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Vol. 11, No. 2, May 2026 (Article in Progress)

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Performance Analysis of Cluster-based Multi-UAV Routing Protocol in Various Mobility Models using NS-3

https://doi.org/10.22219/kinetik.v11i2.2507
Harry Darmawan
Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya
Prima Kristalina
Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya
Moch. Zen Samsono Hadi
Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya

Corresponding Author(s) : Prima Kristalina

prima@pens.ac.id

Kinetik: Game Technology, Information System, Computer Network, Computing, Electronics, and Control, Vol. 11, No. 2, May 2026 (Article in Progress)

Abstract

In this paper, the performance of a Cluster-Based Multi-UAV communication system is analyzed as a means to enhance network reliability and coordination in support of Search and Rescue (SAR) operations within disaster-affected area. The proposed approach is intended to address the challenges of maintaining connectivity, ensuring efficient data transmission, and facilitating effective collaboration among UAVs in critical environments. The system is designed with four layers architecture: Base Station (BS), Cluster Head (CH), Clustered Drone (CD), and User Equipment (UE). These layers are modeled and evaluated using Network Simulator 3 (NS-3). The three routing protocols, i.e OLSR, AODV, and DSDV have been evaluated through the three types of UAV mobility: Gauss-Markov, Random Waypoint (RWP). and Reference Point Group Mobility (RPGM). Quality of service parameter for wireless network, such as throughput, packed delivery ratio (PDR), delay, and packet loss has been analysed within several cluster-based UAV schemes. The simulation result shows that cluster-based multi-UAV model with OLSR routing protocol outperforms the best performance in RPGM mobility model with 67.57% average throughput, 87.47% PDR, 86 ms delay, and 12.53% packet loss, better than other routing protocols. OLSR routing protocol indicates the highest consistency with higher throughput and PDR value, smaller delay and packet loss comparing to AODV and DSDV protocols in the small to middle scale of node density. This research contributes in the development of UAV based cluster communication system, especially in efficiency, stabilization and adaptation towards the dynamic environment in the disaster area.

Keywords

Clustered-based Multi-UAV Inter-UAV Communication System NS-3 Routing Protocol Mobility Model QoS
Darmawan, H., Kristalina, P., & Samsono Hadi, M. Z. . (2026). Performance Analysis of Cluster-based Multi-UAV Routing Protocol in Various Mobility Models using NS-3 . Kinetik: Game Technology, Information System, Computer Network, Computing, Electronics, and Control, 11(2). https://doi.org/10.22219/kinetik.v11i2.2507
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