Underwater acoustic networks an acoustic propagation model for simulation of underwater acoustic networks

• Main Author: Solorzano, Leopoldo Jesus Diaz Gonzalez
• Other Authors: Xie, Geoffrey
• Format: Others
• Published: Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School 2012
• Subjects: Computer science; Underwater acoustics; Software engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10945/1792

Approved for public release, distribution unlimited === Underwater Acoustic Networks (UANs) hold enormous potential for both military and civilian applications. However, current networking protocols implemented are often sub-optimal, resulting in severely underutilized networks. We believe one of the key reasons for this shortcoming is a lack of good underwater acoustic propagation models for simulation packages used to evaluate UAN protocols. This thesis addresses this problem by developing a computationally-efficient approximation of a sophisticated analytical model called Monterey-Miami Parabolic Equation model (MMPE). The approximation can then be used to support UAN simulations. The characteristics of the problem make a statistical approach the methodology of choice for this study. Data was generated using the MMPE model. The data was used to develop a much less complex approximation for which an OpNet simulation module could be developed. The latter allows UAN operation to be modeled over a collection of nodes and over an interval of time, rather than a single point in time between two specific nodes, as modeled by the original equation. The result of this research can enable a more complete analysis of network enabling protocols and support more informed decisions regarding the appropriate node topology and protocols to use in order to increase network performance.