Undersea electromagnetic networking

The variation of through-water electromagnetic wave propagation parameters with frequency and conductivity is discussed together with wideband signal distortion caused by dispersion. Environmental electromagnetic noise and its limitation on the underwater communication range of various antennas are examined. Submarine communication and heuristic models of antenna types are presented, together with supporting experimental validation, and practical comment is made on potential range and bandwidth capabilities of generic antenna systems, and on current directions of research and development, including high frequency and dual mode subsea communications.