Optimizing MIMO Systems for UAV Communication Networks
A special issue of Drones (ISSN 2504-446X). This special issue belongs to the section "Drone Communications".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 65
Special Issue Editors
Interests: 5G/6G communications and Internet of Things (IoT); artificial intelligence (AI) driven future networks; multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems; wireless powered communication networks; wireless information security; edge computing and wireless caching; space-air-ground integrated networks (SAGIN)
Interests: B5G/6G radio access techniques; hyper complex signal processing; next-generation broadcast and multicast communications; future open networks
Interests: B5G and 6G networks; AI/ML; cross-layer design and optimizations of wireless networks; multimedia multicasting and broadcasting; application layer forward error correction codes; propagation modeling; millimeter wave; UAV and vehicular communications
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The rapid emergence of the Low-Altitude Economy (LAE) represents a transformative paradigm shift in urban mobility, emergency response, and aerial logistics, with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) serving as the cornerstone of this revolution. As UAVs increasingly operate in densely populated urban environments and complex airspace scenarios, the demand for reliable, high-capacity, and low-latency communication systems has become paramount. Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) technology, with its proven capability to enhance spectral efficiency, improve link reliability, and support multiple simultaneous data streams, presents a critical solution for addressing the unique communication challenges in UAV networks.
The goal of this Special Issue is to collect papers (original research articles and review papers) to give insights on advancing the state-of-the-art in MIMO-optimized UAV communication systems specifically tailored for low-altitude operations. We seek contributions that address the complex interplay between dynamic UAV mobility, three-dimensional channel characteristics, interference management, and energy efficiency constraints inherent in LAE applications. The issue will explore innovative approaches to MIMO system design, including adaptive beamforming techniques, spatial multiplexing strategies, and intelligent resource allocation algorithms that can adapt to rapidly changing network topologies and user demands.
We welcome submissions spanning both theoretical and experimental perspectives, including analytical modeling, algorithm design, system optimization, testbeds, and field trials. Relevant themes include, but are not limited to:
- MIMO channel modeling and characterization for air-to-ground and air-to-air communication
- Adaptive beamforming and precoding techniques for mobile UAV platforms
- Interference mitigation and spectrum sharing in dense UAV deployments
- Energy-efficient MIMO system design for battery-constrained UAVs
- Machine learning and AI-driven optimization of MIMO parameters
- Integration of MIMO systems with 5G/6G networks for UAV connectivity
- Performance analysis and optimization of MIMO-UAV networks in urban environments
- Security and privacy considerations in MIMO-enabled UAV communications
- Testbed development and experimental validation of MIMO-UAV systems
- Standardization and regulatory aspects of MIMO-UAV networks in LAE
We look forward to receiving your original research articles and reviews.
Dr. Zheng Chu
Dr. De Mi
Dr. Berna Bulut Cebecioglu
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Drones is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- MIMO systems
- UAV communications networks
- low-altitude economy
- air-ground integrated communications
- optimization
- B5G/6G integration
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