ISM band 2.45 GHz propagation studies in a coastal environment

Over the past decade there have been significant advances in Wireless Sensor Networks creating a shift in the paradigm of information acquisition. A single highly expensive dedicated sensor has no longer become viable within dynamic environments compared to larger cheaper networked micro-systems. While research has been conducted into the performances of implemented sea surface Wireless Sensor Networks, little is known on how seawater affects the 2.45 GHz ISM frequencies. This paper demonstrates that the propagation characteristics and subsequent signal path loss of low powered transceivers across a body of water, are sufficient for effective communication at reasonable distances for the deployment of a wireless sensor network.