A Review of Uplink Control Channels for UAV Operation in 5G and Beyond Networks
Abstract
In this paper, we look specifically at how uplink control behaves when UAVs are connected to 5G and beyond networks, using only the provided literature set as our source base. The review focuses on the role of PUCCH (Physical Uplink Shared Channel) and PRACH (Physical Random Access Channel), on uplink scheduling and power control, and on procedures that are important for low-latency C2. Based on the surveyed studies, we argue that current uplink formats were mainly designed with ground users in mind and that aerial devices need more flexible and more robust options. In the second part of the paper, we outline how comb frequency signaling concepts from our previous optical work could be used to improve the reliability of UAV uplink control in future systems.
