Advanced Technologies in UAV-Assisted Cellular Communications

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to explore the latest advancements in the field of UAV-assisted cellular communications. One of the emerging applications of UAVs is in the field of cellular communications, where UAVs can be used as aerial base stations to provide connectivity in areas with poor or no cellular coverage, which is called UAV-assisted cellular communications. The technology that has advanced UAV-assisted cellular communications includes artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). By using AI and ML algorithms, UAVs can optimize their flight paths and coverage areas based on real-time data such as network traffic, user demand, and environmental conditions. This can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of UAV-assisted cellular communications and ensure that the coverage is provided where it is needed the most. Furthermore, the use of 5G/6G technology in UAV-assisted cellular communications can significantly improve the speed and reliability of the network, including in high mobility applications. With 5G/6G, UAVs can provide ultra-fast connectivity and low latency, enabling new applications such as real-time video streaming, remote surgeries, and autonomous vehicles. The combination of 5G/6G and UAVs can also provide connectivity to areas where traditional cellular towers are not feasible, such as high-altitude locations and disaster-stricken areas. With the advanced technologies such as beamforming, AI/ML, and 5G/6G, UAVs can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the network and provide ultra-fast connectivity to remote and disaster-prone areas. As this technology continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly change the way we communicate and connect with each other. 

The goal of this Special Issue is to provide a platform for researchers and practitioners to share their insights, experiences, and cutting-edge research on the topic, and to facilitate discussions on the potential applications and challenges of UAV-assisted cellular communications. Contributions from various perspectives, including engineering, computer science, and telecommunications, are welcome, as are both theoretical and practical research studies. The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, beamforming techniques, artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, and 5G/6G technologies. Overall, the aim of this Special Issue is to advance our understanding of the potential of UAVs in providing cellular coverage and to contribute to the development of new and innovative technologies in this field. We welcome submissions for this Special Issue on the applications and challenges of “Advanced Technology in UAV-Assisted Cellular Communications”, as well as current advances and future trends. Submissions must address at least one of the following topics:

1. Integration of 5G/6G technology in UAV-assisted cellular networks;
2. Beamforming techniques for UAV-assisted cellular communications;
3. Optimization algorithms for UAV flight paths and coverage areas in cellular networks;
4. Machine learning algorithms for autonomous UAV control in cellular networks;
5. Interference management and mitigation techniques for UAV-assisted cellular networks;
6. Channel modeling for air-to-ground and air-to-air communications;
7. Channel measurements, prototype results, and testbeds for UAV-aided communication networks and reliable UAV operation;
8. Network architectures and protocols for UAV-aided communication networks;
9. Energy-efficient UAV design for extended flight time in cellular networks;
10. Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) schemes for UAV-aided communication networks;
11. UAV-assisted emergency communication systems and disaster response;
12. Hybrid satellite–aerial–terrestrial and non-terrestrial network architectures;
13. UAV-based mobile edge computing (MEC) for low-latency cellular applications;
14. UAV-assisted Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity and sensor networks;
15. UAV-based aerial coverage for rural and remote areas in cellular networks;
16. 5G/6G networks for traffic management in UAV-based IoT;
17. 3D UAV flight path optimization and autonomous flight studies combining machine learning/deep learning and SLAM/Rat SLAM/PSO;
18. AI-native/orchestration, 3D coverage, network Sensing, E2E QoS guarantee, split computing, Tbps transmission, cloud-native, etc.;
19. Application of semantic-aware communication technology in IUAV_MTC networks;
20. UAV-integrated sensing and communications (ISAC);
21. Opportunities and challenges in joint sensing and communication with UAVs;
22. Situational awareness and decision making with 3D UAV technologies;
23. Spectrum management and numerous access techniques for cellular-connected UAVs.

Prof. Dr. KyungHi Chang
Guest Editor

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• UAV
• cellular communications
• AI-native
• flight path
• joint sensing and communication
• semantic-aware communication
• physical layer security
• MEC
• air-to-ground
• 5G/6G
• beamforming
• optimization
• interference management
• energy efficiency