Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks: A Review

Abstract

Several disciplines like science, engineering, and biological industry have been influenced by sensor networks which have brought sensing and computation into reality. The possibility of having these sensors physically assigned close to the target whose parameters are to be observed enables remote monitoring of various aspects of the physical world. Wireless channeling of information beneath the ocean or generally underwater has provided the best technological ways of oceanic observations. Ocean bottoms have been monitored traditionally by deploying oceanographic sensors that obtain information at distinct and fixed ocean zones. The oceanographic instruments are then recovered when the tasks are completed. This implies that data cannot be monitored remotely since there is no collaborative communication of obtained data between the collection point and the monitoring end. The data recorded can also be destroyed in case of a non-successful mission. Oceanic observations have been made primarily possible by sensor networks carefully laid out under the waters. Underwater sensor networks can also be achieved wirelessly by establishing communications between sensors and monitors without major cabling. These are known as Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks (UWSNs). The UWSNs are comprised of various gadgets like vehicles that can operate autonomously under the water and sensors. Deployment of these gadgets is done in targeted acoustic zones for the collection of data and monitoring tasks. Bilateral communication is established between stations based on the ground and different UWSNs nodes. This enables instantaneous remote monitoring and communication of information from the specified oceanic zones to engineering personnel based on the shores. This paper looks at the various aspects of Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks UWSNs including their importance, applications, network architecture, requirements, and challenges and in their deployments.