Towards robust high data-rate hydro-acoustic modems

High data-rate underwater communications can be facilitated by the use of high carrier frequencies. Development of hydroacoustic modems that operate on high carrier frequencies requires knowledge of the channel conditions that may be encountered. Further, the development of mature and reliable systems is expedited by the use of synthetic channel models. Such channel models offer advantages over the existing validation method based on recordings. This is because models can generate a much larger number of channel states than could realistically be recorded. In addition, channel models can be used to test previously untried waveforms, whereas experimental measurements require the field tests to be repeated for any new waveforms.