Assessment of 5G Connectivity for UAV Operations in Urban Environments: An Analysis of Network Performance and UAV Communication Architecture

This article presents an in-depth analysis of the integration of 5G connectivity for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations in urban environments, focusing on network performance and the architectural framework necessary for optimal UAV communication. As UAVs become increasingly prevalent in urban applications, from surveillance to delivery services, the demand for robust and reliable communication systems has become paramount. This study explores the unique challenges posed by urban settings, such as signal obstruction and high-density network traffic, and examines how 5G technology offers solutions through advanced features like beamforming. By detailing the setup and evaluation of a UAV communication architecture that incorporates 5G modules, including the use of the NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin Developer Kit for real-world testing, this article highlights the significant improvements in data rate, latency, and reliability achieved with 5G networks compared to traditional communication technologies. The findings underscore the transformative potential of 5G connectivity in enhancing UAV operational efficiency and reliability in complex urban landscapes. Through case studies and practical insights, the article also provides a glimpse into the future of urban UAV applications, paving the way for further research and development in this dynamic field. Copyright (c) 2024 The Authors.