IoDSCF: A Store-Carry-Forward Routing Protocol for joint Bus Networks and Internet of Drones

Abstract

Internet of Drones (IoD) is an architecture that aims to enable different drones to share the same airspace. This architecture can help coordinate drone access to airspace in urban environments. Considering that the IoD is a dynamic network, it is possible to have scenarios in which drone traffic is sparse when, for instance, the network has isolated drones. In this case, the drones’ communication range does not reach any other drone. Thus, store-carry-forward protocols may be suitable for maintaining network communication. Moreover, different networks can collaborate to fill these communication gaps. In this study, we explore the collaboration between IoD and Bus Networks. Our analysis shows that maintaining a hybrid communication between drones and buses can fill the gaps in the communication between drones. The main goal of this work is to present the IoDSCF – a store-carry-forward routing protocol for joint Bus Networks and the Internet of Drones (IoD). IoDSCF takes advantage of both networks to extend the communication reachability. Our results reveal that IoDSCF presents better results in the number of delivered packets and end-to-end delay than a solution based only on communication between drones. This is a promising strategy for data communication, mainly in smart cities.