Performance Evaluation of Multi-UAV Network Applied to Scanning Rocket Impact Area

Abstract

This paper presents a communication network for a squadron of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to be used in the scanning rocket impact area for Barreira do Inferno Launch Center—CLBI (Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil), aiming at detecting intruder boats. The main features of communication networks associated with multi-UAV systems are presented. This system sends information through Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN). After comparing and analyzing area scanning strategies, it presents the specification of a data communication network architecture for a squadron of UAVs within a sensor network using XBee Pro 900HP S3B modules. A brief description is made about the initial information from the construction of the system. The embedded hardware and the design procedure of a dedicated communication antenna to the XBee modules are presented. In order to evaluate the performance of the proposed architecture in terms of robustness and reliability, a set of experimental tests in different communication scenarios is carried out. Network management software is employed to measure the throughput, packet loss and other performance indicators in the communication links between the different network nodes. Experimental results allow verifying the quality and performance of the network nodes, as well as the reliability of the communication links, assessing signal received quality, range and latency.

Performance Analysis of ZigBeePRO Network Using the Shortest Path Algorithm for Distributed Renewable Generation

“…The mean throughput obtained is 1409 b/s (star) and 1565 b/s (shortest path). Our results are supported by [10] and [30] where the throughput of a ZigBee network achieved was 1077 b/s and 15933 b/s from the experimental work. A simulation was conducted considering 20, 40, and 60 nodes in star, mesh, and cluster tree topologies, which show the throughput in the range of 20 Kb/s-160 Kb/s [11].…”

“…The average loss rates of the shortest path and star topology are 0.4967 % and 0.65 %, respectively. This inconsistent rate scenario has also been observed by previous researchers, where the loss rate is between 0.0 % and 6.0 % [10], [11], [32]. Our loss rate obtained is lower than the results of previous researchers because the nodes generate periodic packets consistently in our simulation.…”

“…In contrast, it has limitations on interference and spectrum resources [8]. Despite these limitations, ZigBeePRO technology is more feasible and advantageous over the other wireless technologies from the analysis of the SG network structure by many researchers [1]- [3], [8]- [10]. This trend of using ZigBeePRO technology is the motivation for examining network performance in the DRG application of SG.…”

“…There are several recent researches related to ZigBee and network performance in different SG networks, such as substations, power control room, and transformer vault [10]. The performance parameters were end-to-end delay, throughput, packet delivery ratio, and energy consumption.…”

Signaling Protocols for Local Area Networks of Drones

“…The packet loss rate for the AR 2.0 UAV is not given or measured in the literature. However, Silva et al [11] have conducted multiple experiments to evaluate the performance of the Multi-UAV network. They calculated the packet loss by sending 500 packets between UAVs in the Multi-UAV network.…”