Laser-Powered UAVs for Wireless Communication Coverage: A Large-Scale Deployment Strategy

Lahmeri MA, Kishk MA, Alouini MS (2023)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2023

Journal

IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

Book Volume: 22

Pages Range: 518-533

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.1109/TWC.2022.3195867

Abstract

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is strongly advocated for sixth-generation (6G) networks, as the 6G standard will not be limited to improving broadband services, but will also target the extension of the geographical cellular coverage. In this context, the deployment of UAVs is considered a key solution for seamless connectivity and reliable coverage. That being said, it is important to underline that although UAVs are characterized by their high mobility and their ability to establish line-of-sight (LOS) links, their use is still impeded by several factors such as weather conditions, their limited computing power, and, most importantly, their limited energy. In this work, we are aiming for the novel technology that enables indefinite wireless power transfer for UAVs using laser beams. We propose a novel UAV deployment strategy, based on which we analyze the overall performance of the system in terms of wireless coverage. To this end, we use tractable tools from stochastic geometry to model the complex communication system. We analyze the user's connectivity profile under different laser charging capabilities and in different type of environments. We show a decrease in the coverage probability by more than 12% in moderate-to-strong turbulence conditions compared to low turbulence conditions. We also show how the connection rate to the aerial network significantly decreases in favor of the terrestrial network for short laser charging ranges. We conclude that laser-powered drones are considered interesting alternatives when placed in LOS with users, in low-to-moderate optical turbulence, and at reasonable ranges from the charging stations.

Involved external institutions

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) / جامعة الملك عبد الله للعلوم و التقنية

Saudi Arabia (SA) National University of Ireland (NUI), Galway

Ireland (IE)

How to cite

APA:

Lahmeri, M.-A., Kishk, M.A., & Alouini, M.-S. (2023). Laser-Powered UAVs for Wireless Communication Coverage: A Large-Scale Deployment Strategy. IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications, 22(1), 518-533. https://dx.doi.org/10.1109/TWC.2022.3195867

MLA:

Lahmeri, Mohamed-Amine, Mustafa A. Kishk, and Mohamed-Slim Alouini. "Laser-Powered UAVs for Wireless Communication Coverage: A Large-Scale Deployment Strategy." IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications 22.1 (2023): 518-533.

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