Simulation of RPAS/UAV Data Traffic Using Space-Air-Ground Networks

The latest applications of Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS) for telecommunication data transmission require reliable two-way communications. In this regard, it is necessary to answer two questions: how can existing space, air and ground networks be combined for effective interaction with RPASs during heavy traffic and under what data transmission modes can the required Quality of Service (QoS) be ensured. To answer such questions, this study was undertaken. Models of space, air and ground networks were created to simulate remote data transmission. Models including the Base Station (BS), the Public Terrestrial Network (PTN), the Low-Orbit Satellite, and different number of RPASs were designed using NetCracker Professional 4.1 software. For the first time, quantitative characteristics of traffic in Space-Air-Ground Integrated Network (SAGIN) communication channels were obtained. The Average Utilization (AU) dependencies of BS links on the Transaction Size (TS) were obtained and analyzed. BS links with different bandwidths were studied. Effect of the Bit Error Rate (BER) on the AU parameters was considered. The dependences of the dropped packets on the TS parameters were studied. SAGIN traffic characteristics for terrestrial and satellite communication channels were compared.