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Page 23 Ayass et al. Intell Robot 2022;22(1):20-36 https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/ir.2021.07

Figure 1. Flying ad hoc network scenario for city security monitoring.

protocols (AODV, OLSR, etc.) used in ad hoc networks are also used in this context [Figure 2].

Therefore, the location of devices within a coverage area directly impacts the performance of the network,
which may improve or deteriorate according to their mobility. Thus, one of the main challenges to be solved
in this type of network is the handover management after motion of UAVs.

Communication between UAVs depends a lot on their location since all information collected from the
environment is concentrated in a relay node (which is responsible for relaying the data to a control center).
Therefore, its positioning with respect to the other nodes is a strategic point to maintain a good
performance of the network; it is not ideal that a UAV relay has excellent communication with some UAVs
but poor communication with others in the network (see Figure 3).

Due to the high rate of mobility of UAVs in a FANET, updating the location of all nodes in the network is a
critical factor. Network devices need to know the location of the other elements in real time; thus, in
addition to the use of GPS (which on average sends the location once per second), UAVs have an inertial
measurement unit, capable of sending its location in an interval smaller than the GPS at any time.

3. CHALLENGES AND PERSPECTIVES
The technology used in UAVs has great advantages for current generation telecommunications networks
and provides a great framework of improvements, challenges, and promises for the next generations of
wireless communications, especially in areas with difficult access or in regions lacking physical
infrastructure, providing a structure and ensuring connectivity where terrestrial devices may fail. Many
smart solutions are proposed in the literature, involving the context of using drones and UAVs. Some of
these solutions promise implementations to adequately serve numerous services in addition to Internet data
network communications and distribution, e.g., surveillance services, military systems, intelligent traffic
control and distribution, and other important points including in the concept of smart cities.