Design
Considerations for Deploying Underwater Sensor Networks
R. Jurdak, A.G. Ruzzelli, G.M.P.
O’Hare, and C.V. Lopes
Abstract
The reliance of
underwater network deployments on specialized hardware for acoustic
communication and modulation has impeded wide scale deployments of underwater
sensor networks. This paper examines a system that integrates software modems
with generic speakers and microphones that are built-in to sensor modules for
establishing underwater acoustic links. Building on our recent field experiment
in a river, canal, pond, and swimming pool, this paper outlines the technical
and logistical challenges for deploying software-driven underwater sensor
network. The software modem design choices include methods for signal
modulation at the sender, and symbol synchronization, signal filtering, and
signal demodulation at the receiver. Higher layer communication protocol issues
are also discussed, with a focus on cross-layer optimization. Practical
solutions to logistical deployment challenges, such as waterproofing and
casing, calibration, and fouling are proposed. The design guidelines in this
paper lay the groundwork for further development of software-driven of
underwater sensor networks.
In proceedings of UNWAT Workshop at IEEE
SENSORCOMM.