Cooperative Communication Over UAVs-Assisted Networks: Review of Techniques and Challenges

Due to its adaptable configuration, diverse line of sight options, three-dimensional mobility, robust deployment capabilities, and rapid advancements in communication capabilities for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), a new era of wireless networks has emerged. This era excels in delivering high-quality data through multi-hop relaying. In mission-critical applications like surveillance, UAVs can function as aerial relays. Various cooperative relaying schemes, employed for communication diversity and data offloading using multiple UAVs, have been documented in the literature. Ensuring the reliable operation of these systems requires addressing significant issues related to deploying UAVs in mission areas. This article comprehensively reviews recent literature on UAVassisted cooperative networking, categorizing cooperative relaying strategies into four areas. Additionally, it organizes specific issues and challenges associated with UAVs-based networks into four classes.