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Evaluating 5G Networks for U-Space Applications: Insights from Dense Urban Measurement Campaign

Barrios-Munoz Ricardo, Bernabe Matteo, Lopez-Perez David, Gomez-Barquero David, Quintanilla-Garcia Israel

TL;DR

This study evaluates cellular connectivity for UAVs operating in dense urban airspace, focusing on U-space readiness. It uses a measurement campaign in Benidorm with a passive RF scanner and a commercial UE to assess KPI such as RSRP, SINR, throughput, and RTT across altitudes and operator deployments. Key findings show that 5G NR n78 offers better RSRP than LTE B3, but SINR and outage rates deteriorate with altitude, and deployment differences significantly affect performance, indicating current networks may be insufficient for safe urban UAV operations. The work highlights the need for targeted network optimization and informs future 6G/U-space planning for reliable UAV communications in dense cities.

Abstract

Following the burgeoning interest in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) utilization within human-inhabited spaces, critical challenges arise in ensuring reliable, low-latency communication-particularly important given the safety-critical nature of such operations in densely populated urban environments. Therefore, adequate cellular communication capabilities are essential to enable safe and effective operations within the so-called U-Spaces. In this context, this paper investigates the communication performance of cellular-connected UAVs in dense urban environments. In particular, the analysis is based on a comprehensive measurement campaign conducted in the city of Benidorm, Spain-an urban area well known for its high concentration of tall buildings and overall urban density. More specifically, we evaluated key performance indicators (KPIs) related to received signal strength and quality, data rate, and latency across various altitudes, mobile network operators, access technologies, and frequency bands, using multiple types of measurement equipment. The results highlight significant challenges, primarily due to the lack of dedicated planning for aerial coverage and interference management, revealing that current cellular networks may fall short in supporting reliable and ubiquitous UAVs communication. Thus, this paper calls for improved network solutions to ensure the reliability of UAV operations in urban airspace, thereby contributing to the integration of UAVs into urban logistics and mobility.

Evaluating 5G Networks for U-Space Applications: Insights from Dense Urban Measurement Campaign

TL;DR

This study evaluates cellular connectivity for UAVs operating in dense urban airspace, focusing on U-space readiness. It uses a measurement campaign in Benidorm with a passive RF scanner and a commercial UE to assess KPI such as RSRP, SINR, throughput, and RTT across altitudes and operator deployments. Key findings show that 5G NR n78 offers better RSRP than LTE B3, but SINR and outage rates deteriorate with altitude, and deployment differences significantly affect performance, indicating current networks may be insufficient for safe urban UAV operations. The work highlights the need for targeted network optimization and informs future 6G/U-space planning for reliable UAV communications in dense cities.

Abstract

Following the burgeoning interest in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) utilization within human-inhabited spaces, critical challenges arise in ensuring reliable, low-latency communication-particularly important given the safety-critical nature of such operations in densely populated urban environments. Therefore, adequate cellular communication capabilities are essential to enable safe and effective operations within the so-called U-Spaces. In this context, this paper investigates the communication performance of cellular-connected UAVs in dense urban environments. In particular, the analysis is based on a comprehensive measurement campaign conducted in the city of Benidorm, Spain-an urban area well known for its high concentration of tall buildings and overall urban density. More specifically, we evaluated key performance indicators (KPIs) related to received signal strength and quality, data rate, and latency across various altitudes, mobile network operators, access technologies, and frequency bands, using multiple types of measurement equipment. The results highlight significant challenges, primarily due to the lack of dedicated planning for aerial coverage and interference management, revealing that current cellular networks may fall short in supporting reliable and ubiquitous UAVs communication. Thus, this paper calls for improved network solutions to ensure the reliability of UAV operations in urban airspace, thereby contributing to the integration of UAVs into urban logistics and mobility.

Paper Structure

This paper contains 13 sections, 5 figures, 3 tables.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Literature review
  3. Measurement Setup
  4. Measurement Area
  5. Measurement Equipment
  6. Measurement Result and Discussion
  7. Number of Neighbors Cells Analysis
  8. TSMA6B Scanner RSRP Analysis
  9. TSMA6B Scanner SINR Analysis
  10. Qualipoc Phone Rate and RTT Analysis
  11. Impact of Network Deployment
  12. Impact of UE's Receiver
  13. Conclusion

Figures (5)

  • Figure 1: Benidorm, Spain, with locations of network cells from three different operators, and measurement area highlighted in yellow (top right).
  • Figure 2: Measurement setup with an R&S QualiPoc engineering phone, GPS and antenna linked to an R&S TSMA6B scanner, mounted on a DJI M300.
  • Figure 3: Number of PCI detected at different altitudes.
  • Figure 4: CDF of RSRP and SINR measurements from the TSMA6B scanner at different altitudes for LTE B3 and NR n78 frequency bands.
  • Figure 5: SINR CDF captured at 60 m height for different network operating within LTE B3 and NR n78 frequency band.