NetSys 2025 Tutorial on Cellular-Connected Drones in 5G and Beyond

Tutorial: Cellular-Connected Drones in 5G and Beyond

Date: 1st September, 2025

Time: 09:15 - 12:30

Speakers: Aymen Fakhreddine and Enrique Caballero Garces

Introduction 

The integration of drones into 5G cellular networks is set to revolutionize a wide range of applica- tions across industrial, civilian, and military sectors. We believe that the attendees of the International Conference on Networked Systems will be interested in a tutorial on this timely and motivating topic. This tutorial will explore the latest advancements in drone communication within 5G networks, focusing on ensuring high uplink data rates and reliable downlink connectivity necessary for beyond visual line of sight operations. Additionally, we will delve into the innovative use of Reconfigurable Intelligent Sur- faces (RIS) to enhance 5G networks, extending wireless coverage vertically and improving localization and radar capabilities for low-altitude drones. Key topics include strategies for achieving robust data transmission and remote control via 5G, and the development of RIS-augmented systems to provide comprehensive 3D coverage and improved drone detection and localization. In this tutorial we will attempt to provide valuable insights into the practical challenges and solutions for integrating drones into currently deployed 5G networks and how Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces could improve this integration in beyond 5G networks.

Objectives In this tutorial, we will delve into the future of drone connectivity and the innovative use of 5G and RIS technologies to address current and emerging challenges in aerial communication, detection, and localization. The main learning objectives are as follows:

1. Understand the challenges and potential solutions for integrating drones into currently deployed 5G networks:
   1. Gain insights into the practical challenges of connecting drones to 5G networks.
   2. A case study on drone beyond-visual line-of-sight teleoperation will help capture better the aforementioned challenges.
   3. Understand the potential impact that 5G-connected drones can cause to ground users.
2.  Investigate the Role of Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces in 3D coverage extension and in drone detection and localization:
   1. Learn about the potential of RIS to extend 5G network coverage vertically for aerial users.
   2. Explore the development and application of RIS-augmented systems for improved drone detection and localization capabilities

Outline This tutorial will last for 3 hours according to the time allocation of the following parts:
 

Part 1: Introduction to UAVs. Applications, wireless communication links, challenges [30 min],

Part 2: 5G-connected drones. Promising achievable throughput and inherent integration issues. [90 min]

• Experimental insights on UAV achievable throughput in LTE-A and 5G networks.
• Drone-to-Drone Communication: 5G vs. Wi-Fi.
• Case study: UAV teleoperation over LTE.
• Impact of 5G-connected UAVs on ground users.
• Classifying aerial devices in 5G Networks.

Part 3: RIS-augmented 5G Networks for UAV connectivity and detection [60 min],

• 3D Connectivity in beyond 5G networks with Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces.
• Drone detection and localization with Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces.

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