Remote Identification Methods: Comparison Between Network-based and Broadcast Identification Approaches
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is once again exploring the Network Remote ID model for unmanned aircraft, a move that has sparked renewed interest and debate within the drone community.
The Network Remote ID model, which transmits drone identification data over a wider network, has been a topic of controversy due to concerns over its operating costs, practicality in areas with poor cellular service, privacy issues, and the potential for anyone with an Internet connection to access the data.
Despite these concerns, the FAA has awarded a contract to ANRA Technologies to demonstrate a system that collects Broadcast Remote ID (B-RID) messages and turns them into Network Remote ID (N-RID) messages. This development aims to address some of the initial concerns by requiring on-location N-RID receivers to collect and aggregate information packets from B-RID-equipped drones.
The Remote ID rules, officially titled "Remote Identification for Unmanned Aircraft" (Part 89), dictate that not being able to comply with Remote ID requirements means that a drone must be grounded. As the FAA continues to publish the list of approved drones and Remote ID modules, drone pilots should monitor the development of these requirements closely.
The B-RID system, which uses Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to transmit identification information within a limited scope proximal to the drone's current location, has been a part of the FAA's Remote ID strategy since its inception. However, the Network Remote ID model, which was initially dropped from the Final Ruling due to concerns over its operating costs, practicality, and privacy issues, is now being reintroduced for further consideration or discussion.
The demonstration of the ANRA Technologies' system will take place at the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Site managed by the University of Nevada and uAvionix. The receivers will retransmit these messages as "B+N RID messages" that will be discoverable by federated USS networks.
However, the ever-lingering issue of privacy and data security remains a concern. It is unclear who will be able to access aggregated B-RID data and for how long it will be stored. The potential for creating pockets of "privatized" airspace with a selectively implemented N-RID model also raises questions about the equitability of the system.
It is still too early to tell whether this development will be harmful or beneficial, but it is a situation worth monitoring. The FAA's exploration of the Network Remote ID model underscores the ongoing efforts to ensure the safe and secure integration of drones into the national airspace system.
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