Shallow Water Acoustic Networks

ABSTRACT

Underwater acoustic networks are generally formed by acoustically connected ocean bottom sensor notes, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and surface stations that serves as gateways and provide radio communication links to onshore stations. The quality of service of such networks is limited by the low bandwidth of acoustic transmission channels, high latency resulting from the slow propagation of sound and elevated noise levels in some environments. The long term goal in the design of underwater acoustic networks is to provide for a self-configuring network for distributed nodes with network links that automatically adapt to the environment through selection of optimum system parameters. This article considers several aspects in the design of shallow water acoustic networks that maximize throughput and reliability while minimizing power consumption.