A routing and channel-access approach for an ad hoc underwater acoustic network

In this paper, the concept of an ad hoc underwater acoustic network (UAN) is presented. It seeks to meet two critical needs: to establish a long-range and decentralised communication link, and to maintain a reliable on-demand communication link with minimal human intervention. Despite having the same goal, the operating characteristics of an ad hoc UAN usually differs from its radio counterpart due to the nature of its target applications and the environment in which it operates. The differences must be taken into account in order to achieve an optimal system. Such a scheme is based upon the ad hoc on-demand distance vector (AODV) algorithms developed for wireless radio networks. The considerations necessary for adopting these algorithms are discussed. The multiple-access with collision avoidance and acknowledgement (MACAW) scheme is implemented for the control of medium access. The issues and challenges faced, along with the viability of alternative techniques are discussed. Simulation results are presented.