Vulnerability Analysis of UAV Swarm Network with Emergency Tasks

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

• Section 2.1.2, Line 143: Provide more details on the rationale behind using the Motter-Lai (ML) model for load distribution and clarify any assumptions or limitations associated with this choice.
• Section 3, Line 245: Elaborate on the criteria or heuristics used for mapping information nodes to communication nodes in the one-to-one or one-to-many relationships. Cross-ref with other techniques on how it can be used even more securely https://doi.org/10.1109/HONET59747.2023.10374608 in a distributed network.
• Section 4.2, Line 341: Consider including pseudocode or a more detailed algorithmic description of the proposed link redistribution rule for better reproducibility and clarity.
• Section 5.1, Table 2: Justify the choice of parameter values used in the simulations, as these can significantly impact the results and conclusions.

 

• Section 5.3, Line 485: Discuss the potential implications of varying the coupling link weight (α) on the overall system performance and practical considerations for selecting appropriate values. Cross-ref with this https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vehcom.2023.100725

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The paper discusses the development of an information-communication interdependent network model designed to analyze the vulnerability of UAV swarm networks in emergency tasks, highlighting how environmental interference affects network connectivity and costs. The effectiveness of the model is demonstrated through simulations.

 

• The paper does not specify the technical capabilities of the UAVs involved, such as their communication range, battery life, load capacity, or resilience to environmental factors like smoke and heat. 
• The absence of such specifics limits the ability to assess the UAV networks' vulnerability accurately. For instance, knowing the maximum operational time before battery recharge or replacement is necessary could dramatically affect the planning and execution of emergency tasks.
• Deploying UAVs in environments with high thermal variability and potential electromagnetic interference from fires could lead to hardware malfunctions or communication disruptions, which authors must thoroughly analyze in the paper.
• The paper details a process where data flows are redistributed when a link in the UAV communication network is interrupted due to environmental factors like high-temperature radiation or fire. The method involves reallocating data flow to intact links based on a proportional allocation formula. However, this claim must include citations to existing methodologies or empirical studies that validate this approach.
• The paper discusses the concept of a threshold βc that influences network robustness against cascading failures. It claims that a smaller βc indicates a more vulnerable network, whereas a larger βc indicates stronger robustness. This significant theoretical assertion is presented without references to prior research or foundational theories that discuss threshold parameters in network models.
• The paper states that "the use of UAVs to assist firefighting work is the mainstream trend of modern firefighting development" without citing any sources. This claim requires backing through recent studies, surveys, or comprehensive reviews documenting UAV usage in firefighting to substantiate it as a "mainstream trend."

Comments on the Quality of English Language

• There are typo errors.

Author Response

Please see the attachment

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf