Line-of-sight data links and mesh radios for drones
Updated November 3, 2026
Line-of-sight (LOS) data links connect the aircraft and the ground station by direct radio path. They carry command and control, telemetry and, at higher data rates, video and sensor data. Range is limited by the radio horizon, terrain and obstacles, but within that range they offer high bandwidth and low latency at modest cost.
Types
Point-to-point telemetry radios: low data rate, long range, used for C2 and telemetry.
Broadband IP radios: carry video, sensor data and C2 together over an IP network.
MANET mesh radios: every node relays traffic for the others, so a fleet of drones and ground teams form a self-healing network that extends range and resists node loss.
Key specifications
Frequency bands: sub-GHz bands for range and penetration, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz for bandwidth, licensed or military bands for protected operations. Availability depends on each country’s regulations.
Range for a given antenna and power; check the test conditions.
Throughput and latency.
Modulation and MIMO: MIMO radios use several antennas to improve range and resistance to multipath.
Security: AES encryption and, for defence, approved encryption standards.
Interference resilience: frequency hopping, adaptive channel selection and anti-jamming features.
Size, weight, power and operating temperature.
Extending range
Range can be extended with higher antennas, directional tracking antennas, relays (mesh nodes or a second aircraft) or by adding a BLOS link for operations over the horizon.
A mobile ad hoc network radio: each unit acts as a router and relays data for the others, so the network reorganises itself as nodes move or are lost. It is widely used by drone swarms and military teams.
How far can a drone data link reach?
It depends on frequency, power, antennas, terrain and the aircraft altitude. Small drone links reach a few kilometres; professional radios with good antennas and altitude can reach tens or even more than a hundred kilometres within the radio horizon.
Which frequency is best for drone links?
Lower frequencies travel further and around obstacles better; higher frequencies carry more data. Regulations in each country decide which bands and power levels are allowed.
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