163 Submission
163 Submission
Communication
Abstract. Ocean expeditions can use underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs) for a
variety of purposes, which facilitates with the extraction of previously undiscovered data. But
despite recent developments in wireless sensor networks and their widespread use in contempo-
rary research and economic development, the aquatic environment has largely remained un-
scathed. Therefore, sensors are being placed underwater in order to identify these activities.
These sensors must be compact and use little energy. In this study, many procedures are carried
out and applications are presented. Underwater wireless sensor networks are used in the military
for surveillance, disaster monitoring, and prospecting undersea resources. When these sensors
are in use, data is transmitted in three different ways: acoustically, radio-frequency, and optically.
The four primary forms of architecture are 1D, 2D, 3D, and 4D, and they serve as the foundation
for developing UWSN applications. Several challenges are encountered as these sensors are be-
ing installed. In this work, these difficulties are briefly discussed. Three basic classifications of
routing protocols- Localization-based, Localization-free, and Cooperative routing schemes- are
used to classify several widely used routing protocols. Further study included is the subject of
routing-related concerns for underwater wireless sensor networks.
1 Introduction
Given the facts which we are aware of, 71% of the earth is water covered and the rest leaves
space for land. Out of the earth’s water, 96.5% is composed of only oceans. Oceans can be deep
and shallow depending upon their depth. Deep oceans are little-known compared to shallow
oceans since these have high pressure and other underwater phenomena which is intolerable for
human limits to reach [1]. To identify this phenomenon, rapid research has been observed to dis-
cover the unknown facts underwater and UWSN technology is easing the job for scientists. The
other kinds of wireless sensor networks include Terrestrial wireless sensor networks (TWSN),
underground wireless sensor networks, and mobile wireless sensor networks (MWSN). Unlike
UWSNs, terrestrial wireless sensor networks (TWSN) are applied on land. Table.1 lists the key
distinctions between UWSNs and TWSNs.[2]
UWSN typically consists of autonomous underwater nodes that perceive data and are spread
spatially. Various applications for this detected data have their significance. The vital application
lies in finding the clues of any natural hazard possibilities so that precautions can be taken in
advance. Regarding natural disasters, major calamities like floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, and
even oil leaks can be identified underwater. Numerous sea birds and mammals die or get harmed
due to pollution, notably oil leaks which also severely impact the marine life regime. When it
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comes to military applications where submarine communication underwater is observed and for
patrolling in coastal zones, which is necessary, UWSN has its significance. UWSN also aids in
forecasting the availability of natural resources in the sectors. Fig.1 depicts a quick flowchart for
the applications of
UWSNs.[2]– [5]
TWSN UWSN
Cost Inexpensive Expensive
Energy Consumption Low High
Power Low High
Bandwidth High Low
Memory Limited Periodic
An ad-hoc network is created by connecting multiple sensor nodes and this is the case for UWSNs.
Fig.1 shows the illustration of a UWSN Network Topography. The sensor nodes provide a wide
array of services, including strong sensing functionalities, information processing, and interface
with other sensor devices. They control data transmission to the sink, which is placed on the sur-
face of the water body. This message is transmitted to the satellite, and it is delivered to the antenna
located on the ground. An antenna, a battery, and a low-bandwidth acoustic transmission are all
included with each sensor node. These nodes fundamentally follow multi-hopping techniques and
have a homogenous character. The multi-hopping refers to the simultaneous transmission of data
to a single device from several nodes. Consequently, UWSNs consume more energy compared to
TWSNs, as shown in Table.1.[2]
Three distinct methods – acoustic, radio frequency, and optical waves are used for transmitting
data. Acoustic waves have a communication range of up to 20 kilometres and are less susceptible
to suspended particles [6]. These waves can travel across both air and water with speeds of
1500m/s and 340m/s respectively. Cost can be substantial since these waves require a medium to
propagate. Acoustic waves are influenced by temperature, pressure, depth, and salinity.[7] Radiof-
requency waves are non-mechanical, in contrast to acoustic waves. They move rather quickly,
especially in water, and are barely impacted by suspended matter. These can communicate up to
10 meters away [8]. Due to the severe signal attenuation caused by high-frequency RF waves that
restrict the transmission frequency range, for the reasons outlined above, RF transmissions are not
favoured for long-distance communication. Optical waves are regarded as the most effective of
the three modalities. These are non-mechanical and move at a pace that is around four to five times
faster compared to acoustic waves [9]. Since optical communication between transmitter and re-
ceiver necessitates a distinct line of sight, it can only be point-to-point and not bidirectional. The
position of the nodes can fluctuate as a result of the wave action, which can enable the transceivers
to become disengaged. The primary downside of optical communications is their sensitivity to
total suspended solids. Salt ions and other particles can scatter light, which alters the orientation
of the photons.[10]
3
dimensions, it can be delivered in two distinct ways: first, every member node of the cluster con-
tacts its anchor node, which is known as the horizontal communication link; second,
the anchor node contacts the surface-buoyant node which is known as the vertical transmission
link. The three communication modes can be implemented depending on the application and type
of waterbody, however, due to the typically great distance between nodes, acoustic communica-
tion is frequently favoured. The star, mesh, or ring topologies can be used for the clustering of
nodes. [5]
1.1.3 3D Architecture
The sensor nodes in this configuration are arranged in clusters with varyingdensities. Unlike 2D,
3D architecture utilizes three ways that communication between sensors can occur: first, between
clusters of nodes at different locations known as intercluster; second, within clusters known as
intracluster and third, between anchor-buoyant nodes. Also, this makes use of all three lines of
communication possible.[5]
1.1.4 4D Architecture
A mobile underwater wireless sensor network and 3D architecture are both used in 4D architecture.
This entails the use of ROVs, which are intended to deliver the data captured from the anchor node
to the base. To sum it up, ROVs are practically independent, diving robots, vehicles, ships, and
submarines. The choice of transmission method depends on how much data the sensor nodes carry,
5
for example, if they are carrying big amounts, radio links are preferred, whilst, for limited amounts,
acoustic links are preferred. [13]
2.2 Bandwidth
Given the limited frequency used for transmission and the loud surroundings, this is extremely
difficult when the transmission is made using acoustic waves, which employ a few Hz and tens
of kHz. As a result, the bandwidth is narrowed and the performance is maintained at 100 kbps.
[15]
6
2.5 Attenuation
Electric signal amplitude attenuation can be attributed to a few reasons, including geometrical
spreading, transmission reflection, absorption, and scattering. The use of EM wave attenuation in
short-range sensors produces a satisfactory and efficient sensor model, in contrast to the justifica-
tion given above. [16]
2.6 Cost
Underwater sensor networks are expensive compared to greater power alternatives, and replace-
ment battery recharging methods are also pricy [6]. More complicated than recording data is send-
ing it back to the surface. Due to environmental restrictions, the failure of underwater sensors is
one of the challenges being considered. Consequently, the components or devices deployed are no
longer furnished by typical sensor producers but rather by research-oriented operations, which
have an immediate impact on pricing.[17]
Underwater, it is probable for computations to be faulty, which is arduous. It’s still complex to
provide accurate estimations and dispel the confusion around sunken acoustic sensor devices.[17]
3 Routing Protocols
The major goals of routing protocols are to solve some of the problems mentioned in section 3.
Fig.4 contains a list of protocols. These protocols are typically used for network troubleshooting
and for the stable transmission of information to the endpoint. The fundamental protocols- Local-
ization-based, Localization-free, and Cooperative protocols- are further addressed in this category.
7
one node is intended for communication. Moreover, HH-VBH protocols have a stronger PDR than
VBH protocols. The primary disadvantage of these protocols is a high propagation delay.[19]
3.1.3 Focused Beam Routing Protocols
There are numerous nodes and sinks in the network. This kind presupposes that each node con-
tains its own data in addition to the specifics of the target node, which does not demand the in-
formation of the nodes in the middle. The data packets are forwarded using control messages
called Ready-To-Send (RTS) and Clear-To-Send (CTS). This protocol’s benefit is that it trans-
mits the RTS packets at a specific angle in a cone. High energy usage is a significant nega-
tive.[1]
4 Conclusion
This article examined several Underwater wireless sensor network-related issues. It initially fo-
cuses on distinguishing UWSNs and terrestrial wireless sensor networks (TWSNs). Numerous
methods that are carried out and applications are outlined in this study. Data communication by
11
the sensors is carried out by acoustically, radio-frequency and optical communication. The four
primary types of architecture are 1D, 2D, 3D, and 4D. Sensor nodes are placed in a variety of
designs as the foundation for developing UWSN applications. As these sensors are installed,
several difficulties arise. These challenges are briefly covered in this study. Multiple frequently
used routing protocols are specified using three fundamental groups: Localization-based proto-
cols, Localization-free Protocols, and Cooperative Routing Protocols. Furthermore, it has been
disclosed that there isn’t a criterion for assessing the effectiveness of the routing protocols, thus
defining one is imperative for sophisticated quality management.
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