Abstract
The prevalent use of the Internet of Things (IoT) devices over the Sea, such as, on oil and gas platforms, cargo, and cruise ships, requires high-speed connectivity of these devices. Although satellite based backhaul links provide vast coverage, but they are inherently constrained by low data rates and expensive bandwidth. If a signal propagated over the sea is trapped between the sea surface and the Evaporation Duct (ED) layer, it can propagate beyond the horizon, achieving long-range backhaul connectivity with minimal attenuation. This paper presents experimental measurements and simulations conducted in the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) Band Wi-Fi frequencies, such as 5.8 GHz to provide hassle-free offshore wireless backhaul connectivity for IoT devices over the South China Sea in the Malaysian region. Real-time experimental measurements are recorded for 10 km to 80 km path lengths to determine average path loss values. The fade margin calculation for ED must accommodate additional slow fading on top of average path loss with respect to time and climate-induced ED height variations to ensure reliable communication links for IoT devices. Experimental results confirm that 99% link availability of is achievable with minimum 50 Mbps data rate and up to 60 km distance over the Sea to connect offshore IoT devices.
Highlights
Ships and seacrafts near ports require high-speed wireless Communication to accommodate data-intensive services
Results for predicted path loss using P.E based simulation tool, measured average path loss with additional slow fading and expected availability and capacity are shown
An experimental measurement campaign conducted over the Malaysian Sea region of the South China Sea validates signal propagation at beyond the horizon distances, over the Sea
Summary
Ships and seacrafts near ports require high-speed wireless Communication to accommodate data-intensive services. Wi-Fi wireless communication systems using 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands are already installed on seaports for limited-range connectivity with nearby ships and vessels. The range of connectivity between the ships and seaports has gained persistent research interest due to the limited height of antenna towers installed on ships and curvature of earth [2,3,4,5]. Wireless connectivity around seaport is limited due to line-of-sight (LOS) propagation between the transmitter and the receiver. The range of wireless connectivity around seaport is typically limited within 10 km–15 km [6]. Various wireless channel models for over the Sea communication with limited range and availability are discussed in [7]
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