Logo
ScienceStack
Table of Contents
Fetching ...
Sign In

Developing Cost-Effective Drones for 5G Non-Terrestrial Network Research and Experimentation

Carlos de Quinto Cáceres, Andrés Navarro, Alejandro Leonardo García Navarro, Tomás Martínez, Gabriel Otero, José Alberto Hernández

TL;DR

This paper addresses the need for an affordable, open-platform drone to prototype and evaluate 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs). It presents a cost-conscious hardware stack and a detailed assembly workflow, featuring onboard Jetson Orin edge computing, 4G/5G backhaul, a 360-degree camera, and precise GPS, all orchestrated under ArduPilot on a Pixhawk 6C. Key contributions include explicit component selections, a step-by-step build guide, and a discussion of 5G NTN extensions such as a high-bandwidth router and RTSP video streaming from a 360-degree camera to onboard processing. The work demonstrates a practical, scalable platform suitable for research, education, and rapid prototyping of NTN-enabled aerial systems with potential impact across surveillance, environmental monitoring, agriculture, and disaster response.

Abstract

In this article, we describe the components and procedures for building a drone ready for networking experimentation. In particular, our drone design includes multiple technologies and elements such as 4G/5G connectivity for real-time data transmission, a 360-degree camera for immersive vision and AR/VR, precise GPS for navigation, and a powerful Linux-based system with GPU for computer vision experiments and applications. Component selection and assembly techniques are included, along with software integration for a smooth, seamless operation of advanced edge applications.

Developing Cost-Effective Drones for 5G Non-Terrestrial Network Research and Experimentation

TL;DR

This paper addresses the need for an affordable, open-platform drone to prototype and evaluate 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs). It presents a cost-conscious hardware stack and a detailed assembly workflow, featuring onboard Jetson Orin edge computing, 4G/5G backhaul, a 360-degree camera, and precise GPS, all orchestrated under ArduPilot on a Pixhawk 6C. Key contributions include explicit component selections, a step-by-step build guide, and a discussion of 5G NTN extensions such as a high-bandwidth router and RTSP video streaming from a 360-degree camera to onboard processing. The work demonstrates a practical, scalable platform suitable for research, education, and rapid prototyping of NTN-enabled aerial systems with potential impact across surveillance, environmental monitoring, agriculture, and disaster response.

Abstract

In this article, we describe the components and procedures for building a drone ready for networking experimentation. In particular, our drone design includes multiple technologies and elements such as 4G/5G connectivity for real-time data transmission, a 360-degree camera for immersive vision and AR/VR, precise GPS for navigation, and a powerful Linux-based system with GPU for computer vision experiments and applications. Component selection and assembly techniques are included, along with software integration for a smooth, seamless operation of advanced edge applications.
Paper Structure (21 sections, 12 figures, 2 tables)

This paper contains 21 sections, 12 figures, 2 tables.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Hardware design
  3. Initial design and requirements
  4. Platform
  5. Motors
  6. Electronic Speed Controller
  7. Battery
  8. Power Distribution Board
  9. Power for additional electronics
  10. Flight Controller
  11. Transmitter and Receiver
  12. Final additional components
  13. A guide for assembling the drone
  14. Step 1: The PDB
  15. Step 2: The frame
  16. ...and 6 more sections

Figures (12)

  • Figure 1: Drone finally assembled (top); components and top view (bottom left), and components and bottom view (bottom right).
  • Figure 2: Step 1. PDB Diagram (top); PDB with soldered connectors (bottom).
  • Figure 3: Step 2. Tarot frame (top); Landing Gear in 3D (middle), and printed part landing gear (bottom).
  • Figure 4: Step 3. Detail of the motor mounting solution (top); Motor Connectors (bottom).
  • Figure 5: Step 4. ESC connectors.
  • ...and 7 more figures