GPS-less localization protocol for underwater acoustic networks

Abstract

The problem of underwater positioning is increasingly crucial due to the emerging importance of sub-sea activities. Knowledge of node location is essential for many applications for which sensor networks can be used. At the surface, positioning problems have been resolved by the extended use of GPS, which is straightforward and effective. Unfortunately, using GPS in the sub-sea environment is impossible and positioning requires the use of special systems. One of the major challenges in the underwater acoustic networks (UANs) area of research is the development of a networking protocol that can cope with the management of a dynamic sub-sea network. We propose a scheme to perform node discovery, using only one seed node (primary seed) in a known position. The discovery protocol can be divided into two parts: First, building up the relative co-ordinate system. Second, involving more remote nodes becoming seed nodes for further discoveries. Four different algorithms have been investigated; (i) Farthest/Farthest Algorithm, (ii) Farthest/Nearest Algorithm, (iii) Nearest/Farthest Algorithm and (iv) Nearest/Nearest Algorithm. We investigated the performances of random network topologies. Different locations of primary seed node were exercised and statistics for node discovery will be reported.