Aerial 5G Connectivity: Feasibility for IoT and eMBB via UAVs

In the evolving landscape of telecommunications, uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) are emerging as innovative platforms for extending 5G networks, particularly in areas lacking terrestrial infrastructure. Dr. Jyrki T. J. Penttinen’s paper, presented at the First International Conference on AI-enabled Unmanned Autonomous Vehicles and Internet of Things for Critical Services (AIVTS 2025) in Barcelona, explores the design feasibility and link budget assessment of UAV-mounted 5G systems for Internet of Things and enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) connectivity. As a Senior Program Manager at Alphacore Inc., Penttinen draws on his extensive background in cellular technologies, from network planning to 5G security, to propose a practical, commercial off-the-shelf solution for rapid, ad-hoc deployments.

The study addresses a critical gap in current research on UAV-assisted networking. While initiatives like AT&T’s 5G Cell on Wings demonstrate temporary coverage extension for disasters or events, existing studies often overlook trade-offs in UAV altitude, frequency bands, and real-world COTS components. Penttinen’s novelty lies in conceptualizing a 3GPP-defined Non-Public Network architecture tailored for aerial use. He evaluates a standalone NPN model, ideal for isolated, quick-to-deploy scenarios without mobile network operator dependency. This contrasts with public network-integrated variants, which could share RAN or core elements but introduce complexities in aerial contexts.

At the core of the design is a minimal viable 5G SNPN hosted on a single UAV, equipped with a lightweight gNB (e.g., Amarisoft Callbox Mini) for local UE connectivity. The system supports extensions to multi-UAV swarms via PC5 sidelinks, forming a mesh RAN. Equipment considerations emphasize feasibility: a 400-800g integrated small cell, 100-200g compute module like Raspberry Pi, and a 1.5-2kg battery pack, totaling 2.5-3kg payload—suitable for medium drones like DJI Matrice 300 RTK. Intelligence features, initially manual and GPS-assisted, could evolve to AI-driven UE-following based on signal heuristics.

Penttinen contrasts eMBB and IoT use cases through radio link budgets, highlighting their distinct parameters. eMBB targets high data rates (10 Mb/s–1 Gb/s) with wider bandwidths (20-400 MHz) and higher SNR (8-15 dB), while IoT prioritizes robust, low-power connectivity (50 b/s–1 Mb/s) using narrow bands (180 kHz–20 MHz) and negative SNR (-13 to -3 dB) with repetitions. Fade margins are lower for eMBB (3-5 dB) than IoT (10-15 dB), reflecting sensor placements in challenging environments.

Using ITU-R propagation models (P.525 and P.1411), the analysis quantifies performance in open/rural areas across low (1 GHz), mid (3.5/6 GHz), and high (24/28 GHz) bands, with UAV altitudes from 50m to 400m. For eMBB, path loss increases with altitude and frequency, limiting high-band viability beyond short ranges. At 50m altitude, high bands deliver up to 2 Gb/s near the UAV but drop sharply; mid-bands offer consistent 250-500 Mb/s. At 400m, low bands provide steady coverage for modest rates, while high bands become obsolete. Cell ranges exceed 1km for low/mid bands but shrink at higher altitudes due to earth curvature (radio horizon ~35km at 100m).

IoT scenarios fare better, with NB-IoT achieving maximum coupling loss of 134-136 dB, reaching horizons limited by geometry, not RF. LTE-M covers tens of kilometers at 1 GHz, while RedCap, with higher rates (150 Mb/s), is confined to single-digit km at 3.5 GHz. Overall, IoT outperforms eMBB in coverage, benefiting from narrowband and low SNR tolerances.

Bottom line: The results underscore trade-offs: frequency selection is pivotal for balancing coverage and capacity in aerial eMBB, while IoT enables vast areas with feasible parameters. Penttinen concludes that COTS-based UAV-5G is viable and cost-effective compared to terrestrial alternatives, paving the way for multi-UAV swarms and AI-optimized positioning. This work, acknowledging input from Arizona State University experts, highlights UAVs’ potential in critical services, from disaster response to remote IoT monitoring, as 5G adoption surges toward surpassing 4G by 2028.

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About Alphacore
Alphacore Inc., founded in 2012, is located in the innovative Silicon Desert of Arizona’s technology center and is known for its innovations in rigorous data conversion microelectronics. Our verified highspeed, low power data conversion IP products available on latest technology nodes optimize time-tomarket for demanding commercial or radiation tolerant specifications.

Our engineering and leadership team combines long histories of delivering innovative data converter, radio-frequency (RF), analog and mixed signal products, and complete imaging systems for critical systems, through business success at companies from multi-nationals to startups. Our design team includes seasoned “Radiation-Hardened-By-Design” (RHBD) experts, and we specialize in designing high performance converter microelectronics, and reliability or authentication tools for niche needs of demanding segments, including scientific research, aerospace, defense, medical imaging, and homeland security.

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