A Novel Multi-Module Separated Linear UWSNs Sensor Node

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a novel design named multi-module separated linear (MMSL) underwater sensor node. Traditionally, the design of the underwater sensor node is the all-in-one type. The process module, sensor module, and communication module are integrated into one module, and generally, one node carries only one communication module. Therefore, the coverage of the Underwater Wireless Sensor Network (UWSNs) mainly rely on the number of the underwater sensor nodes, and when the scale of the UWSNs increases, the communication delay rapidly increases. MMSL underwater sensor node is composed of multiple traditional sensor modules and common communication modules. With the deployment of this type of new nodes, the completed acoustic channel would be transformed into the hybrid channel which is a combination of the acoustic and cable channel. We compare the coverage rate, data transmission energy loss, and delivery delay of this MMSL sensor node composed network with traditional UWSNs as well. According to the theoretical analysis and the simulation experiments based on the MATLAB platform and the UWSNs, which consist of MMSL sensor nodes, have distinct advantage in coverage rate and perform better on communication energy consumption and delivery delay.