CAREER: Tackling Fundamental Networking Problems in Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks

“广泛的水上监测的理想载体是移动水下传感器网络(M-UWSN)。M-UWSN与地面传感器网络有很大的不同：(1)无线电信道在水下不能很好地工作。它们必须被水声信道取代，水声信道具有传播延迟长、通信带宽低和信道误码率高的特点；(2)虽然大多数地面传感器是静态的，但水下传感器节点可能会随水移动，因为这带来了被动移动性。由于M-UWSN复杂的环境特性和水声信道的独特特性，需要在协议族的各个层次上进行新的研究。在本项目中，我们研究了M-UWSN的三个关键组网问题：多址接入、多跳路由和可靠数据传输。对于多址接入，我们研究了密集网络中基于预留的方法和非均匀分布网络中的自适应协议。对于多跳路由，我们设计了一个可扩展的地理路由协议，并通过有效地处理路由“洞”来提高其健壮性。对于可靠的数据传输，我们探索了FEC(前向纠错)编码和网络编码方法，目的是在降低通信成本的同时增强网络的健壮性。这项研究的完成将使和/或加强水生生物在科学研究和国家安全/国防方面的广泛应用。结果将包括：(1)一套针对三个联网问题的协议和算法；(2)针对不同水上应用的集成解决方案和用户指南；(3)模拟平台和真实试验台。研究成果将纳入本科生和研究生课程。模拟平台和真实试验床都将对社区开放。

`The ideal vehicle for extensive aquatic monitoring is mobile underwater sensor network (M-UWSN). M-UWSN is significantly different from terrestrial sensor networks: (1) radio channels do not work well under water. They must be replaced by acoustic channels, which feature long propagation delays, low communication bandwidth and a high channel error rate; (2) while most ground sensors are static, underwater sensor nodes may move with water, as introduces passive mobility. Due to the complex environment properties and the unique characteristics of acoustic channels, M-UWSN demands new research at every level of the protocol suite. In this project, we investigate three key networking problems for M-UWSN: multiple access, multi-hop routing and reliable data transfer. For multiple access, we study a reservation-based approach for dense networks and an adaptive protocol for unevenly-distributed networks. For multi-hop routing, we design a scalable geo-routing protocol and improve its robustness by effectively handling routing "holes". For reliable data transfer, we explore both FEC (Forward-Error-Correction) coding and network coding approaches, aiming to enhance network robustness while reduce communication cost. The accomplishment of this research will enable and/or enhance a wide range of aquatic applications in scientific research and national security/defense. The results will include (1) a set of protocols and algorithms for the three networking problems; (2) integrated solutions and user guidelines for different aquatic applications; (3) a simulation platform and real testbeds. The research results will be incorporated into both undergraduate and graduate courses. Both the simulation platform and real testbeds will be accessible to the community.