Design of Multi-channel and Distributed Wireless Communication Network Architecture for UUVs

In order to get reliable communication no matter under the water or above the surface, a kind of multi channel and distributed wireless communication network architecture for UUVs was presented. This network architecture includes underwater communication, surface communication and internal communication. Underwater communication is acoustic modem, and the surface communication consists of RF, Wi-Fi, BeiDou. Internal communication portal is TCP/UDP. In order to avoid interference and decrease the navigation resistance, a four-in-one compact antenna is designed which is installed on UUV´s inverted pole style elevating mechanism. Through repeated tests in Qiandao lake, Zhejiang province, the acoustic communication distance under the water is validated to 11.2 km, the RF 12 km, the Wi-Fi 300 m, the BeiDou communication system could communicate even in the ravine. So the distributed communication system on the UUV is reliable and effective.