Development of underwater acoustic communication model: Opportunities and challenges

Acoustic propagation in the underwater channel influenced by three factors: signal attenuation, multipath propagation, and low speed of sound propagation. Understanding of underwater acoustic channel is the basis in the design of a reliable communication system, and until now there is no standard fading model for underwater acoustic channel. Experimental method supported with measurement data is a commonly method used as a first step in modeling of channel properties for underwater sensor network applications. In this study, we will begin a discussion about research development of underwater acoustic communications. In the next section will be presented about experimental planning for underwater propagation characteristics. The characterization results are used to evaluate the performance of communication system through software simulation. At the end of this paper, a PC-based soft acoustic modem test bed will be presented.