Wireless Connectivity of a Ground-and-Air Sensor Network

Abstract: This paper shows that, when considering outdoor scenarios and wireless communications using the IEEE 802.11 protocol with dipole antennas, the ground reflection is a significant propagation mechanism. This way, the Two-Ray model for this environment allows predicting, with some accuracy, the received signal power. This study is relevant for the application in the communication between overflying Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and ground sensors. In the proposed Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) scenario, the UAVs must receive information from the environment, which is collected by sensors positioned on the ground, and need to maintain connectivity between them and the base station, in order to maintain the quality of service, while moving through the environment.