Enhancing resilience in drone-based emergency mesh networks with an integrated tracking algorithm

The disruption of conventional communication infrastructure during emergencies and disaster scenarios poses a significant challenge for response efforts. To address this, this research proposes a novel drone-based mesh network topology designed to provide a resilient and high-bandwidth communication backbone. The topology leverages directional transmission to extend range and enhance bandwidth, which necessitates a robust mechanism for maintaining optimal Line-of-Sight (LoS) connections between autonomous nodes. Consequently, a comparative analysis was conducted to evaluate the performance of several state-of-the-art tracking algorithms for their suitability in this system. Our experimental findings indicate that while the BoT-SORT algorithm achieved the highest tracking accuracy, as quantified by the Multi-Object Tracking Accuracy (MOTA) metric, its operational frame rate (FPS) was comparatively lower. This highlights a critical performance trade-off between tracking precision and computational efficiency in dynamic aerial environments.