Fraunhofer FKIE develops acoustic network protocols for subsea communications

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Communication, Information Processing and Ergonomics (FKIE) have developed a self-configuring acoustic network designed to facilitate data transmission underwater. The system connects seabed sensors and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to surface networks through gateway buoys, which relay data to ships or shore-based control centers.

Traditional communication methods like Wi-Fi or GPS are ineffective underwater due to the physical properties of water, which significantly attenuate electromagnetic waves. To address this, the team created the GUWAL data standard and the GUWMANET protocol, specifically engineered for narrowband channels. In recent sea trials conducted near Lisbon during NATO exercises, the system demonstrated a packet delivery rate of approximately 90 percent.

The technology is currently being integrated into the SWAT-SHOAL defense project, which examines the coordination of crewed and uncrewed underwater systems. Potential civilian and military applications include the security monitoring of offshore wind farms, pipelines, and harbor installations.