Reliable and Efficient Data Collection in UAV-Based IoT Networks

IoT involves sensors for monitoring and wireless networks for efficient communication. However, resource-constrained IoT devices and limitations in existing wireless technologies hinder its full potential. Integrating UAVs into IoT networks can address some challenges by expanding its coverage, providing security, and bringing computing closer to IoT devices. Nevertheless, effective data collection in UAV-assisted IoT networks is hampered by factors, including dynamic UAV behaviour, environmental variables, connectivity instability, and security considerations. In this survey, we first explore various communication technologies for UAV-IoT networks, performance metrics, and simulation tools, followed by a categorization of the UAV-IoT system based on the service model of UAV, mode of operation of UAV and UE during data collection, and network topology. As this article primarily emphasizes reliable and efficient data collection in UAV-assisted IoT networks, we briefly discuss existing research on data accuracy and consistency, network connectivity, and data security and privacy to provide insights into reliable data collection. Additionally, we discuss efficient data collection strategies in UAV-based IoT networks, covering trajectory planning and constraint management, sensor network clustering, data aggregation, and UAV swarm formations. Further, advanced AI techniques are discussed, which enable efficient and reliable data transfer in UAV-IoT systems. Finally, we discuss future challenges and their possible solutions using different approaches such as Decentralized Reinforcement and Federated Learning, Generative AI, and hybrid optical-RF communication links with integration of blockchain for reliable, efficient, and secure data collection in UAV-assisted IoT networks.