Impact of UAV Body Dynamics on Coverage Probability in 5G FR2

The next-generation wireless communication technologies, such as 5G Frequency Range 2 (FR2), WLANs, etc., are utilizing the millimeter-wave (mmWave) spectrum for increased data rates. For example, applications involving unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for coverage extension in 5G comprise a huge amount of user data to be transmitted to the gNodeB (gNB). Hence, utilizing mmWave communication technologies such as 5G FR2 to establish the link between the UAV and gNB can be a suitable option. However, one of the critical technologies of 5G FR2 is the utilization of directional beamforming, and the impact of the axial unsteadiness of UAV s on the coverage needs to be carefully analyzed. This paper studies and models the effect of beam misalignment manifested due to axial disturbances in UAVs while hovering at a fixed altitude on the network performance. Firstly, a stochastic model for beam misalignment is developed by collecting real-time inertial data from a hovering UAV over multiple flights. Second, an analytical formulation of the coverage probability in a directional UAV to gNB mmWave communication link is formulated. The performance analysis shows that the analytical model matches the simulation outcomes with less than 2% error.