Preflight Network Checks for Unmanned Air System Command & Control in Mobile Networks and Future Multi-Administered Domains

Abstract

We investigate unmanned aerial system (UAS) command & control (C2) operations over civilian multi-administered domains of mobile networks, studying reliability between unmanned air vehicle (UAV) and remote operating centres (ROC) and design a measurement tool as a preflight network check. The purpose is to offer UAS operators means to self-evaluate dynamic multi-domain network links. Experiments are conducted with Citymesh a Belgian mobile network operator, that is building the first country-wide Drone as First Responder (DFR) solution for public safety. C2 links between 30 UAVs and two ROCs are analysed. A proof of concept is devised using variable Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) traffic profiles to assess C2 latency between ROCs and UAV determining best available remote pilot stations. Results show preflight latency testing can reduce C2 mission risk, and mobile networks today are suitable for minor UAS operation.