Reliability in Underwater Acoustic Networks

The concept of communications networks for underwater sensors and systems is emerging as a viable and relatively inexpensive method for relaying sub-sea data to the broader terrestrial network. The underwater environment however, presents an extremely challenging and variable communication channel, and has thus far prevented the widespread commercial realisation of underwater networks. This paper describes the major pitfalls of underwater communications and the methods and principles that have been applied by L-3 Nautronix to maximise reliability in underwater communications services.