Software Defined Radios for Long Range Drone Communication

Optimizing wireless communications for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by dynamically selecting the carrier frequency based on network conditions and UAV operations. The method involves retrieving network state information describing the network conditions, determining the impact of those conditions on the UAV's operation, and then selecting an appropriate carrier frequency for UAV-network communications based on that impact. Factors like altitude, location, bandwidth availability, and future flight paths are considered.

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Automated radio connectivity for drones to enable beyond line of sight flight without loss of command and control. The system plans and coordinates radio tower connections for drone flights based on flight plans and anticipated coverage areas. It optimizes radio tower handoffs along the route to ensure continuous command and control. The drone radio follows the predetermined tower connection sequence to maintain communication throughout the flight.

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System for improving reliability and scalability of beyond visual line of sight unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communication links by dynamically routing data between UAVs and ground stations. The system uses a network of UAV radios and ground stations all tuned to the same frequency. The ground stations receive multiple parallel channels on that frequency using techniques like GMSK modulation. An OSPF routing algorithm selects the best ground station for each UAV based on link performance parameters. This allows seamless handoff between ground stations as the UAV moves and optimizes connectivity for multiple UAVs.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Frequency band adaptive UAV communication system that improves robustness, transmission rate, and anti-interference performance of UAV communication. The system uses multiple RF communication modules working in different frequency bands on both the UAV and remote control terminals. A microcontroller in each terminal switches between the frequency bands based on parameters like signal strength, error rate, and distance to optimize performance and avoid interference.

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Scalable and reliable command and control system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) operating beyond visual line of sight. The system allows multiple UAVs to connect with multiple ground stations simultaneously on a single frequency. Each UAV's radio transmits on sequential channels, which are received and processed by ground radios. Routing algorithms optimize link performance between UAVs and ground stations. GMSK modulation with equalization restores waveforms over the channel impairments. This scalable multi-ground-station system improves reliability by seamlessly transitioning between stations based on performance.

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Long-range drone communication system that allows fast bidirectional data transfer between a drone and ground station using the 920 MHz band. The system mitigates interference in this band by having the drone and ground station select two non-interfering channels from a split portion of the band. One channel is determined as the downlink for drone-to-ground transmission, and the other as the uplink for ground-to-drone transmission. This allows simultaneous transmission on both channels for bi-directional communication.

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CS-ALOHA based cellular communication method for long range drone measurement and control using hybrid base stations. The method involves using cellular networks instead of point-to-point radios or satellites to extend the range and reliability of drone communications. Multiple hybrid base stations cover larger areas than a single base station. Drones communicate with the nearest base station using CS-ALOHA access protocol. This allows drones to roam between base stations without handover. The method uses dedicated downlink and uplink frames for drone telemetry, remote control, and acknowledgements.

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A ground base station for unmanned aircraft that has anti-interference capabilities to allow reliable communication beyond the horizon. The base station has a dedicated frequency range for unmanned aircraft communication. It continuously scans this range for clean frequency points free of interference. If interference is detected, it switches to a different frequency point. This ensures reliable communication even in heavily jammed environments. The base station can also authenticate and synchronize with child nodes to allow them to communicate through the base station when they can't directly contact each other.

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A method for UAV communication with adaptive distance using parallel multi-channel transmission and switching between two modulation methods, FSK and LoRa, to balance range and data rate. The UAV and remote control simultaneously use multiple radio frequency chips for parallel transmission. After a channel completes, the UAV checks the received signal strength. If FSK RSSI is low, switch to LoRa for anti-jamming. If LoRa RSSI is high, switch to FSK for higher rate. This adaptive switching between FSK and LoRa based on signal quality improves UAV communication range and data rate compared to fixed modulation.

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Communication device and wireless transmission system for integrating multiple data interfaces into a single device for unmanned aerial vehicles and other applications. The device has a RF module, baseband module, interface module, clock module, and power supply. Multiple data interfaces are connected to the interface module. This allows consolidating multiple wireless links into one device to reduce the number of required RF modules and interfaces on UAVs, ships, etc. The device enables simultaneous transmission of telemetry and control signals over a single wireless link instead of separate links for each function.

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System for reliable and high bandwidth communication with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at altitudes above ground level. The system provides separate RF frequency bands for different types of UAV communications. One band is dedicated to critical control and navigation commands, while the other band supports payload data and remote sensing applications. This allows high reliability command and control using ground-based cellular networks, while also enabling high bandwidth remote sensing operations for UAVs at altitudes where ground-based cellular coverage is inadequate. The separate frequency bands prevent interference between the two types of UAV communications.

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A compact, low-power, long-range digital radio module for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that enables reliable flight control over long distances. The radio uses LoRa spread spectrum modulation, power amplification, and error correction to improve transmission distance, sensitivity, and bit error rate compared to standard UAV radios. The small size, low power, and light weight make it suitable for UAVs. The radio has a suction cup antenna, power amplifier, transceiver, control module, power supply, and light.

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Dynamic power amplifier mode switching for drone communication to optimize power consumption and range based on distance. The drone determines the distance to the ground station using positioning and adjusts the power amplifier gain mode accordingly. For short distances, low power mode is used, while long distances require high power. This avoids wasting power with high gain amps when close, and extends range when far.

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System to provide reliable broadband access to drones using unlicensed spectrum like the 5 GHz ISM band. The system mitigates interference received in the drone communications link by using directional beams and adaptive beamforming. The drones steer their beams toward specific cell sites based on position, measure quality, and associate. Cell sites form beams toward drones. This allows drones to dynamically find good links in crowded bands. The system also partitions frequencies into channels and associates drones to channels at cell sites.

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A system for reliable beyond-line-of-sight communication between an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a base station. The system uses both satellite and RF links to provide uninterrupted communication. The UAV has an RF module for short-medium range communication and a satellite module for medium-long range. The UAV's autopilot and sensor modules are connected to both modules. A controller switches between the modules based on range. For short-medium range, RF is primary with satellite backup. For medium-long range, satellite is primary with RF backup. The satellite link is active only during actual communication, not continuously.

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A compact, lightweight UAV communication module that addresses issues with traditional UAV transceivers like limited bandwidth, high power consumption, and susceptibility to interference. The module uses a flexible radio frequency (RF) architecture with adjustable transmit power, wide dynamic range, and interference rejection. The design allows UAVs to operate in crowded RF environments, extend flight time, and maintain reliable control and telemetry links. Key features include: 1. RF division duplexing: The module uses a technique called RF division duplexing to share the RF bandwidth between the uplink and downlink channels. This allows multiple tasks to be performed on a single transceiver without requiring separate transmit and receive channels. The duplexing is achieved by frequency shifting and filtering. 2. Wide dynamic range: The module provides a dynamic range of 80 dB, which reduces the likelihood of saturation and signal loss in

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Low-power narrowband communication method for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that allows precise and accurate data transmission between UAVs and ground stations using narrowband signals. The method uses frequency division multiple access to support simultaneous communication with multiple UAVs. It achieves low power consumption in both the transmitter and receiver by optimizing techniques like fractional spreading, coarse frequency offset correction, and narrowband filtering. This allows precise and accurate data processing for telemetry, remote control, and data transmission using low-power narrowband signals for UAV applications.

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Long-distance multi-channel broadband data transmission system for drones that enables integrated high-definition video, voice, and data transmission over long distances while reducing size, weight, power consumption, and improving safety compared to existing drone data transmission methods. The system uses multiple concurrent time slot channels, alternating between UAV and ground station slots, with long slots for video and short slots for other data. It also distributes antennas on the drone body to increase capacity. This allows efficient, integrated transmission of multiple channels of high-definition video and other data over long distances without bloating the drone size and weight.

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A method for unmanned aircraft to communicate with ground stations using wideband frequency division multiplexing. The method involves converting the aircraft's broadband signals to baseband, synchronizing the bits and carrier frequencies, equalizing the channel, decoding the bits, and converting back to baseband for transmission. This allows multiple aircraft to share the airspace by avoiding interference. The receiving station also converts the signals back to broadband. The wideband method reduces power and size compared to narrowband.

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A wideband communication system for unmanned aircraft that enables high data rate remote sensing and control without consuming excessive power or resources. The system uses frequency division multiple access and baseband modulation to allow multiple aircraft to transmit simultaneously. It also uses advanced techniques like frequency domain equalization and matched filtering to improve demodulation and synchronization. This allows high data rate, accurate remote sensing and control for unmanned aircraft with limited resources.

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