Underwater communication technologies: a review
Theocharis Theocharidis, Ergina Kavallieratou
Abstract
Abstract This review examines current underwater communication technologies, highlighting the challenges and innovations in applications spanning scientific research, exploration, environmental monitoring, and security. Emphasis is placed on the evolution and interplay of acoustic, optical, quantum, and hybrid communication methods, as well as their respective limitations and potential solutions in the complex underwater environment. The review explores advancements in Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), with particular focus on the swarm configuration, which enables dynamic, interconnected networks for real-time data exchange and adaptive responses to environmental changes. Key areas of innovation include the use of new materials, advanced sensor networks, and machine learning algorithms to enhance communication efficiency, security, and resilience under varying underwater conditions. The integration of swarm AUVs and Internet of Things (IoT) concepts is proposed to further expand underwater operational capabilities, making underwater communication systems more reliable, secure, and versatile.