Better Network Connectivity Improves UAV Performance

Feature Article by MP Antenna

Antennas

Discover cutting-edge solutions from 15 leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST

MP Antenna has released the following article detailing how its SwarmLink multi-polarized antennas can be used for industrial and military drone communications. 


long range drone antennas

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), or drones, are often used in places where physical obstructions can interfere with Line-Of-Sight (LOS) communications. Dynamic conditions such as extreme weather and interference from other drones can also affect communications between a UAV and ground controller. As Beyond-Visual-Line-Of-Sight (BVLOS) deployments become increasingly common, the UAV industry faces greater challenges to network connectivity. Are better UAV antennas part of the solution?

Today, many small commercially-available UAVs are equipped with WiFi connectivity. This type of network connection is insufficient for BVLOS deployments, however, especially when wide-area connectivity is needed. By contrast, mobile networks offer wide area, high speed, and secure wireless communications. LTE networks for UAVs are becoming increasingly popular, and field trials have demonstrated that terrestrial LTE networks can provide reliable drone connectivity.

Because mobile LTE networks are optimized for broadband communications, ground controller antennas may be down-tilted to reduce the power level interference to other cells. The way that antennas are mounted and positioned are important, of course, but there’s more to consider here – especially for military and industrial applications. For reliable communications between a UAV and ground controller, especially in complex NLOS deployments, multi-polarized antennas provide a proven solution.

MP Antenna, the exclusive developer and manufacturer of multi-polarized antennas for demanding applications, supplies UAV antennas for tough Non-Line-Of-Sight (NLOS) conditions. These lightweight, omni-directional antennas provide increased throughput and signal stability in obstructed environments. Compared to standard dipole or singularly polarized antennas, they also increase range and performance. In real-world environments where other UAV antennas fail to connect, SwarmLink antennas deliver.

Drone traffic keeps growing – and so are network problems. For better connectivity and improved flight control, the UAV industry needs multi-polarized antennas. Even when physical obstructions don’t interfere with air-to-ground communications, changes in UAV altitude and direction can create polarization mismatches and cause signal degradation. SwarmLink antennas are built for challenging aerial environments and subjected to the best test bed of all, the real world.

Posted by Caroline Rees Caroline co-founded Unmanned Systems Technology and has been at the forefront of the business ever since. With a Masters Degree in marketing Caroline has her finger on the pulse of all things unmanned and is committed to showcasing the very latest in unmanned technical innovation. Connect & Contact

Featured Content

Military Vehicles to Feature Small Tethered UAS from Elistair

Elistair has secured a €3 million contract to equip military vehicles with tethered UAS, enhancing real-time intelligence and operational awareness

Feb 13, 2025
Ellipse Series Enhanced with Latest Firmware Upgrade

The new firmware update from SBG Systems integrates the latest World Magnetic Model (WMM) to improve navigation precision, even for first-generation Ellipse sensors

Feb 11, 2025
Advanced FOG-Based Inertial Sensing Solutions for Drones & Robotics

Aegiverse's products feature a multi-layered architecture that combines multiple elements into a compact module, providing significant, size, weight and cost reductions

Feb 06, 2025