Flying Ad-Hoc Networks (FANETs): Review of Communications, Challenges, Applications, Future direction and Open Research Topics

¹ College of Engineering, Department of Software engineering, Salahaddin university, Erbil, Iraq
² College of Engineering, Department of Computer engineering, Knowledge university, Erbil, Iraq
³ College of Engineering, Department of Computer engineering, Knowledge university, Erbil, Iraq

^* Corresponding author: soran.ahmed24@gmail.com

Abstract

Advancements in the fields of electronics, sensors, and communication systems has enabled the development of small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for various military, commercial, and civilian purposes. Nevertheless, the capacity of a solitary and diminutive UAV is insufficient. The utilization of several unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can surpass the constraints imposed by a single small UAV, hence creating a more advanced system. A flying ad hoc network (FANET) is a network composed of a collection of small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that are interconnected in an ad hoc manner. These UAVs work together as a team to accomplish complex objectives. FANETs are characterized by their mobility, lack of centralized control, and self-organization, and an ad hoc nature among UAVs. These traits enable FANETs to enhance connections, extend communication range in areas without infrastructure. On the other hand, FANETs can be utilized in situations where regular communication infrastructure is unavailable, offering a swiftly deployable, adaptable, selfconfigurable, and cost-effective network. However, connecting aerial vehicles (UAVs) in a spontaneous network poses a significant challenge. To ensure resilient communication it is crucial to have the communication framework and routing protocols that can adapt to the constant movement of these flying nodes. This essay aims to offer an understanding of the communication technologies by exploring aspects, like Data rate, the spectrum type, coverage, and latency are the key factors to consider. Furthermore, this paper investigates the practicality and feasibility of enabling technologies. Additionally, it addresses the problems, unexplored territories, and future directions to enhance the research work.