In this work, we demonstrate the Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) capabilities of an aerial robot offering 5G connectivity to ground users. The robot is integrated with a distributed unit (DU) and has 5G wireless backhaul access to a terrestrial central unit (CU). The CU-DU interface fully complies with the 3GPP defined F1 application protocol (F1AP). Such aerial robots can be instantiated and configured dynamically tailoring to the network demands. The complete radio and access network solution is based on open-source software from OpenAirInterface, and off-the-shelf commercial 5G mobile terminals. Experimental results illustrate throughput gains, coverage extension and dynamic adaptability nature of the aerial DU.

翻译：在本工作中，我们展示了一种空中机器人的集成接入与回传（IAB）能力，该机器人为地面用户提供5G连接。该机器人集成了分布式单元（DU），并通过5G无线回传接入地面中央单元（CU）。CU-DU接口完全符合3GPP定义的F1应用协议（F1AP）。此类空中机器人可根据网络需求动态实例化并进行配置。完整的无线与接入网络解决方案基于OpenAirInterface的开源软件以及商用现成5G移动终端。实验结果展示了空中DU的吞吐量增益、覆盖扩展性及动态自适应能力。