Unmanned Systems Technology 014 | Quantum Tron | Radio links and telemetry | Unmanned Aerial Vehicles | Protonex fuel cell | Ancillary systems | AUVSI 2017 Show report

video streaming data and provides a low latency. There are eight modulation modes defined in the IEEE 802.11p layer that controls the radio (the physical, or PHY, layer). Because throughput is not critical for flight control, the lowest modulation mode can be used with the highest level of robustness. This V2V technology can be used in a number of ways as the technology and infrastructure evolves. V2X includes V2V connections and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I). The initial use for 802.11p is for V2V links between UAVs, which would mostly be for identification using technology such as ADS-B. When low-cost chips become available, UAVs will be able to transmit their identity and position data over a range of up to 4 km, so that every craft in the air knows where all the other ones are. This capability could also be used for linking UAVs in a swarm, transferring telemetry data in a mesh-like topology, and linking to vehicles on the ground that also use V2V. Using the technology for payload transmission would take longer though, as it would require infrastructure to be built. Some V2I infrastructure is being rolled out now alongside major roads, but it would not necessarily be suitable for airborne craft and is not intended to carry video feeds. However, dedicated UAV ground stations could easily use the combination of the low-latency, robust control channels and the separate payload channels without having to develop dedicated hardware or software. Making use of the chips already present in roadside infrastructure will help to cut costs. Mesh networks Typically, the definition of a mesh is two wireless radios that can connect automatically and reconfigure themselves. These are often deployed as an alternative to wires in fixed locations with a central hub (such as Zigbee in