Theme
Underwater communication technologies are rapidly gaining prominence due to the increasing demand for real-time data exchange in oceanographic exploration, environmental monitoring, offshore energy production, and defense applications. Unlike terrestrial and aerial environments, underwater communication faces unique and severe challenges such as high attenuation, limited bandwidth, long propagation delays, and dynamic channel conditions. Traditional wireless technologies fall short in this domain, necessitating specialized research in acoustic, optical, and radio frequency (RF) underwater systems.
The emergence of applications such as the Underwater Internet of Things (U-IoT), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and cooperative robotic swarms has driven a new wave of innovation. However, progress is hampered by the lack of standardized protocols, robust physical layer technologies, and scalable architectures capable of addressing these harsh underwater conditions.
This special issue invites original research, visionary perspectives, and comprehensive surveys that advance the state of the art in underwater communication systems and networks. Contributions should address theoretical, experimental, and practical aspects of underwater communication, with a focus on innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world applicability.
Keywords
Underwater communication, acoustics, optical wireless, RF and EM propagation, sensor networks, Internet of Things (U-IoT), Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), channel modeling, signal processing, Doppler shift compensation, Synchronization, Delay-tolerant networks (DTNs), MAC and routing protocols, Cross-layer design, Energy-efficiency, Localization and navigation under water, AI/ML for underwater systems, Intelligent beamforming, Security, Bio-inspired communication, Testbeds, trials, Environmental monitoring, Marine robotics, Oceanographic data systems, Maritime surveillance, Disaster and tsunami warning systems, Standardization, Spectrum and regulations, Reconfigurable communication systems.
Suggested tracks:
- Physical layer and propagation technologies
- Network archicectures and protocols
- Systems and applications
- Emerging technologies and AI for underwater systems
- Testbeds, experimentation, and standarization
Download the
FULL call for papers here
Leading Guest Editor
Tolga Girici, TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Ankara, Turkey
Guest Editors
Fumin Zhang, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong