Dronetag Remote ID and drone identification

The direct remote identification (DRI-Direct Remote Identification) and network remote identification (NRI-Network Remote Identification) of drones serve the safe and transparent operation of drones for the purpose of ensuring the safety of manned and unmanned aircraft. The system aims to ensure the electronic identification of unmanned aerial vehicles, thereby qualifying cooperative and non-cooperative drones, and to enable the continuous tracking of relevant flight data of drones under the prescribed operational categories, thus enhancing the safety of air traffic. In the European Union, Regulation 2019/945 requires that all drones operating in the open and special categories below 120 meters have a remote identification function.

To ensure the accountability of operators (operators), it is necessary to introduce laws (for both safety and privacy protection) that adequately address security risks. In the European Union, the Commission (EU) Implementing Regulation 2019/947 deals with the rules that require the registration of drone operators (Article 14.5) and the placement of the registration number on the drones (Article 14(7)).
The DRI direct remote identification method allows the receiver (e.g., smartphone) to detect the identification data transmitted by the drone, such as the operator ID and drone location. This method does not require an internet connection and is suitable for local data transmission.

​​In contrast to this, NRI is applied in an airspace where global coverage is provided and a continuous internet connection is available, which enables the central registration, tracking and evaluation of drones based on incoming data. 
The drone operator (remote pilot) performing the drone operations must know the RID/NID identification requirements at a basic level and must comply with the relevant regulatory requirements for their operation. Based on this, the drone operator must equip the drone with a device capable of RID/NID identification, which can be done by factory installation (the drone already has a built-in RID capability when purchased, or by firmware update if the previously purchased drone is capable of accessing this function. 

​​If neither of the first nor the last condition is possible, then a modular external transmitter must be purchased for the drone and attached or installed to it). The registration of drone operators is mandatory, and the drone must broadcast its identifier using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi communication protocols. This identification contributes to the accountability of pilots and the prevention of criminal activities if needed.The DRI function thus enables the public and authorities to "digitally identify" the operator's registration number and the drone's registration number, in the case of drones operating in the vicinity, using a common mobile device, such as a smartphone. This direct and simple method ensures the identification of drone operators, increases pilot accountability, facilitates the identification of malicious drone users, and enables timely and professional intervention by authorities.