Recent Advances in UAV Communications and Networks
A special issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220). This special issue belongs to the section "Sensor Networks".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 August 2025 | Viewed by 995
Special Issue Editors
Interests: UAV communications; edge computing; integrated sensing and communication; reconfigurable intelligence surface
Interests: mobile computing networks; UAV communication network; moving edge collaborative computing; future network convergence and management; large-scale antenna and cooperative communication; wireless resource management
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communications have grown rapidly and have been applied in many scenarios over the past few years. However, many challenges remain. On one hand, various emerging technologies such as extremely large-scale arrays (XL-arrays), reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs), edge intelligence, and integrated sensing and communication will be integrated into UAV communications. This integration necessitates the development of more efficient yet low-complexity algorithms for managing network resources. Additionally, the use of high-spectrum and large-scale arrays shifts traditional far-field UAV communications into near-field communications (NFCs), resulting in different signal transmission models. On the other hand, advanced methods for two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) UAV trajectory design are essential for UAV communications and networks. Furthermore, in future 6G systems, dedicated UAVs will face more complex environments. Factors such as the channel characteristics of air–ground links, quality of service (QoS) requirements, and multi-UAV cooperation would be considered in the joint optimization of UAV trajectories and network resource allocation.
This Special Issue calls for papers related to all aspects of UAV communications and networks. Topics of interest in this Special Issue include but are not limited to the following:
- XL-array communications for UAV networks;
- RIS-assisted UAV communications or UAV-mounted RIS communications;
- Near-field communications for UAV networks;
- 3D beamforming for UAV communications and networks;
- Radio map techniques for UAV communications and networks;
- Edge intelligence for UAV communications and networks;
- Millimeter-wave or terahertz communications for UAV networks;
- Channel modeling for UAV–ground and UAV–UAV communications;
- Joint trajectory and resource optimization for UAV communications;
- Integrated sensing, communication, and computing for UAV networks;
- Machine learning-based optimization for UAV communications and networks;
- Spectrum/energy efficiency for UAV communications and networks;
- Physical layer security for UAV communications and networks;
- Cellular-connected UAV communications;
- Advanced trajectory optimization methods for UAV communications;
- Accurate propulsion energy consumption model for UAV 3D flight;
- UAV meets Internet of Things, Internet of Vehicles, AR/VR, etc.
Dr. Yu Xu
Prof. Dr. Tiankui Zhang
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. Sensors is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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
- UAV
- resource allocation
- trajectory design
- 6G
- optimization algorithm
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
