Received signal strength indicator-based decentralised control for robust long-range aerial networking using directional antennas

Abstract

Aerial networking using directional antennas (ANDA) is referred as a promising solution for the networking of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and for the fast provision of on-demand communication infrastructure to the ground. The cyber constraints on communication channel characteristics and physical constraints on the payload, power, and mobility of UAVs make it challenging to achieve a robust ANDA. In this study, the authors develop a decentralised control algorithm for directional antennas mounted on two moving UAVs to achieve a robust broad-band long-distance communication channel. In particular, the self-alignment of UAV-mounted directional antennas over a long distance is achieved through fusing the Global Positioning System (GPS) and communication channel characteristic measured by received signal strength indicator, using unscented Kalman filter and fuzzy logic. The solution significantly enhances the performance of wireless communication channel in imperfect environment subject to the unavailability of GPS signals and unstable strength of wireless signals. Finally, simulations are performed to validate the decentralised directional antenna control approach.