Drones have increasingly become an integral part of multiple industries. Their versatility and ease of deployment make them suitable for various applications such as surveillance, delivery services, wildlife monitoring, and even combat situations. The technology enabling such versatility and making it possible for the drone to carry out its operations is known as a Command and Control (C2) Link.
The C2 Link is the communication pathway that links an unmanned aerial vehicle, to its remote controller. This link allows the transmission of data in both directions, which facilitates real-time operation and feedback. For example, via the C2 Link, a drone pilot can send commands to the drone, and the drone can send back information such as flight data, video streams, and sensor readings.
Range
The range is one of the most important factors for a C2 Link. Drones can be controlled from several meters to hundreds of kilometers away, depending on the range of the C2 Link.
Security
As the C2 Link is responsible for transmitting sensitive data, it’s crucial to consider its security. Encryption and anti-jamming techniques are often used to secure these links from potential cyber threats.
Latency
The latency, or delay in communication, should be minimal to ensure effective and safe control of the drone. Real-time control and feedback are crucial, especially in applications such as emergency response or combat situations.
Bandwidth
The bandwidth determines how much data can be transmitted at once. Higher bandwidth allows for better quality data to be transmitted, such as high-resolution video feeds.
Resilience
The C2 Link should be resilient to interruptions and able to maintain a strong connection even in adverse conditions.