Open Access

REVIEW

FANET and MANET, a Support and Composition Relationship

Carlos Andrés Tavera Romero^1,*, Jesús Hamilton Ortiz², Luis Carlos Rodríguez Timaná³, Fernando Vélez Varela⁴, Andrés Hernando Aristizábal Montufar¹, Javier Gamboa-Cruzado⁵

1 COMBA R&D Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Cali, 76001, Colombia
2 Development Department, Closemobile R&D Telecommunications LS, Madrid, 28070, Spain
3 GIEIAM Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Cali, 76001, Colombia
4 Faculty of Engineering, Universidad Libre, Cali, 760031, Colombia
5 Faculty of Systems and Informatics Engineering, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, 15001, Perú

* Corresponding Author: Carlos Andrés Tavera Romero. Email:

Computers, Materials & Continua 2025, 82(2), 1699-1732. https://doi.org/10.32604/cmc.2025.056400

Received 22 July 2024; Accepted 05 December 2024; Issue published 17 February 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the design and implementation of Flying Ad Hoc Networks (FANETs), a network architecture inspired by the Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) model, specifically tailored to support unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). As UAVs increasingly contribute to diverse fields, from surveillance to delivery, FANETs have emerged as essential in ensuring stable, dynamic communication channels among drones in flight. This research adopts a dual approach, combining rigorous theoretical analysis with detailed practical simulations to assess the performance, adaptability, and efficiency of FANETs in varying conditions. The findings emphasize the ability of FANETs to manage network congestion effectively in densely populated areas, a critical feature for maintaining reliable communications in complex scenarios. Moreover, FANETs demonstrate high potential to support critical applications, such as emergency response, disaster management, and public safety operations, where quick and coordinated action is paramount. The study also underscores the importance of establishing a hierarchical structure among nodes within the network, which allows for more efficient data exchange and helps optimize the overall network performance. Through this work, significant insights are offered into the design principles that can enhance UAV communication networks, providing a foundation for the development of more resilient, scalable, and efficient technological solutions. These advancements could accelerate the deployment of UAVs across a variety of sectors, including logistics, agriculture, environmental monitoring, and more. As such, this study not only contributes to the field of ad hoc networking but also holds potential for transformative impacts across industries where UAVs play an increasingly central role, promoting greater integration and operational success.

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Keywords

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