Exploring Communication Technologies and Energy Optimization for UAVs in 5G and B5G Networks

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) technology will play a significant role within 5G, 5G-Advanced, and 6G networks. In this paper, the ways communication systems can enhance their operational energy efficiencies with this technology is reviewed. Key performance indicators of latency, throughput, and energy efficiency are analyzed in this study based upon the latest evolution from these advanced networks. In the study, sustainability-improved UAV operations are developed through the integration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS). This is done for optimizing the communication efficiency of UAVs as to be able to use machine learning models for better energy management. Our simulation results showed promising advances in energy efficient communication performance through these technologies. In addition, the study gives insights into how the integration of 5G and 6G networks, aside from RES and RIS, can greatly promote the communication and energy optimization capabilities of the UAVs.