Multimodal Underwater Networks

Abstract

The recent uptake of non-acoustic underwater transmission systems suggests that in the near future it will be common for underwater devices to incorporate different physical communication technologies. Such devices are typically described as multimodal. They seek flexibility by compensating for the shortcomings of a given technology through the advantages of another. For example, a system encompassing acoustic and optical communication systems can provide long-range, lowbit rate communications, while enabling faster data transfer at very short range.As the development of non-acoustic underwater communications is taking momentum, so is the research on how to optimally exploit the multimodal communications capabilities in different scenarios. This paper presents a survey of past and recent work on this topic, covering the development both of the communication technologies and of the networking schemes and protocols for multimodal networks. As an example of the opportunities offered by multimodal communications, we discuss two different case studies. We conclude with an outlook on likely future developments for multimodal communications.

A Universal Multimode (Acoustic, Magnetic Induction, Optical, RF) Software Defined Modem Architecture for Underwater Communication

“…In the following, we discuss the state of the art related to multimode underwater communication, in order to position the novelty of our contributions. Indeed, the integrated multimode systems have been studied in the literature in recent years [14], [15], [16], [17], [18]. However, existing solutions mainly use separate modes, e.g.…”

Resource allocation optimization for mitigating multi-jammer in underwater sensor network

“…Extreme attenuation of underwater scenarios makes Wireless communication very challenging and it is possible only with microwave bands of short-range broadband channels [1], [2]. Acoustic waves are used in underwater communication environment for increasing the communication range.…”

“…As a result, the [13] routed packet on a pre-selected path is not efficient in a highly dynamic jamming attack environment. In addition, a cooperative communication scheme was presented in [14], [15] to make more efficient use of resources [2], [16]. In addition, [17] showed that cross-layer design was adopted to select hop motes to help enhance the UWSN resource.…”

LoRaWAN Transmissions in Salt Water for Superficial Marine Sensor Networking: Laboratory and Field Tests

“…Due to the importance of transmitting data from under water, huge efforts have been put in the last years to identify suitable solutions: however, these are mainly based on transmission channels that do not exploit the electromagnetic (EM) waves as transmission media. As a matter of fact, the most effective solutions are currently based on acoustic and optical signals [ 1 , 2 ]. However, obviously both these techniques have strong limitation that hinder their adoption.…”