Aqua-Net: An underwater sensor network architecture: Design, implementation, and initial testing

Underwater sensor networks (UWSNs) have emerged as a powerful technique for a wide range of aquatic applications. New challenges require novel research at every layer of the protocol stack. To efficiently compare various design, algorithms, and protocols, there is a pressing need for a generic architecture for underwater sensor networks. In this paper, we present such an architecture, called Aqua-Set, for various underwater solutions and applications. Aqua-Net follows a layered structure and meanwhile could support cross-layer optimization. It is flexible and easy to use. We have implemented several protocols in Aqua-Net and tested in a lab environment. Specifically, in this paper we present the design, implementation, and testing of a MAC protocol, called UW-Aloha, as a case study. The initial results show that our analysis, and lab testing match very well. We consider Aqua-Net a groundwork and valuable tool for future advances of the underwater sensor network research.