Abstract
The relationship between the performance of an underwater acoustic data communications system and operating conditions is investigated. There has been much work devoted toward this end focused on developing mathematical models of the underwater acoustic channel. However, the underwater acoustic environment is a complicated one, and current models do not fully account for the challenging, time-varying conditions. The analysis here is based on actual data transmissions collected during several at-sea tests involving a variety of operating conditions. Metrics have been developed that attempt to characterize properties relating to signal-to-noise ratio, Doppler, multipath spread, channel coherence, and channel complexity. By applying these metrics to data transmissions in conditions with different water depths, carrier frequencies, and source/receiver geometries, a better understanding can be developed of the factors that determine the performance of an underwater communications system. The ultimate goal of this work is to provide a systematic prediction method by computing those metrics that are the true arbiters of performance. This work will also aid in the development and validation of mathematical models of the underwater acoustic environment by providing practical measures with which to compare the simulated channels.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call