Re-evaluation of RF electromagnetic communication in underwater sensor networks

Most underwater wireless networks use acoustic waves as the transmission medium nowadays, but the chances of getting much more out of acoustic modems are quite remote. Optical links are impractical for many underwater applications. Given modern operational requirements and digital communications technology, the time is now ripe for re-evaluating the role of electromagnetic signals in underwater environments. The research presented in this article is motivated by the limitations of current and established wireless underwater techniques, as well as the potential that electromagnetic waves can offer to underwater applications. A case study is presented that uses electromagnetic technology in a small-scale underwater wireless sensor network. The results demonstrate the likely effectiveness of the designated network.

Introduction

Underwater electromagnetic (EM) communications were investigated with fervent interest in the last century up until the 1970s. Because its range is restricted by fundamental attenuation and noise factors that must be considered as unchangeable environmental elements, significant breakthroughs were not to be expected in submarine radio communication [1]; hence, radio communication, although it has notable merits in the terrestrial wireless network field, has had very few practical underwater applications to date.