Prospects and problems of wireless communication for underwater sensor networks

Abstract

SummaryThis paper reviews the physical fundamentals and engineering implementations for efficient information exchange via wireless communication using physical waves as the carrier among nodes in an underwater sensor network (UWSN). The physical waves under discussion include sound, radio, and light. We first present the fundamental physics of different waves; then we discuss and compare the pros and cons for adopting different communication carriers (acoustic, radio, and optical) based on the fundamental first principles of physics and engineering practice. The discussions are mainly targeted at underwater sensor networks (UWSNs) with densely deployed nodes. Based on the comparison study, we make recommendations for the selection of communication carriers for UWSNs with engineering countermeasures that can possibly enhance the communication efficiency in specified underwater environments.

Vision and Challenges of Underwater Optical Wireless Communication - A Survey

“…The major advantage compared to RF communications is the possibility of keeping the same conditions underwater without considerable losses. The disadvantage of optical is scattering and interference with ambiance light that can alter communications [6].…”

Prospects and Problems of Optical Diffuse Wireless Communication for Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks

“…For instance, at ranges of less than 100 m the data transmission rates of these systems in shallow littoral waters are ∼10 kb/s. Experimental tests have shown that an alternative feasible solution is optical communication especially in blue/green light wavelengths, even if limited to short distances (up to 100 m) (Lanbo et al, 2008). Compared to acoustic communication it offers a practical choice for high-bandwidth communication and it propagates faster in the water (2.255 x 10 8 ).…”

“…A comparison between different wireless underwater technologies for underwater communication is illustrated in Table 1. et al, 2001) (Akyildiz et al, 2005) (Lanbo et al, 2008). The main limitations due to acoustic communication, which will be described can be summarized as follows:…”

Estimation of Clear-Air Atmospheric Effective Earth Radius (K-Factor) in Calabar

“…This can be seen in both civil and military operations the world over and are applied in transmitting voice, data and video to various location [2,3,4]. In the bid to improve on the coverage, capacity and quality of service for radio wave communication systems, experts have found that the propagation of radio signals through the atmosphere is greatly influenced by the effective earth radius factor k [5,6,7,8].…”