Challenges in Inter-UAV 60 GHz Wireless Communication Utilizing Instantaneous Proximity Opportunities in Flight

Abstract

Communication using millimeter wave (mmWave) and terahertz bands between unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is a crucial technology for the realization of non-terrestrial networks envisioned for Beyond 5G. While these frequency bands offer remarkably high-speed transmission capabilities of tens of Gbps and above, they possess strong directivity and limited communication range due to the requirement of high-gain antennas to compensate for substantial propagation loss. When a UAV employs radio of such a high-frequency band, the available communication time can be less than one second, and the feasibility of leveraging this ultra-narrow zone, which is only accessible for a short duration in a confined space, has not been investigated. This paper presents the theory behind the ultra-narrow zone in frequencies beyond mmWave and explores the data transfer characteristics at 60 GHz between two UAVs. We demonstrate the transmission of 120 MB of data within approximately 500 milliseconds utilizing the instantaneous proximity opportunity created as the UAVs pass each other. Additionally, we evaluate data transfer while the UAVs maintain a fixed distance, to sustain the 60 GHz link, successfully transmitting over 10 GB of data in the air with a throughput of approximately 5 Gbps.