Non-Terrestrial UAV Clients for Beyond 5G Networks: A Comprehensive Survey

The rapid proliferation of consumer UAVs, or drones, is reshaping the wireless communication landscape. These agile, autonomous devices find new life as UE in cellular networks. This paper explores their integration, emphasizing the myriad applications, standardization efforts, challenges, and research community solutions. Key areas of investigation include the complexities of 3D deployment, channel modelling, and energy efficiency. Moreover, we highlight the open questions and research opportunities these flying UEs present. The evolving landscape of UAV integration into cellular networks promises transformative enhancements for next-generation communications, addressing challenges while fostering innovation across industries. The paper encapsulates the essential aspects of UAV integration within the cellular ecosystem, offering a concise yet comprehensive overview of this dynamic field, where UAVs as UEs redefine wireless communication with promise and complexity.