Underwater Communication Gateway Protocol Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current underwater communication technologies face limitations in bandwidth and require specialized devices due to the use of proprietary protocols, making them costly and inefficient for conventional wireless communication devices to operate effectively underwater.
Innovation Solution
A communication system employing a first communication gateway near the water's surface with both radio-frequency and optical interfaces using the Ethernet data link layer protocol, and an underwater communication gateway that converts data between Ethernet and another data link layer protocol for transmission via optical radiation, allowing conventional devices to communicate over distances without modification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If acoustic communication is used for underwater communication, then communication can be achieved in underwater environment, but bandwidth is very limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion system consisting of surface gateways and underwater relays that translate between acoustic signals (for underwater transmission) and radio frequency/optical signals (for high bandwidth). This mediator approach allows the system to enjoy the benefits of both acoustic communication (underwater capability) and RF/optical communication (high bandwidth), resolving the contradiction between bandwidth and communication reliability.
2Quantity of substance
If radio-frequency communication is used, then bandwidth is increased, but transmission distance is very short in water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication path into multiple segments: underwater devices communicate via acoustic signals to underwater relays, which then transmit via optical or radio frequency signals to surface gateways. This segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal mode - acoustic for underwater proximity communication, and RF/optical for long-distance surface-to-land transmission - thereby achieving both high bandwidth and extended transmission distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the communication problem from a two-dimensional underwater space constraint to a three-dimensional solution by utilizing the air-water interface. Data is transmitted from underwater devices through acoustic means to surface gateways, then relayed through the air interface via RF or optical signals to land-based networks, effectively adding the vertical dimension (water-to-air transition) to overcome the limited underwater transmission distance.
3Length of stationary object
If optical communication is used, then transmission distance exceeds radio-frequency, but line-of-sight must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-aligning optical communication systems where the optical transmitters and receivers automatically adjust their orientation to maintain line-of-sight connection. The system includes feedback mechanisms that detect misalignment and actively correct the optical beam direction, allowing the system to maintain optimal performance without manual intervention and reducing the operational burden of precise alignment.
4Reliability
If proprietary communication technologies are used, then underwater communication can be achieved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the communication system with universal interfaces and standardized protocols at each layer. The surface gateways and underwater relays can handle multiple communication modes (acoustic, optical, RF) and interface with various underwater devices using common data link layer protocols. This universality allows conventional wireless communication devices to operate underwater without specialized modifications, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining reliable communication capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and cost-effective underwater communication by using conventional wireless communication devices, achieving higher bandwidth and longer distances without the need for proprietary protocols or specialized devices, while maintaining reliability and low power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
to transmit, using optical radiation and the second data link layer protocol, the data converted by the underwater communication gateway to the first communication gateway
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system includes a first communication gateway arranged proximate to a surface of a body of water and an underwater communication gateway. The underwater communication gateway is configured to receive data from a first underwater communication device using radio frequencies and the ethernet data link layer protocol, to convert the data received from the first underwater communication device from the ethernet data link layer protocol to the second data link layer protocol, and to transmit, using optical radiation and the second data link layer protocol, the data converted by the underwater communication gateway to the first communication gateway. The first communication gateway is configured to convert the data transmitted by the underwater communication gateway from the second data link layer protocol to the ethernet data link layer protocol, and to transmit, using the ethernet data link layer protocol, the data converted by the first communication device to a further communication device.