Cooperative frameworks and network models for flying ad hoc networks: a survey

Summary Integrated frameworks have extended the applications of networks beyond a simple data sharing unit. Simultaneously, operating networks can form a layered structure that can operate as homogeneous as well as dissociated units. Networks using unmanned aerial vehicles follow similar criteria in their operability. Unmanned aerial vehicles can act as single searching unit controlled by human or can form an aerial swarm that can fly autonomously with the capability of forming an aerial network. Such aerial swarms are categorized as aerial ad hoc networks. Cooperation amongst different networks can be realized using various frameworks, models, architectures and middlewares. Several solutions have been developed that can provide easy network deployment of aerial nodes. However, a combined literature is not present that provides a comparison between these approaches. Keeping this in view, various cooperative approaches for similar formation using aerial vehicles have been discussed in this paper. The detailed study and comparative analysis of these approaches have been included. Further, the paper also includes various software solutions and their comparisons based on common parameters. Finally, various open issues have been discussed that can provide insight of ongoing research and problems that are yet to be resolved in these networks.