Development of a Low-Cost UAV-Based System for Measuring Mobile Network Signal Power Using Open-Source Technologies

Measurement of mobile network signal power, among other features, is an activity of major importance in the telecommunications industry due to several features associated with it, such as network optimization, Quality of Service or infrastructure planning. Unfortunately, major issues happen when those measurements must be taken in unconventional terrains such as remote, mountainous or rural areas, as traditional methods to gather information (drive or walk testing, crowdsourced data, usage of static measurement stations) quickly become ineffective. By employing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) equipped with signal receivers, this manuscript presents development works that aim to provide a scalable and cost-effective solution for collecting and processing signal measurements. The performed activities aim to use a UAV combined with open-source systems and standardized protocols to obtain and process signal measurements, as well as state-of-the-art software infrastructure that will be used to store and display such data readings in an inexpensive, secure and user-friendly manner. This approach not only enhances the understanding of signal distribution in various environments but also supports the optimization of mobile network performance, ultimately benefiting both public and private sectors in their efforts to improve connectivity and service quality.