Skycore: Moving Core to the Edge For Untethered and Reliable UAV-Based LTE Networks

Abstract

Deploying LTE networks on modern UAVs requires a redesign of the key components of the LTE architecture. In this article, we propose a radical, edge-EPC design, called SkyCore, that pushes one of its central functionalities, namely its evolved packet core (EPC) to the extreme edge of the LTE network - collapses the EPC into a single, lightweight, selfcontained entity that is co-located with each of the UAV base-stations. SkyCore incorporates elements that are designed to address the unique challenges facing such a distributed design in the UAV environment, namely the resource-constrained nature of UAV platforms, and the distributed management of UAV and user mobility. We build and deploy a fully functional SkyCore system on a multi-UAV LTE network and showcase its (i) ability to interoperate with commercial LTE basestations as well as smartphones, (ii) support for both hotspot and standalone multi-UAV deployments, and (iii) robust control and data plane performance compared to other EPC variants in this inherently dynamic, unreliable environment.