2017 Benchmark Study

How LTE Networks Enable the Command and Control of Drones

DUBLIN, September 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The "Signals Ahead: LTE and Drones Benchmark" report has been added to Research and Markets' offering.

In this Signals Ahead report we provide results from the industry's first independent and in-depth analysis of LTE and its ability to provide command and control (C2) for drones. For this study, we tested the four major US mobile operators.

We used the R&S scanner to capture downlink parameters (RSRP, RSRQ, SINR) at various elevations up to 400 ft. and in different morphologies. We also conducted some limited flight tests when permissible. Our tests involved all four major US operators and frequency bands from 731.5 MHz to 2150 MHz. Although the uplink (drone to cell tower) could require high bandwidth for certain applications, like streaming video, the downlink is critical for command of the drone.

The Results

At a high level (pun intended), the networks performed better than we initially thought for some bands, but there are significant design considerations for both the eNB antenna system and the UAS antenna system. Further, there are likely changes to the standard that are required to ensure optimal and reliable performance while not degrading the terrestrial cellular network.

Key Topics Covered:

1.0 Executive Summary
2.0 Key Observations
3.0 Background and Technical Primer
3.1 Antennas
4.0 Detailed Analysis
4.1 Park Testing - Suburban Morphology
4.2 Church Testing - Dense Suburban Morphology
5.0 Test Methodology
6.0 Final Thoughts
7.0 Appendix

List of Figures

Figure 1. Cell Site & Drone Testing Locations
Figure 2. US National Airspace System
Figure 3. Vertical Antenna Pattern
Figure 4. Mechanical & Electrical Downtilt Comparison
Figure 5. Map of Park Testing - Boulder, CO
Figure 6. Vertical Snapshot of Best Signal
Figure 7. SINR, RSRQ and RSRP Values for Each Operator's Best Performing Frequency Band - 0 ft. AGL
Figure 8. SINR, RSRQ and RSRP Values for Each Operator's Best Performing Frequency Band - 100 ft. AGL
Figure 9. SINR, RSRQ and RSRP Values for Each Operator's Best Performing Frequency Band - 400 ft. AGL
Figure 10. Spectrum Sweep - Park Testing at 0 ft. AGL
Figure 11. Spectrum Sweep - Park Testing at 50 ft. AGL
Figure 12. Spectrum Sweep - Park Testing at 100 ft. AGL
Figure 13. Spectrum Sweep - Park Testing at 200 ft. AGL