Generalized frequency division multiplexing for acoustic communication in underwater systems

Abstract

Whether it is an oceanic search/rescue operation or marine life monitoring, the human effort is limited by the ability to communicate effectively through underwater (UW) channels. The UW channel poses a challenge in terms of colored ambient noise, frequency dependent attenuation and doubly selective fading. In this paper, Generalized Frequency Division Multiplexing (GFDM), a non-orthogonal multicarrier scheme well suited for multipath fading channels, is tested as a viable choice for physical layer in UW acoustic communication. Empirical approach is used to model the underwater noise and attenuation. The error performance of proposed system is systematically evaluated and validated under different UW channel conditions.