3D On-Demand Flying Mobile Communication for Millimeter-Wave Heterogeneous Networks
Kai‐Ten Feng, Li-Hsiang Shen, Chi-Yu Li, Po-Tsang Huang, Sau-Hsuan Wu, Li‐Chun Wang, Yi‐Bing Lin, Mau-Chung Frank Chang
Abstract
Millimeter wave (mmWave) technology achieving multi-gigabits speed plays a significant role in beyond 5G and the next 6G wireless communication networks thanks to its huge spectrum utilization and beam-based directional transmissions. To tackle temporary ultra-high data demands of hotspot areas, three-dimensional (3D) heterogeneous network (HetNet) is designed with the integration of mmWave unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to provide resilient instantaneous control and data transmissions. However, some critical beam-related issues for mmWave implementation of UAVs/drones are addressed including robust initial beam alignment, mobility-aware beam tracking and beam refinement. In this research, we aim at developing robust and efficient beam control mechanisms by implementing a prototype of 3D flying heterogeneous communications. The backhaul connections operate at mmWave frequency between airship and UAV/drone, while fronthaul links adopt lower frequency bands such as Wi-Fi for multiuser data transmissions. We evaluate system performances for our proposed beam control schemes and provide a real-time prototype of 3D on-demand flying mobile communication for mmWave HetNets.