication
Software-defined radio systems operating in drone communications face significant range and reliability challenges. Field tests show signal degradation beyond 2km line-of-sight, with packet loss exceeding 15% at distances over 3km, while power constraints limit transmission to under 1W for many commercial drones.
The fundamental challenge lies in balancing communication range, data throughput, and power consumption while maintaining reliable links in congested RF environments.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including multi-serial communication architectures, dynamic link switching systems, adaptive OFDM implementations, and distributed relay networks. These and other approaches focus on extending operational range while optimizing spectrum utilization and power efficiency for practical drone deployments.
1. Location and Rotation-Based Beamforming System for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
TAISYNC TECHNOLOGY INC, 2025
Beamforming for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that uses the UAV's and remote station's locations and the UAV's rotation to determine the beamforming direction without channel characterization. The UAV determines the direction based on its own location, rotation, and the remote station's location. It then beams data to that direction without channel feedback or training. This allows dynamic beamforming without the overhead and complexity of frequent channel characterization as the UAV moves.
2. INTEGRATION OF SDR INTO UAV SYSTEMS
mykola bikchentayev, bohdan boriak - Poltava National Technical Yuriy Kondratyuk University, 2025
The article presents an in-depth examination of how Software-Defined Radio (SDR) technology can be integrated into Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) systems to enhance communication reliability, adaptability, and security. aim the is demonstrate SDR-based architectures address critical challenges such as non-stationary channels, intentional jamming, signal spoofing by enabling real-time reconfiguration dynamic frequency management. flexible nature SDR allows UAVs rapidly modify transmission parameters, apply robust coding techniques, switch among multiple channels maintain resilient links. results obtained: case studies experimental data indicate that SDR-equipped significantly improve situational awareness mission survivability. Through continuous spectrum monitoring advanced error-correction methods, these platforms swiftly detect mitigate interference or jamming attempts. Moreover, integration machine learning algorithms further refines threat classification, facilitating accurate identification barrage GPS spoofing, other radio-based attacks. Conclusions: adopting in UAV not only str... Read More
3. IDENTIFYING AND ANALYZING DJI DRONE SIGNALS
vasil andonov, yordan shterev - Rezekne Academy of Technologies, 2025
The widespread use of drones in commercial, industrial, military and security applications has led to a growing need for techniques analyse their signals. Understanding the communication signals is essential such as airspace monitoring, counter-unmanned aerial vehicles technologies electronic warfare. This defines topicality topic. That why purpose study focuses on identification analysis DJI drone using software defined radio. research aims find frequencies usage, look activities spectrogram, record them characterize modulation types drones, specifically Air 3 Phantom 4. working methods are based HackRF One radio alongside DragonOS operating system Spectral Analyzer, SDR++ Inspectrum software. Signal performed controlled urban non-urban environments, allowing examination telemetry signal. Different signal processing used including spectral classification applied identify ID. By analysing frequency bands, bandwidth requirements, transmission structures, indicates how both communicate adapt environmental factors interference. Main conclusions from this paper revealing that hopping, or... Read More
4. Autonomous Aerial and Ground Data Link System with Deployable and Reconfigurable Transceivers
AEROVIRONMENT INC, 2025
A self-sustaining aerial data link system for UAVs and ground stations that enables real-time communication without line-of-sight requirements. The system comprises an unmanned vehicle equipped with a data link transceiver, and deployable data link transceivers that can be automatically deployed or reconfigured to maintain continuous communication. This autonomous deployment capability allows the system to maintain data link connectivity even when the UAV is in areas with obstacles such as terrain features or buildings, eliminating the need for traditional line-of-sight communication. The deployable transceivers can be automatically reconfigured to adapt to changing environmental conditions, enabling continuous communication over varying distances.
5. Airborne Wireless Relay System with Direct Laser Link and Remote Radio Head Integration
COHERE TECHNOLOGIES INC, 2025
Airborne wireless relay system for airborne wireless communication using direct laser link. The system comprises a remote radio head equipped with wireless circuitry, up/down converters, amplifiers, and other RF components. A separate base station operates the large computational functions, including software-defined radio, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) processing, and content delivery. The base station transmits digitized wireless waveform data via laser link, which is received by the airborne platform. This direct link eliminates the need for traditional fiber-optic or cable-based connections, enabling high-altitude wireless communication while maintaining low-power consumption.
6. Towards Federated Multi-Armed Bandit Learning for Content Dissemination Using Swarm of UAVs
amit kumar bhuyan, hrishikesh dutta, subir biswas - Association for Computing Machinery, 2025
This paper introduces an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle - enabled content management architecture that is suitable for critical access in communities of users are communication-isolated during diverse types disaster scenarios. The proposed leverages a hybrid network stationary anchor UAVs and mobile Micro-UAVs ubiquitous dissemination. equipped with both vertical lateral communication links, they serve local users, while the micro-ferrying extend coverage across increased mobility. focus on developing dissemination system dynamically learns optimal caching policies to maximize availability. core innovation adaptive framework based distributed Federated Multi-Armed Bandit learning. goal optimize UAV decisions geo-temporal popularity user demand variations. A Selective Caching Algorithm also introduced reduce redundant replication by incorporating inter-UAV information sharing. method strategically preserves uniqueness preferences amalgamating intelligence learning system. approach improves algorithm's ability adapt preferences. Functional verification performance evaluation confirm architect... Read More
7. Drone Detection and Identification Using SDR: Analysis of DJI Mini 2 Drone ID Signals
thi thi khaine, may su hlaing, tin tin hla - STMIK Indonesia Padang, 2025
The increasing adoption of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for both commercial and recreational purposes has raised significant security privacy concerns. DJI OcuSync 2.0, a proprietary communication protocol used in drones, enables high-definition video transmission telemetry over dual-frequency bands (2.4 GHz 5.8 GHz). Detecting identifying signals crowded RF environment is crucial effective drone monitoring threat mitigation. This study presents an SDR-based detection system utilizing the USRP B210 with 50 MHz sampling rate to capture signals. Signal analysis performed using Short-Time Fourier Transform (STFT) Welchs method estimating Power Spectral Density (PSD). A Non-Parametric Amplitude Quantization Method (NPAQM) implemented dynamic threshold estimation improve sensitivity. tested under varying Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) conditions, demonstrating high accuracy robustness against interference. proposed provides reliable framework real-time signal identification can be adapted broader UAV applications.
8. Review of Design and Implementation of New Software Radio System based on GNU Radio and USRP
shuo xu, jianxin guo - Ivyspring International Publisher, 2025
This paper provides a comprehensive review of the design and implementation software-defined radio (SDR) systems based on GNU Radio platform Universal Software Peripheral (USRP) hardware in China. The study highlights evolution wireless communication technologies, emphasizing technical advantages SDR, including flexibility, scalability, interference resistance, cost-effectiveness. analysis explores widely used software platforms (GNU LabVIEW) peripherals (USRP HackRF One), comparing their specifications, functionality, suitability for diverse scenarios.A detailed examination recent Chinese academic research reveals numerous practical implementations, such as adaptive cancellation systems, dual-protocol transceivers, spectrum monitoring platforms, visible light (VLC) MIMO-OFDM architectures. These leverage modularity high performance USRP to address challenges real-time data processing, efficiency, channel interference. Experimental results from case studies demonstrate advancements packet error rate (PER) reduction, spectral efficiency (up 10 bit/s/Hz), suppression (e.g., 20 dB self-... Read More
9. Wireless Node with Adjustable Narrow Beam Antennas and Direct RF-to-Optical Conversion Modules
L3VEL LLC, 2025
Narrow beam mesh networking with improved reliability, adjustability, and flexibility. The networking involves wireless nodes with adjustable narrow beam antennas that can create point-to-point or point-to-multipoint links. This allows customizable network topologies. The nodes can also have millimeter wave radios for high capacity links. The nodes are financed by customers and leased back to the operator. The nodes can have direct RF-to-optical and optical-to-RF conversion modules to eliminate ADC/DAC. The nodes have digital/network modules for backhaul connectivity. This enables flexible multi-link configurations.
10. Multi-Serial Port Radio System with Integrated Data Channel Multiplexing for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Shenzhen Keweit Aeronautical Technology Co., Ltd., SHENZHEN MICROMULTICOPTER AERO TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2024
A multi-serial communication radio for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that allows transmitting multiple data links without adding excessive wireless devices and reducing weight, battery life, and interference. The radio has multiple serial port modules, data processing modules, and radio modules connected in series. It converts multi-channel data into single-channel packets, transmits them wirelessly, and converts back to multi-channel at the other end. This allows multiple data links to be sent over a single wireless connection.
11. Dynamic Intermediate Frequency Bandwidth and Waveform Switching System for UAV Data Links
ZHONGDIAN HUAHONG TECH CO LTD, ZHONGDIAN HUAHONG TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2024
Intelligent switching between different versions of UAV data links to enable a single UAV to transmit different narrowband or broadband data over line-of-sight distances. The switching allows making full use of UAV data link bandwidth, improves versatility by carrying multiple link versions, and meets user needs beyond fixed pre-allocated link configurations. The switching is achieved by dynamically changing the intermediate frequency bandwidth and link transmission waveform based on a fixed radio frequency filter. This allows adapting link data transmission requirements and anti-interference capabilities for different communication distances.
12. Drone-Based Access Point System with Isolated Uplink and Expanded Downlink Resource Units in RF Environments
SKYDIO INC, 2023
Improving wireless communication between drones and ground stations in congested RF environments by having the drones act as access points and isolating uplink traffic to a single resource unit while allowing wider resource units for downlink. This reduces interference and improves reliability compared to channel switching. The drone connects to the ground station using a wireless protocol that divides spectrum into resource units. The drone identifies a single resource unit for uplink and instructs the ground station to transmit there. This isolates uplink traffic and prevents interference from other devices. The downlink uses wider resource units.
13. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Communication System with Adaptive Retry and Forward Error Correction Coding
Skydio, Inc., 2023
Optimizing communication efficiency in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to increase range by dynamically varying retry rates and forward error correction (FEC) coding based on real-time transmission statistics. The UAV analyzes transmission failures and modifies retry rates and FEC coding rates to balance reliability and efficiency.
14. Modular Air-Ground Communication Device with RF, Baseband, and Control Modules for UAV Signal Relay
INFORMATION & TELECOMMUNICATION BRANCH OF STATE GRID FUJIAN ELECTRIC POWER CO LTD, 2023
Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) air-ground communication device that allows UAVs to relay wireless signals between ground nodes in areas with poor terrain coverage. The device connects to a UAV and has separate radio frequency, baseband, and control modules. It receives wireless signals via the RF module, converts to baseband in the baseband module, and forwards the IP packets to the control module. The control module sends the baseband data back to RF to transmit. This allows the UAV to act as a relay node in a distributed ad-hoc network, extending range and coverage in challenging terrain.
15. Dual-Antenna Bidirectional Communication and Control System for UAVs with Single Frequency Band Operation
NO 54 INSTITUTE OF CHINA ELECTRONICS SCIENCE & TECH GROUP, NO.54 INSTITUTE OF CHINA ELECTRONICS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY GROUP, 2023
Low-cost communication measurement and control integrated transmission system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that reduces cost and complexity compared to traditional systems. The system uses two antennas on the UAV and a ground station with multiple antennas and switches. It allows simultaneous uplink and downlink communication over a single frequency band, avoiding the need for wide bandwidths and frequency division duplexing. The ground station has a switch, computer, low-latency converter, and RF switches for routing and tracking. This allows using omnidirectional antennas for reliable tracking and lower angular velocities compared to high-gain directional antennas. It also uses a single wireless link for cost savings versus multiple links. The system is more economical for low-speed UAVs with low data rates compared to high-speed systems.
16. Multi-Link Communication Interworking System for Drone and Ground Control Device Using Multiple Radios
ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RES INSTITUTE, ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, 2022
Interworking method between multiple drone communications to provide communication services through multiple communication links between a drone equipped with multiple communication equipment and a ground control device for communication multiplexing. The method involves establishing multiple wireless connections with the ground control device, reporting connection quality, and dynamically changing links based on requests. This allows redundancy and handover between ground control devices using multiple radios on the drone.
17. Wireless Communication Link Resource Adjustment System for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles with Parameter Adaptation Based on Flight and Environmental Factors
Far Eastern SIRC Co., Ltd., YUANCHUAN RONGCHUANG TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, Yuanchuan Rongchuang (Hangzhou) Technology Co., Ltd., 2022
Dynamic adjustment of wireless communication link resources for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to improve reliability by adapting parameters like coding, modulation, power, and antenna direction based on factors like UAV location, altitude, speed, attitude, environment, and link quality. The UAV evaluates these factors using an algorithm to determine optimal link resource budget and plan. This allows real-time dynamic optimization of UAV-ground communication links to account for changing conditions and environments during flight.
18. Dual-Link Communication System with Adaptive Parameter Adjustment for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
CSSC SYSTEMS ENGINEERING RES INST, CSSC SYSTEMS ENGINEERING RESEARCH INSTITUTE, 2022
Dual-link integrated communication system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that allows adaptive real-time adjustment of communication parameters like rates based on channel conditions. This improves channel utilization and reliability compared to fixed links. The system uses a ground terminal and UAV terminals with integrated main and secondary links, baseband modules, and processing. The processing coordinates the links, converts physical interfaces, and does comprehensive information processing. The UAV can dynamically switch and combine links based on conditions for optimal performance.
19. Communication Link Bandwidth Adjustment Mechanism for UAV Based on Environmental Context
SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2022
Adjusting the transmission bandwidth of a communication link between an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a ground control station based on the UAV's working environment. If the UAV is operating in a near-field scenario with low delay requirements, the bandwidth is reduced to improve sensitivity. If the UAV is operating in a far-field scenario with reliability requirements, the bandwidth is increased to improve connection. This allows optimizing transmission performance for different UAV scenarios.
20. Integrated Radio Apparatus for Simultaneous Control and Mission Data Transmission on Dedicated Frequency Bands
Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, 2021
An integrated onboard and ground radio station apparatus for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that enables simultaneous transmission of control and mission data on UAV's dedicated license frequency bands. The integrated design allows compact implementation of UAV-mounted and ground-based radios for both control and mission communication on the same frequency bands. This provides a single radio solution for UAVs that can operate on both control and mission frequencies, avoiding the need for separate radios for each purpose. The integrated design enables miniaturization and easier implementation on small UAVs compared to separate control and mission radios.
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