An adaptive TDMA-based MAC protocol for underwater acoustic sensor networks

Wael Gorma, Paul D. Mitchell

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Acoustic propagation through water suffers from attenuation that increases with both signal frequency and transmission range, with time-varying long propagation delays. The power spectral density of underwater ambient noise also changes with frequency. As a result, the usable channel bandwidth is heavily constrained and Medium Access Control (MAC) protocol design for Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks (UASNs) is challenging. Striking a balance between channel utilisation and network end-to-end delay is particularly difficult. The Combined Free/Demand Assignment Multiple Access (CFDAMA) protocol has been shown to effectively minimise end-to-end delay and maximise channel utilisation, but existing approaches are reliant on synchronisation which is hard to achieve underwater. This paper introduces a novel robust MAC protocol, based on CFDAMA, exclusively designed for UASNs and called CFDAMA-NoClock. It is capable of providing an adaptive MAC solution without the need for synchronisation amongst independent node clocks. The protocol demonstrates a high level of practicality and simplicity. Both analytical models and comprehensive event-driven simulation of several underwater scenarios show that CFDAMA-NoClock can offer excellent delay/utilisation performance under two distinct traffic types and with various network parameters selected based on practical UASN technologies.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the International Conference on Underwater Networks and Systems, WUWNET 2019
PublisherACM Press
ISBN (Electronic)9781450377409
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 23 Oct 2019
Event2019 International Conference on Underwater Networks and Systems, WUWNET 2019 - Atlanta, United States
Duration: 23 Oct 201925 Oct 2019

Publication series

NameACM International Conference Proceeding Series

Conference

Conference2019 International Conference on Underwater Networks and Systems, WUWNET 2019
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAtlanta
Period23/10/1925/10/19

Keywords

  • CFDAMA
  • Medium Access Control
  • TDMA
  • Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks

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