UAVs as Dynamic Nodes in Communication Networks
For researchers and engineers in aerial communications, this survey consolidates existing work and introduces a new architecture, but it is largely a review with incremental contributions.
This survey examines the multi-mode roles of UAVs in 5G/B5G/6G networks, including as relays, UE, gNB, and RIS, and proposes a novel UAV-Network-in-a-Box architecture for disaster recovery. No concrete performance numbers are provided.
Driven by the demands of 5G/Beyond 5G and 6G networks, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have surfaced in critical roles for aerial communications. In the present survey, we explore the multi-mode roles of UAVs as relays, User Equipment (UE), gNB and Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS), along with their deployment scenarios, architectural frameworks, and different communication models incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) configurations. We consider the effects of alternate power sources on the communication payload. The survey also aims to address security issues in the UAV communications. As an advancement, we propose a novel UAV-Network-in-a-Box (NIB) architecture for disaster recovery and temporary coverage as an alternative to traditional network infrastructure.