Intelligent middleware for high speed maritime mesh networks with satellite communications

We provide an overview of a Maritime Intelligent Transport System (ITS) which enables increased use of business and social ship based applications by new communications means. The system is based on a high speed maritime mesh network and is fully integrated with legacy satellite communications using our middleware system component. The Intelligent middleware enables user preferences driven use of both the new and legacy communications and awareness of the changing mesh connectivity. The Maritime ITS system is an outcome of a collaboration project between I²R and NICTA. We describe details of the developed proof of concept (POC) platform, including the system architecture, hardware and software modules implemented. We further provide details of the validation testing of the POC system, using selected applications, and outline plans for future enhancements.