Data analysis of the MAVLink communication protocol

Abstract

In our current society, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones have become common. These vehicles are controlled remotely from a Ground Control Station (GCS) or autonomously by a programmed mission. Data-link between drone and GCS can be established by using a communication protocol. The Micro Air Vehicle link (MAVLink) protocol is an open source, point-to-point networking protocol used to carry telemetry and to command and control many small unmanned aircrafts. In this paper, communication requirements, such as network latency and data loss of the MAVLink protocol have been analyzed.