Multimodal Acoustic-RF Adaptive Routing Protocols for Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract

In multi-function underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs), multiple applications share the same physical infrastructure to fully exploit network resources. Under such scenarios, diverse packets coexist in the same network which require differentiated delivery strategies to satisfy application demands, such as ocean monitoring packets and multimedia-based intrusion detection packets (e.g., video streams, voice or images) demand versatile support for data forwarding operation. However, the limited bandwidth and high propagation delay of acoustic channel pose great challenges to satisfy such demands. A feasible solution to solve such a problem is to exploit multimodal networks which integrate complementary acoustic and non-acoustic technologies to enhance transmission capability. Therefore, in this paper, we leverage both surface wireless radio frequency (RF) and underwater acoustic technology to fulfill different performance requirements of underwater sensor networks. We first propose two multimodal acoustic-RF adaptive routing schemes, and identify the major factors which influence the performance of these adaptive protocols. Then, we conduct extensive evaluations of the algorithms for both grid and random deployment scenarios. The simulation results confirm the feasibility of the proposed multimodal acoustic-RF routing protocols under diverse communication scenarios and channels.INDEX TERMS Underwater acoustic networks, routing, ocean sensor networks, surveillance networks.

A software-defined multi-modal wireless sensor network for ocean monitoring

“…To note that, the surface nodes are equipped with multi-modal communication systems, that is, RF system 21 and underwater acoustic system. 6 Therefore, the network is a two-tier hybrid network. One tier is over the ocean surface via RF communication, and the surface stochastic link modeling is presented in the work of Shahanaghi et al 22 Meanwhile, the other tier is underwater via acoustic technique.…”

“…To note that, to perform full three-dimensional coverage, the surface nodes are equipped with multi-modal networking techniques, that is, RF and acoustic. 6…”

“…To overcome the drawbacks of acoustic technology, researchers are prompted to develop other non-acoustic alternative communication technologies, such as optical, radio frequency (RF), and electromagnetic (EM). 6 However, these newly developed technologies also have their shortcomings. For example, compared to acoustic communication, the optical system enables high data rate, ultra-low delay and energy efficiency, and it also suffers from short-range wireless communications (e.g.…”

Underwater sensor networks: ‘Comparative analysis on applications, deployment and routing techniques’

“…Adaptive‐based routing: Similar physical infrastructure was exploited by multiple applications therefore the bandwidth limitation and propagation delay are considered as the major challenges in multi‐function UWSNs. For such purpose, both the underwater acoustic and surface wireless RF are leveraged in [76]. Initially, the two multimodal acoustic‐RF adaptive routing technique was introduced to determine the factor that heavily affect the performance of that adaptive protocol.…”

An efficient energy consumption and delay aware autonomous data gathering routing protocol scheme using a deep learning mobile edge model and beetle antennae search algorithm for underwater wireless sensor network

“…Then the network life time also decreased 5 . Here UWSNs is used to monitor the particular regions by the help of the smart sensors and the vehicles which are controlled by the satellites and the satellites gives information to the base stations 6 . Then the surface sinks will save the data from the underwater nodes which are placed in the surface of the water 7 .…”