UNDERWATER TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present invention relates to a subsea telecommunication system and to a method of updating a subsea communication system.

[0002] In order to meet consumer and industrial demand for natural resources, companies often invest significant amounts of time and money in searching for and extracting oil, natural gas, and other subterranean resources from the earth. Once a desired subterranean resource is discovered, drilling and production systems are employed to access and extract the resource. These systems may be offshore depending on the location of the desired resource. Such systems generally include a wellhead, pumps, underwater conduits, and other equipment that enable drilling and extraction operations.

[0003] The costs associated with drilling, installing, and extracting these natural resources may be significant. Operators may therefore monitor the installation and operation of these systems to ensure desired operation, to comply with regulations, etc. However, the harsh sea environment and size of the equipment used in drilling and extraction operations, may make fixed equipment monitoring and cable connections undesirable. Operators may therefore use underwater vehicles to monitor these systems and equipment. The underwater vehicles may collect information regarding the operation and condition of the systems using a variety of sensors. The information collected by these sensors is transmitted to the surface using acoustic communication. However, the underwater acoustic environment is constantly changing. For example, changing thermoclines and water temperatures as well as acoustic energy generated by subsea equipment and surface vessels may interfere with data transfer from the underwater vehicles. Unfortunately, tuning communications equipment in response these changing conditions involves bring an underwater vehicle to the surface and updating communication parameters using a physical connection or a Wi-Fi link. Surfacing the underwater vehicle may therefore waste time and money as equipment and personnel are unable to perform other tasks. The paper by AHMED S ET AL, "Cognitive intelligence in UAC channel parameter identification, measurement, estimation, and environment mapping", OCEANS 2009-EUROPE, 2009. OCEANS '09, IEEE, PISCATAWAY, NJ, USA, 11th May 2009, ISBN 978-1-4244-2522-8, pages 1 - 14, presents a literature survey on existing UAC channel environments, parameters and their measurement / estimation methods reviews and describes cognitive intelligence algorithms for use in channel parameter identification, measurement estimation and mapping. US 2012 / 243375 describes a method of determining a position of a submersible vehicle within a body of water. The document by TOBY SCHNEIDER ET AL, "Model-Based Adaptive Behavior Framework for Optimal Acoustic Communication and Sensing by Marine Robots", IEEE JOURNAL OF OCEANIC ENGINEERING, IEEE SERVICE CENTER, PISCATAWAY, NJ, US, 1 July 2013, vol. 38, no. 3, ISSN 0364-9059, pages 522 - 533, describes a hybrid-data and model based framework which allows AUVs with acoustic sensors to follow a path that optimizes their ability to maintain connectivity with an acoustic contact for communication.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In a first aspect, the invention resides in a subsea telecommunication system as defined in claim 1. Preferred embodiments are defined in claims 2 to 8.

[0005] In another aspect, the invention resides in a method of updating a subsea telecommunication system as defined in claim 9. Preferred embodiments are defined in claims 10 to 14.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] These aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a subsea telecommunications system, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method for setting a physical layer of a subsea telecommunications system, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for setting a data layer of a subsea telecommunications system, not according to the invention; FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for setting a data layer of a subsea telecommunications system, not according to the invention; and FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for setting a data layer of a subsea telecommunications system, not according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] As used herein, the term "coupled" or "coupled to" may indicate establishing either a direct or indirect connection, and is not limited to either unless expressly referenced as such. The term "set" may refer to one or more items. Wherever possible, like or identical reference numerals are used in the figures to identify common or the same elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale for purposes of clarification.

[0008] Furthermore, when introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Furthermore, the phrase A "based on" B is intended to mean that A is at least partially based on B. Moreover, unless expressly stated otherwise, the term "or" is intended to be inclusive (e.g., logical OR) and not exclusive (e.g., logical XOR). In other words, the phrase A "or" B is intended to mean A, B, or both A and B.

[0009] As explained above, subsea drilling and extraction operations can be very expensive. Accordingly, these subsea operations are monitored to check for equipment integrity, compliance with regulations, among other reasons. However, the harsh sea environment and size of the equipment used in drilling and extracting, may make fixed equipment monitoring and cable connections undesirable. System operators may therefore use underwater vehicles to monitor this equipment. The underwater vehicles may collect information regarding the operation and condition of the systems using a variety of sensors. The information collected by these sensors is transmitted to the surface using acoustic telecommunication. However, the underwater acoustic environment is dynamic. For example, surface and underwater vessels move with respect to each other. Acoustic reflections on the seabed and surface may also change as the underwater vehicles and surfaces vessels move. The presence of thermoclines may cause acoustic signals (e.g., acoustic rays) to bend. In addition, noise generated by propellers, thrusters, or other active subsea equipment can create large acoustic noise signatures. These combined effects of noise and variation in the propagation of the acoustic signal can interfere with the reliability and transmission of information through acoustic telecommunication.

[0010] The subsea telecommunication system discussed below updates physical layer parameters and data delivery parameters in real time in response to changes in the acoustic communication channel and acoustic noise as the underwater vehicle conducts missions. The ability to update physical layer parameters and data delivery parameters in real time increases the reliability and the transmission of data to and from the underwater vehicle during a mission (e.g., monitoring, mapping) as well as saves the time typically involved in surfacing the underwater vehicle to provide parameter updates.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a subsea telecommunications system 10 capable of changing physical layer parameters and data delivery parameters in real time. As explained above, the subsea environment provides a challenging environment for wireless communication (e.g., acoustic telecommunication). The ability to change physical layer parameters and / or data delivery parameters of the subsea telecommunications system 10 in real-time may save time and improve communication between surface vessels and underwater vehicles, as well as between one or more underwater vehicles.

[0012] The subsea telecommunications system 10 may include one or more surface vessels 12 (e.g., boat, ship, platforms) and one or more underwater vehicles 14 (e.g., autonomous underwater vehicles, unmanned undersea vehicles, remotely operated underwater vehicles). The surface vessel 12 may include a crane 16 that enables deployment and retrieval of the underwater vehicle 14. For example, the surface vessel 12 may carry the underwater vehicle 14 to a deployment site where it is deployed. The deployment site may include a variety of oil and gas infrastructure 18 such as production pipes, subsea wellheads, risers, pumping equipment, among others. At the deployment site, the surface vessel 12 deploys the underwater vehicle 14 to conduct maintenance, inspection, mapping, research, among other tasks.

[0013] In order to wirelessly communicate with the underwater vehicle 14, the surface vessel 12 includes one or more modems 20 (e.g., acoustic modem). The modem 20 includes one or more transmitters 22 and one or more receivers 24. In operation, the modem 20 enables subsea acoustic communication with one or more underwater vehicles 14 by transmitting data with the transmitter 22 and receiving data with the receiver 24. As will be explained below, the modem 20 couples to a computer system 26 (e.g., controller) that changes the physical layer parameters and / or the data layer parameters of the modem 20 in response to subsea conditions detected with sensors on the surface vessel 12 and / or the underwater vehicle 14 (e.g., sensors 25, sensors 42). These subsea conditions (e.g., environmental parameters) may include water temperature (e.g., thermoclines), salinity, acoustic noise (e.g., motors, pumps), among others. By changing the physical layer and / or the data layer of the modem 20, the accuracy, speed, reliability, etc. of communication between the underwater vehicle 14 and the surface vessel 12 may increase.

[0014] The computer system 26 includes a processor 28 and a memory 30. For example, the processor 28 may be a microprocessor that executes software to change the physical layer parameters, the data delivery parameters, process data received from the underwater vehicle 14 (e.g., sensors 42), control the surface vessel 12, among others. The processor 28 may include multiple microprocessors, one or more "general-purpose" microprocessors, one or more special-purpose microprocessors, and / or one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or some combination thereof. For example, the processor 28 may include one or more reduced instruction set (RISC) processors.

[0015] The memory 30 may include a volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and / or a nonvolatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM). The memory 30 may store a variety of information and may be used for various purposes. For example, the memory 30 may store processor executable instructions, such as firmware or software, for the processor 28 to execute. The memory 30 may include ROM, flash memory, a hard drive, or any other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage medium, or a combination thereof. The memory 30 may store data, instructions, and any other suitable data.

[0016] As illustrated, the underwater vehicle 14 similarly includes one or more modems 32 (e.g., acoustic modem). The modem 32 includes one or more transmitters 34 and one or more receivers 36. In operation, the modem 32 communicates (e.g., acoustic telecommunication) with the modem 20 (e.g., surface vessel modem) and / or with the modems of other underwater vehicles 14. In order to move around, the underwater vehicle 14 includes a motor 38 that may drive a propeller 40. The underwater vehicle 14 also includes one or more sensors 42. These sensors 42 may be salinity sensors, temperature sensors, cameras (e.g., infrared, optical), chemical sensors, radar, etc. In operation, the underwater vehicle 14 uses the sensors 42 to sense the conditions of the water, monitor equipment, map, etc. For example, as the underwater vehicle 14 dives toward the target, it collects in-situ information related to the vertical acoustic velocity, the presence of underwater currents and the acoustic noise level near the target. Data from the sensors 42 may be received by a computer system 44 (e.g., controller) on the underwater vehicle 14, which then processes and / or transfers the data to the modem 32 for transmission to the surface vessel 12. The computer system 44, may include a processor 46 and a memory 48.

[0017] During operation, the computer system 44 may process incoming communication from other modems (e.g., modem 20) as well as transmit data through the modem 32 (e.g., sensor data). For example, the computer system 44 may receive instructions from the computer system 26 to change physical and / or data layers of the modem 32. The computer system 44 may also receive travel instructions (e.g., travel coordinates), speed of travel instructions, sensor instructions (e.g., camera movement instructions), among others.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method 70 for setting a physical layer of a subsea telecommunications system 10. The method 70 may begin by retrieving data an acoustic communication channel and / or noise proximate a target area of operation, step 72. The retrieved data may include historical and / or predicted salinity, water temperature, acoustic noise (e.g., manmade, geological), thermoclines, among others. The method 70 then characterizes the physical layer of the subsea telecommunication system 10, step 74. The physical layer is characterized by characterizing the acoustic communication channel and the noise channel.

[0019] In order to characterize the acoustic communication channel, the method 70 may predict a sound velocity profile, predict a channel spread, simulate a Doppler shift, or a combination thereof. The method 70 may characterize the noise using time analysis of the noise (e.g., energy, peak-peak, median, sliding average, peak detection), spectral analysis of the noise frequency (e.g., fast Fourier transform, Welch's average, parametric spectral analysis), time frequency analysis of the evolution of the noise frequency over time (e.g., Fourier transform, Wigner-Ville, wavelets), and / or statistical analysis of the noise (e.g., Bayesian estimation, percentile), or a combination thereof. The method 70 may also determine the desired data delivery parameters, step 76. Data delivery parameters may include latency, quality (e.g., data fidelity), spatial resolution, temporal resolution, etc. of the different data feeds. These data delivery parameters may be determined based on the intended operation of the underwater vehicle 14 and / or provided by an operator (e.g., personal preferences). For example, will the underwater vehicle be traversing, hovering, inspecting (e.g., inspecting equipment, pipeline).

[0020] The method 70 then conducts a communication performance simulation for the acoustic communication channel using the characterization of the physical layer and the data delivery parameters, step 78. The communication performance simulation may include estimating a propagation channel using a ray-tracing technique and / or using a sound velocity profile. The Doppler Effect may be simulated using the laws of mechanics. Acoustic noise may be simulated in accordance with historic values and / or predicted values including signal level, energy distribution across bandwidth, etc. One or several simulated telecommunication signals with fixed parameters (e.g., carrier frequency, data rate, constellation order) are then generated and propagated using the simulated physical layer parameters and data delivery parameters. For example, two or more sets of different data delivery parameters and / or physical layer parameters may be used in the simulated telecommunication signals. The communication performance simulation may then estimate the reliability and performances of the simulated telecommunication signals. The results obtained using the different telecommunications parameters (e.g., physical layer parameters, data delivery parameters) are compared, and the set of parameters (e.g., physical layer parameters, data delivery parameters) accounting for the best performance may be selected.

[0021] After performing the communication performance simulation, the method 70 may adjust the physical layer parameters of the subsea telecommunication system 10 (e.g., modems 20 and 32), step 80. Physical layer parameters may include carrier frequency, bandwidth, error correcting codes, modulation order, symbol rate, among others.

[0022] After adjusting the physical layer parameters, the underwater vehicle 14 may be launched. As the underwater vehicle 14 navigates to the target location (e.g., dives), the underwater vehicle 14 transmits data to the surface vessel 12. The transmitted data may include salinity data, temperature data, acoustic noise data, among others. The method 70 collects this data from the underwater vehicle 14 during the mission, step 82. In some embodiments, the data from the underwater vehicle 14 is analyzed and compared to the retrieved data (e.g., historical and / or predicted data) used to characterize the physical layer, step 84. The method 70 determines if the variation between the data used to characterize the physical layer and the data collected during the dive is greater than a threshold difference, step 86. For example, is the noise greater or less than expected. If the difference does not exceed a threshold, the physical layer parameters remain the same and the method 70 continues to collect data from the underwater vehicle 14, step 82. If the difference exceeds the threshold, the method 70 recharacterizes the physical layer (e.g., acoustic communication channel, noise channel), step 88. Recharacterizing the acoustic communication channel of the physical layer may include measuring a sound profile during the dive and / or using an acoustic transducer and acoustic receiver (e.g., secondary sensor) located at a known distance from each other. Recharacterizing the acoustic communication channel may also include measuring a Doppler shift using pilot sequences transmitted from the surface vessel 12 and / or the underwater vehicle 14. Furthermore, recharacterizing the acoustic communication channel may also include measuring a channel spread using pilot sequences transmitted from the surface vessel 12 and / or the underwater vehicle 14.

[0023] After recharacterizing the physical layer, the method 70 updates the communication performance simulation with the recharacterized physical layer and the data delivery parameters, step 90. In other words, the method 70 reruns the communication performance simulation. In response to the results of the updated communication performance simulation, the method 70 determines the physical layer parameters changes using a decision algorithm and / or using feedback from an operator, step 92.

[0024] After determining the changes to the physical layer parameters, the method 70 adjusts the physical layer parameters and / or adjusts vehicle operation, 94. Vehicle operation adjustments, may include changing the position of the surface vessel 12 (e.g., position of the surface vessel 12 with respect to the underwater vehicle 14), changing the position of the underwater vehicle 14 (e.g., the position of the underwater vehicle 14 with respect to the surface vessel 12), changing the speed of the surface vessel 12 (e.g., acoustic signature), changing the speed of the underwater vehicle 14 (e.g., acoustic signature), changing the depth of the underwater vehicle 14, or a combination thereof. These changes may improve communication by reducing distance between the surface vessel 12 and the underwater vehicle 14, align modems, reduce acoustic noise (e.g., acoustic noise generated by the motors of the surface vessel 12, the underwater vehicle 14), etc. After adjusting the physical layer parameters and / or vehicle parameters the method 70 returns to the collection of data from the underwater vehicle 14 during the mission, step 82.

[0025] In some embodiments, as the mission or operation of the underwater vehicle 14 changes (e.g., traversing, hovering, inspecting), the method 70 may adjust the data delivery parameters, step 96. The adjustment may be automatic in response to detecting the operation of the underwater vehicle 14 and / or with input from an operator. Once the data delivery parameters change, the method 70 may return to step 90 and update the communication performance simulation to optimize acoustic telecommunication, step 90.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method 110, not according to the invention, for setting a data layer of a subsea telecommunications system 10. As explained above, the underwater vehicle 14 may operate in different modes (e.g., traversing, hovering, inspecting). Depending on the mode of operation, a certain set of data delivery parameters may be selected (e.g., latency, data fidelity, spatial resolution, temporal resolution of all the different data feeds). For example, a real-time video feed may be transmitted from the underwater vehicle 14 to the surface vessel 12 while inspecting equipment. In this situation, the quality and resolution of each frame may be more important than latency and the temporal resolution of the video feed. In another mode of operation, such as steering, minimizing the latency of the data feed may be more important than other parameters. Data delivery parameters may also be selected that facilitate transmission of different data streams (e.g., the transmission of the video and sonar measurements). For example, data delivery parameters may be selected that enhance communication robustness for multiple data streams.

[0027] The method 110 begins by determining the underwater vehicle's mode of operation, step 112. The mode of operation may be determined by a user, machine learning, and / or signal processing algorithms. For example, an operator may determine that the underwater vehicle 14 is approaching a target location and that the underwater vehicle 14 will then operate in an inspection mode. The method 110 may then determine data delivery parameters using an algorithm in response to the mode of operation, step 114. The data delivery parameters are then transmitted to the underwater vehicle, step 116. The underwater vehicle 14 receives the data delivery parameters, step 118. The underwater vehicle 14 then updates the data delivery parameters, step 120. In some embodiments, the method 110 may include transmission of an acknowledgement from the underwater vehicle 14 that the parameters have been updated.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method 130, not according to the invention, for setting a data layer of a subsea telecommunications system 10. The method 130 begins by selecting desired data deliver parameters, step 132. For example, an operator may bypass a decision algorithm and select desired data delivery parameters for a specific type of data transmission (e.g., video feed for inspecting equipment, steering). The method 130 then transmits the data delivery parameters to the underwater vehicle 14 (e.g., transmit from the surface vessel 12). The underwater vehicle 14 receives the data delivery parameters, step 136. The underwater vehicle 14 then updates the data delivery parameters, step 138. In some embodiments, the method 130 may include transmission of an acknowledgement from the underwater vehicle 14 that the parameters have been updated.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method 150, not according to the invention, for setting a data layer of a subsea telecommunications system 10. The method 150 begins by determining the underwater vehicle's mode of operation, step 152. The mode of operation may be determined through machine learning and / or signal processing algorithms. For example, the underwater vehicle 14 may determine that the underwater vehicle 14 is in a steering mode, hovering mode, or an inspection mode. The method 150 may then determine data delivery parameters in response to the mode of operation (e.g., determine data delivery parameters using an algorithm), step 154. The underwater vehicle 14 then updates the data delivery parameters, step 156. In some embodiments, the method 150 may include transmission of an acknowledgement from the underwater vehicle 14 that the parameters have been updated.

[0030] Technical effects of the disclosure include a subsea communication system that updates physical layer parameters and data delivery parameters in real time in response to changes in the acoustic communication channel, acoustic noise, and underwater vehicle operation modes. The ability to update physical layer parameters and data delivery parameters in real time increases the reliability and the transmission of data to and from the underwater vehicle during a mission.

Claims

1. A subsea telecommunication system (10), comprising: a first acoustic modem (20) configured to couple to a first vehicle (12) and to communicate acoustically; a second acoustic modem (32) configured to couple to a second vehicle (14) and to communicate acoustically with the first acoustic modem (20), wherein the second vehicle (14) is an underwater vehicle (14)and a first computer system (26) configured to: receive (72) an environmental parameter, characterize (74) a physical layer of the subsea telecommunication system (10) in response to the environmental parameter, the physical layer comprising a noise channel and an acoustic communication channel; determine desired data delivery parameters based on an intended operation of the underwater vehicle (14), the data delivery parameter comprising one of latency, data fidelity, spatial resolution, and temporal resolution of different data feeds; conduct a communication performance simulation for the acoustic communication channel using the characterization of the physical layer and the desired data delivery parameters; and in response to the communication performance simulation, adjust a physical layer parameter of the subsea telecommunication system (10) in real time, the physical layer parameter comprising one of carrier frequency, bandwidth, error correcting codes, modulation order and symbol rate.

2. The subsea telecommunication system (10) of claim 1, comprising one or more sensors (25, 42) configured to detect the environmental parameter.

3. The subsea telecommunication system (10) of claim 1, wherein the environmental parameter comprises underwater currents, acoustic noise, temperature, salinity, sound velocity, or a combination thereof.

4. The subsea telecommunication system (10) of claim 1, wherein the second acoustic modem (32) is configured to receive data from a sensor (42) and transmit the data to the first acoustic modem (20).

5. The subsea telecommunication system (10) of claim 4, wherein the sensor (42) comprises a camera.

6. The subsea telecommunication system (10) of claim 5, comprising a second computer system (44) configured to receive in real time the data delivery parameter from the first computer system (26).

7. The subsea telecommunication system of claim 1, wherein after adjustment of the physical layer parameter and launching of the underwater vehicle, the first computer system (26) is further configured to: receive (82) a new environmental parameter from the underwater vehicle (14); compare (84) the received environmental parameter to the environmental parameter used to characterize the physical layer to determine (86) if a difference therebetween is greater than a threshold value; if the difference does not exceed a threshold, maintain the same physical layer parameter and continue to receive new environmental parameters from the underwater vehicle (14); or if the difference exceeds the threshold, recharacterize (88) the physical layer; perform (90) an updated communication performance simulation for the acoustic communication channel using the recharacterized physical layer and the desired data delivery parameters; in response to the communication performance simulation, determine (92) physical layer parameter changes using a decision algorithm; and adjust (94) the physical layer parameter of the subsea telecommunication system (10) and / or adjust operation of the underwater vehicle.

8. The subsea telecommunication system (10) of claim 7, wherein the first computer system (26) is further configured to adjust the desired data delivery parameters in response to detecting changes in operation of the underwater vehicle and perform (90) an updated communication performance simulation for the acoustic communication channel using the recharacterized physical layer and the adjusted data delivery parameters.

9. A method of updating a subsea telecommunication system (10), the subsea telecommunication system (10) comprising a first acoustic modem (20) configured to couple to a first vehicle (12) and to communicate acoustically and a second acoustic modem (32) configured to couple to a second vehicle (14) and to communicate acoustically with the first acoustic modem (20), the second vehicle (14) being an underwater vehicle (14), the method comprising: measuring one or more environmental parameters; characterizing a noise channel in response to the one or more environmental parameters; characterizing an acoustic communication channel in response to the one or more environmental parameters; determining desired data delivery parameters based on an intended operation of the second vehicle (14), the data delivery parameter comprising one of latency, data fidelity, spatial resolution, and temporal resolution of different data feeds; conducting a communication performance simulation with the characterized noise and acoustic communication channels and the desired data delivery parameters; adjusting a physical layer parameter in response to the communication performance simulation, the physical layer parameter comprising one of carrier frequency, bandwidth, error correcting codes, modulation order, symbol rate; and transmitting the physical layer parameter to the underwater vehicle (14) in real time during a mission.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the one or more environmental parameters comprises underwater currents, acoustic noise, temperature, salinity, sound velocity, or a combination thereof.

11. The method of claim 9, comprising controlling the underwater vehicle (14) in response to the communication performance simulation.

12. The method of claim 9, after adjustment of the physical layer parameter and launching of the underwater vehicle, the method further comprising: receiving (82) a new environmental parameter from the underwater vehicle (14); comparing (84) the received environmental parameter to the environmental parameter used to characterize the physical layer to determine (86) if a difference therebetween is greater than a threshold value; if the difference does not exceed a threshold, maintaining the same physical layer parameter and continuing (82) to receive new environmental parameters from the underwater vehicle (14); or if the difference exceeds the threshold, recharacterizing (88) the physical layer; performing (90) an updated communication performance simulation for the acoustic communication channel using the recharacterized physical layer and the desired data delivery parameters; in response to the communication performance simulation, determining (92) physical layer parameter changes using a decision algorithm; and adjusting (94) the physical layer parameter of the subsea telecommunication system (10) and / or operation of the underwater vehicle.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising adjusting the desired data delivery parameters in response detecting changes in operation of the underwater vehicle and performing (90) an updated communication performance simulation for the acoustic communication channel using the recharacterized physical layer and the adjusted data delivery parameters.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the first vessel comprises a surface vessel (12), the method comprising adjusting operation of the underwater vehicle by changing the position of the first vessel (12) with respect to the underwater vehicle (14), changing the position of the underwater vehicle (14) with respect to the first vessel (12), changing the speed of the first vessel (12), changing the speed of the underwater vehicle (14) or changing the depth of the underwater vehicle (14), or a combination thereof.