An Implementation of Relay Function Based on LTE Technology for Multi-UAV Communication

This paper presents a design of relay function for multi-UAV communication and evaluates its performance in an implemented simulation environment. The proposed relay function design is based on the popular and commonly used LTE technology. Accordingly, the implementation can be low-cost and performance-efficient. Through the use of relay function, UAVs can forward data messages among UAVs when direct communication is available between a ground console and a remote UAV. Consequently, UAVs can be dispatched to areas that cannot reach before to monitor environment and collect information, then transmit data backward to ground consoles by the proposed relay function in real time.