UAV Swarm Networks: Models, Protocols, and Systems

Coordinating a single drone is already a challenge. Coordinating dozens or hundreds of them into a reliable, self-organizing network introduces an entirely new set of engineering problems. UAV Swarm Networks: Models, Protocols, and Systems brings together current research and practical guidance for building and managing these complex aerial systems.

What the Book Covers

Edited by Fei Hu, Xin-Lin Huang, and DongXiu Ou, this collection spans five core areas of UAV swarm networking:

• UAV Network Architecture — communication topology analysis, deep learning for navigation, formation control, and 5G-enabled UAV communications.
• UAV Mobility — machine learning for multi-UAV mobility prediction, routing and mobility models for ad hoc UAV networks.
• Communication Protocols — skeleton extraction of routing topology, routing in 3D swarm networks, and protocol design for computation applications.
• Reliability and Security — directional airborne networks, security threats and solutions, jamming attacks and countermeasures, and resilient network designs.
• Hardware and Software Implementations — complete testbeds, C-band communication systems, and the SwarmOS framework for mission planning.

Why UAV Swarm Networking Matters

Swarm networks unlock missions that a single UAV cannot handle efficiently. They distribute surveillance coverage, coordinate disaster response, and form adaptable communication relays in challenging environments. This book addresses the core technical hurdles — from topology control and mobility prediction to secure, high-throughput data sharing — while linking theoretical models to real-world system implementations.

Who Can Benefit

Industry UAV engineers and developers will find practical protocol and hardware insights. Graduate students and researchers will appreciate the structured exploration of advanced topics such as deep learning, bio-inspired routing, and cross-layer security. Policy and government stakeholders can use the book to understand the technological foundations behind unmanned aerial systems.

With contributions from experts across the field, this volume is a solid reference for anyone working on large-scale UAV coordination, communication, or security.