Drone-based radio frequency (RF) monitoring solutions improve safety while providing efficiency and flexibility, allowing end-users to simplify RF measurement processes, says radio communications solutions provider LS of South Africa technical sales manager Cedric Nshimba.

Traditionally, to measure RF signals at transmission towers, operators had to physically climb the tower with equipment. However, this process was time consuming and presented safety risks.

To address RF measurement and monitoring challenges, LS of South Africa developed airborne solutions, such as the drone-based microwave link measurement, spectrum measurement drone and direction-finding drone solutions, as well as the airborne monitoring unit (AMU).

These solutions are easily deployable and provide live remote access to aerial data as well as out-of-clutter measurements, capturing clean and unobstructed signal data that ground-based equipment would struggle to obtain.

LS of South Africa integrates its in-house developed software solutions in its fleet of South African Civil Aviation Authority-registered DJI drones, including the DJI M300, M350, M600 and M400. However, the company can also integrate its software solutions into other drones, depending on the client requirements.

The pilot operates the drones, with every LS of South Africa measurement team comprising a registered pilot and an observer or technician.

Fit-for-Purpose Solutions
The drone-based microwave link measurement solution provides information on RF spectrum use at site, identifying which frequencies are occupied and which frequencies are interference free, enabling operators to plan for deployment of mobile technologies in available channels.

The drones are equipped with advanced monitoring devices, such as spectrum analysers and receiver antennas that gather frequency data in flight.

“It is a revolutionary, safe and non-intrusive method that doesn’t require personnel to climb towers and perform measurements,” Nshimba adds.

Further, although operators do not need to secure access to the site to climb the tower – significantly reducing the time spent on site – they have to acquire permission to fly drones around the site. This improves deliverable timelines by 80%, compared with  traditional measurement methods, says Nshimba.

The report generation process is highly automated, streamlining and reducing report delivery times. Reports can also be customised according to a client’s reporting structure preference and requirements, with formats including those of Word and Excel.

Meanwhile, the direction-finding drone solution locates the source of a radio signal, which is critical for regulatory enforcement, interference hunting and identifying unlicensed or illegal transmitters. Traditionally, direction finding is conducted from the ground using vehicles or fixed installations, which presents challenges in dense urban areas or difficult terrain.

The solution functions as a fully integrated drone measurement system unit comprising the drone, antenna and software. It uses Angle of Arrival technology to determine the direction from which a signal originates, covering 700 MHz to 6 GHz.

Similarly, the spectrum measurement drone solution is a fully integrated system, designed to provide a comprehensive picture of all RF activity across a wide frequency range, extending up to 40 GHz.

The LS Observer AMU represents the most advanced and comprehensive offering in LS of South Africa's drone-based solutions portfolio. The fully integrated airborne RF intelligence platform is designed for sustained, mission-critical spectrum monitoring, enforcement and surveillance operations.

Controlled through the LS Observer central monitoring software, the AMU integrates seamlessly into existing monitoring networks, enhancing an operator's spectrum management and enforcement capabilities. It is designed to perform three core functions from the air – spectrum monitoring, direction finding and microwave link measurements.

“Whether for critical surveillance, interference detection or regulatory compliance, the AMU delivers unmatched airborne RF intelligence,” says Nshimba.

Equipped with specialised shielding and interference reduction technologies, the AMU allows for high-precision signal detection, geolocation and regulatory enforcement, even in challenging electromagnetic environments.

LS works with clients to provide a fit-for-purpose system. This can entail integrating RF monitoring devices and antennas for a specific frequency range if the AMU’s application is mission specific or the integration of directional antennas for direction-finding and interference-hunting applications.

“The payload configuration is flexible and highly dependent on the end-user,” Nshimba assures.

Leveraging drone technology enables LS of South Africa to deliver “faster, safer, more accurate and more flexible RF measurement and monitoring capabilities” across the full spectrum of telecommunications and regulatory needs, he concludes.