SURENET: Small UAS Routing Enhanced Networks

The increasing availability of small unmanned aerial systems (SUAS) leads to the possibility of forming temporary mission-centric networks using multiple SUASs. The major problems faced in achieving this vision, specifically the dynamic nature of SUAS topologies and the limited bandwidth available, combine to create an environment that is inhospitable for traditional routing approaches. In Phase I, we designed and implemented a prototype of SURENET including SUAS-compatible link metrics and topology dissemination techniques. Using IAI"s RFnest wireless network emulation hardware, this prototype was evaluated in Phase I on actual wireless radios using both replayed CUNE field test data and a representative scenario. Beyond showing the potentially significant improvement in throughput and route availability provided by SURENET, these early evaluations in a highly realistic network environment allowed us to identify and design several important enhancements to the link metrics and topology management. We will also implementation queuing behaviors and techniques to use additional information available to the network. We will also create a set of detailed, representative evaluation scenarios more closely derived from CUNE data sets and conduct two incremental development and evaluation spirals.