Low power IEEE 802.15.4 ocean sensor mesh network for dynamic signal propagation characterisation in a wave tank

Abstract

Commercialisation of the Internet of things has generated a large area of research into a variety of new applications of sensor networks. While research has been conducted into the application of wireless sensor networks for ocean monitoring. Substantial challenges exists for the reliable performance of low cost, low power wireless sensor networks operating in Gigahertz frequency spectrum on the sea surface. Reduction in line of sight communication from passing ocean waves presents a unique challenge for high performance networks while sustaining low power usage. This paper reports on the effects of obstructed line of sight communication with identification of sensor wave height and the effects had on network performance. Through the deployment of a IEEE 802.15.4 specification sensor network in a mechanically simulated wave tank this paper aims to identify changes in network performance based on relative sensor height above the water's surface for improved low power performance in a low cost ocean sensor network.