Using Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Mobile Network Verifications

This study presents the usage of unmanned aircraft for site survey and antenna pattern measurements in-situ in mobile networks. The site survey is one part of the verification and optimization process of the network operator. Mobile network operators' responsibility is to ensure the broadly available, reliable network series that are essential for customer experience. Technically that means mobile network coverage of the desired area without holes and with good capacity. The operator performs network planning in order to optimize coverage and capacity. It is essential to know the antenna pattern to plan and design an effective and efficient mobile network. Antenna manufacturers provide antenna radiation patterns measured in the standard anechoic chamber. Understanding how real site implementation differs from the laboratory measurements is also crucial. This study focuses on developing in-situ antenna measurements for the antenna patterns recorded in the laboratory. The evaluation of antenna radiation patterns in a real environment will provide additional information about what kind of effect the antenna site mast, installation, and antenna performance parameters will have on the theoretical radiation pattern.