Architecture Overview

Modern drones utilize IP-based protocols for communication both between subsystems and with the ground.

Building on that implementation, MFDF repurposes existing IT infrastructure components for use in drones, keeping the cost low and making the setup easily accessible

Below is the setup overview, starting from a conventional Ethernet over fiber setup.

Conventional Fiber over Ethernet Setup:

A conventional Fiber over Ethernet setup utilizes a Fiber Media Converter module to allow standard Ethernet interfacing with the host devices while transmitting the data over long distances over fiber. MFDF utilizes this setup, but as a data transmission setup.

MFDF Implementation:

MFDF repurposes the Fiber over Ethernet setup, branching off the Ethernet connection to a network switch, and connecting the flight controller and camera onto the same network. This allows the simultaneous streaming of video and telemetry, while bidirectionally maintaining a C2 link.