Key technologies of junction boxes for Chinese experimental ocean observatory networks

Ocean observatory networks have been investigated and developed and are receiving considerable attention in the 21st century. As intermediate processing nodes, junction boxes (JBs) are essential sections of ocean observatory networks. This paper explored the key technologies of JBs for Chinese experimental seafloor observatory networks, including industrial control, Ethernet communication, and time synchronization technologies. Specific functional verifications of each section were conducted in the laboratory prior to sea trials. The JBs were packaged in a frame and were deployed in the East and South China Sea. Results of the laboratory and sea trial experiments demonstrated that the examined technologies were effective and could provide valid guarantee to the long operation of the JBs.