Ad-Hoc Marine Networks Suitable for the Data Communication Needs of Fishing Vessels

Even though data communication infrastructures are developed sufficiently in urban areas, the options available to people travelling on the seas are still very much limited. Satellite-based communication is the dominant one available to them, but it involves very high costs. So, in recent times, some proposals are made to offer cost-effective maritime network solutions based on the mobile ad-hoc network (MANET) systems. A brief review of those efforts along with the legacy systems of maritime communications are presented here. Model scenario of a MANET system that can be used on the seas is also presented, the simulation of which is carried out in OmNet++ environment. The throughputs and packet error rates obtained for various scenarios suggest that it is possible to have a working solution of satisfactory throughput if appropriate measures are taken to adjust the transmission power levels, and routing options dynamically, based on the prevailing conditions.