Performance Analysis of Network-Aware Micro-UAVs in Low-Altitude Applications

Reliable wireless connectivity is essential for the safe operation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in Low-Altitude Economy (LAE), particularly at low altitudes where network impairments can affect control accuracy and stability. In this paper, we present an empirical study on how network bandwidth, latency, and packet loss influence the performance of micro-UAVs, using an in-house Crazyflie-based experimental testbed. We conduct controlled experiments under varied network conditions to evaluate trajectory tracking and altitude control in vertical and square flight modes. Our results identify a critical bandwidth threshold, below which oscillations and control degradation emerge. We also observe increased waypoint dwell times and reduced responsiveness under constrained conditions. These findings provide practical insights for deploying UAVs in degraded communication environments and offer benchmark data to improve simulation fidelity. Our software and experimental datasets are publicly available to support reproducibility and further research in advancing network-aware UAV design for the growing LAE.