Study on Drone Handover Methods Suitable for Multipath Interference Due to Obstacles

Abstract

Networks constructed in the sky are known as non-terrestrial networks (NTNs). As an example of an NTN, relay transmission using drones as radio stations enables flexible network construction in the air by performing handovers with ground stations. However, the presence of structures or obstacles in the flight path causes multipath interference; consequently, the propagation environment fluctuates significantly based on the flight. In such a communication environment, it is difficult for a drone to select an optimal ground station for a handover. Moreover, unlike a terrestrial network, the propagation environment of a flying drone is affected by structures and other factors that cause multipaths based on the flight speed and altitude, making the conditions of the propagation environment even more complex. To solve these problems, we propose handover schemes between drones and the ground that consider the multipath interference caused by obstacles. The proposed methods are used to perform handovers based on an optimal threshold of received power considering interference and avoid unnecessary handovers based on the moving speed, which makes the handover seamless. Finally, we develop a simulator that evaluates the cross layer from propagation to upper network protocols in a virtual space, including buildings, evaluate the communication quality of a drone flying in a three-dimensional space, and confirm the effectiveness of the proposed methods as well as the evaluation of the real environment.