MAC protocols for unmanned aerial vehicle ecosystems: Review and challenges

Abstract The deployment of multiple small-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in various applications has gained considerable attention from researchers and business organizations. Recent studies on UAV networks show paramount magnification in the calibre of interest to deploy UAVs in both military and civilian sectors. Despite salutary in deployment, UAVs face a crucial challenge in radio allocation, timing control, and channel access. Majority of these issues are due to inefficient Medium Access Control (MAC) protocols as most of the applications with UAVs use subsisting MAC protocols, which are only congruous for traditional networks. The MAC protocols for existing networks face an issue of applicability to UAV-based communication network due to the requirements of highly dynamic and mobile scenarios. This paper tries to highlight such issues and challenges and presents a detailed review of the MAC protocols applicable for UAV-based communication ecosystems. Moreover, mechanisms to fit the existing protocols into UAV scenarios are additionally discussed along with key technologies and standards. Finally, the article provides future challenges about UAV communications.

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