Open Access

REVIEW

Computing Challenges of UAV Networks: A Comprehensive Survey

Altaf Hussain¹, Shuaiyong Li², Tariq Hussain³, Xianxuan Lin^4,*, Farman Ali^5,*, Ahmad Ali AlZubi⁶

1 School of Computer Science & Technology, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, 400065, China
2 Key Laboratory of Industrial Internet of Things and Networked Control, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, 400065, China
3 School of Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
4 School of Artificial Intelligence, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China
5 Department of Computer Science and Engineering, School of Convergence, College of Computing and Informatics, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, 03063, Republic of Korea
6 Department of Computer Science, Community College, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11495, Saudi Arabia

* Corresponding Authors: Xianxuan Lin. Email: ; Farman Ali. Email:

Computers, Materials & Continua 2024, 81(2), 1999-2051. https://doi.org/10.32604/cmc.2024.056183

Received 16 July 2024; Accepted 14 October 2024; Issue published 18 November 2024

Abstract

Devices and networks constantly upgrade, leading to rapid technological evolution. Three-dimensional (3D) point cloud transmission plays a crucial role in aerial computing terminology, facilitating information exchange. Various network types, including sensor networks and 5G mobile networks, support this transmission. Notably, Flying Ad hoc Networks (FANETs) utilize Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) as nodes, operating in a 3D environment with Six Degrees of Freedom (6DoF). This study comprehensively surveys UAV networks, focusing on models for Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) 3D point cloud compression/transmission. Key topics covered include autonomous navigation, challenges in video streaming infrastructure, motivations for Quality of Experience (QoE) enhancement, and avenues for future research. Additionally, the paper conducts an extensive review of UAVs, encompassing current wireless technologies, applications across various sectors, routing protocols, design considerations, security measures, blockchain applications in UAVs, contributions to healthcare systems, and integration with the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Deep Learning (DL). Furthermore, the paper thoroughly discusses the core contributions of LiDAR 3D point clouds in UAV systems and their future prediction along with mobility models. It also explores the prospects of UAV systems and presents state-of-the-art solutions.

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Keywords

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