AirWave: Enhancing UAV Connectivity in Cellular Networks through an Integrated Simulation Framework

This study presents AirWave, an innovative modeling framework tailored to address the challenges associated with integrating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) into 5G and future cellular networks. With the rising prominence of UAVs across various industries, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity and efficient mobility management within cellular networks becomes paramount. AirWave offers a comprehensive simulation environment, amalgamating network and physics simulations using ns-3 for network simulation, Gazebo for physics simulation, and integrating PX4 autopilot for realistic UAV flight dynamics. This framework facilitates in-depth investigations into UAV mobility and handover management, including a trajectory optimization technique based on reinforcement learning for cellular-connected drones. Extensive simulations demonstrate the versatility and effectiveness of AirWave, showcasing notable improvements in UAV range, connectivity, and management within cellular networks. These findings hold significant promise for advancing research and practical applications in UAV communications.