Magnetic Induction for Underwater Wireless Communication Networks

• Published in: IEEE transactions on antennas and propagation 2012-06, Vol.60 (6), p.2929-2939
• Main Author: Domingo, M. C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acoustics; Applied classical electromagnetism; Applied sciences; Attenuation; Channel model; Channels; Coils; Communication channels; Comunicacions mòbils; Comunicació sense fil, Sistemes de; Delay; Electromagnetic wave propagation, radiowave propagation; Electromagnetism; electron and ion optics; Enginyeria de la telecomunicació; Exact sciences and technology; Fading; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Inducció magnètica; Magnetic induction; magnetic induction (MI); Magnetoacoustic effects; MI waveguide; Networks; Physics; Propagation; Propagation losses; Radiocomunicació i exploració electromagnètica; Receivers; Studies; Systems, networks and services of telecommunications; Telecommunications; Telecommunications and information theory; Transmission and modulation (techniques and equipments); Transmitters; Underwater; underwater wireless communication networks (UWCNs); Wireless communication; Wireless communication systems; Àrees temàtiques de la UPC
• ISSN: 0018-926X; 1558-2221
• DOI: 10.1109/TAP.2012.2194670

Although acoustic waves are the most versatile and widely used physical layer technology for underwater wireless communication networks (UWCNs), they are adversely affected by ambient noise, multipath propagation, and fading. The large propagation delays, low bandwidth, and high bit error rates of the underwater acoustic channel hinder communication as well. These operational limits call for complementary technologies or communication alternatives when the acoustic channel is severely degraded. Magnetic induction (MI) is a promising technique for UWCNs that is not affected by large propagation delays, multipath propagation, and fading. In this paper, the MI communication channel has been modeled. Its propagation characteristics have been compared to the electromagnetic and acoustic communication systems through theoretical analysis and numerical evaluations. The results prove the feasibility of MI communication in underwater environments. The MI waveguide technique is developed to reduce path loss. The communication range between source and destination is considerably extended to hundreds of meters in fresh water due to its superior bit error rate performance.