Joint Communication and Sensing in Aerial Corridors: A Novel Stochastic Geometry Framework

Abstract

In unmanned aerial vehicle (UAVs) networks, joint communication and sensing (JCAS) is emerging as a key enabler to support extended and continuous communication and sensing capabilities for sixth-generation (6G) services among UAVs operating in swarms. Within this framework, aerial corridors provide a structured environment for supporting coordinated and reliable operations. In this paper, a comprehensive frame- work is presented to investigate the JCAS coverage probability (CP) of a UAV-base station (BS) in an aerial corridor populated by UAV-user equipments (UEs). The corridor is modeled as a finite cylinder, within which a fixed number of UAV-UEs are spatially distributed according to a three-dimensional (3D) binomial point process (BPP). The UAV-BS is assumed to be equipped with a realistic 3D third generation partnership project (3GPP) antenna pattern and exploits radar sensing capabilities to track a known UAV-UE. Subsequently, the tracked UAV-UE is assumed to perform uplink communication with the UAV-BS. Accordingly, the JCAS CP at the UAV-BS is analyzed under the presence of clutter and uplink communication interference, and exact-form analytical expressions are derived. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work to develop a stochastic geometry framework for the rigorous analysis of JCAS performance in aerial corridors, with UAV-UE locations modeled as a 3D BPP. Among several insights, results show that increasing the directivity of the UAV-BS antenna beams leads to notable JCAS performance gains, particularly for shorter UAV corridors.