Data collection, storage, and retrieval with an underwater sensor network

Abstract

In this paper we present a novel platform for underwater sensor networks to be used for long-term monitoring of coral reefs and fisheries. The sensor network consists of static and mobile underwater sensor nodes. The nodes communicate point-to-point using a novel high-speed optical communication system integrated into the TinyOS stack, and they broadcast using an acoustic protocol integrated in the TinyOS stack. The nodes have a variety of sensing capabilities, including cameras, water temperature, and pressure. The mobile nodes can locate and hover above the static nodes for data muling, and they can perform network maintenance functions such as deployment, relocation, and recovery. In this paper we describe the hardware and software architecture of this underwater sensor network. We then describe the optical and acoustic networking protocols and present experimental networking and data collected in a pool, in rivers, and in the ocean. Finally, we describe our experiments with mobility for data muling in this network.

Underwater sensor networks: applications, advances and challenges

“…Deployments have been relatively short (days), in very near shore areas of Australia and the South Pacific [3].…”

Prospects and problems of wireless communication for underwater sensor networks

“…Recent interests in UWSNs and sea floor observatories have greatly stimulated the interest in short-range highrate OCOMM in water. For example, in Reference [42], an optical modem prototype is designed for deep sea floor observatories; in Reference [43], a dual mode (acoustic and optic) transceiver is used to assist robotic networks.…”

SEA-LABS: A Wireless Sensor Network for Sustained Monitoring of Coral Reefs

“…The Aquaflecks and Amour AUV projects [9] highlight efforts in the area of of underwater autonomous vehicles (AUV).…”