The role of ground-to-air handovers in B5G UAV-aided mobile networks

In this paper, we study the potential advantages of integrating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) equipped with Base Stations, with a terrestrial mobile network infrastructure. In particular, our main focus here lays on handover and its role in B5G (Beyond 5G) networks. We consider a scenario where multiple UAVs and terrestrial bases jointly provide service to mobile ground users. By combining the UAV dynamic trajectory and radio access procedures, we investigate the impact and network performance of ground-to-air handovers. With respect to previous papers, we discuss how to optimise the UAV segment of the network. Final results show that the UAV needs to adjust its speed, height and antenna radiation angle to improve network performance.