Analysis and Simulation of Underwater Magneto-Inductive Communication Networks

Underwater communication faces significant challenges due to the limitations of acoustic and optical systems in harsh aquatic environments. Magneto-inductive (MI) communication offers a promising alternative for short-range, low-data-rate applications, leveraging stable magnetic fields across diverse mediums. This thesis develops and evaluates a custom MI path loss model, UwMIPathLoss, integrated into the DESERT Underwater framework to simulate underwater communication networks. The model accounts for coil interactions, thermal noise, and signal-to-noise ratio, enabling accurate performance analysis. Through simulations, the study analyzes network metrics such as range, data rate, and energy efficiency across various underwater scenarios, including shallow and deep water. The research aims to enhance DESERT’s simulation capabilities, providing insights into MI’s potential for underwater sensor networks and autonomous underwater vehicle communication. Contributions include a validated MI model and performance benchmarks, advancing the design of robust underwater networks.