A Novel Framework to Simulate Maritime Wireless Communication Networks

Abstract

We developed a framework for simulating wireless communications in the ocean environment, The framework incorporates three unique maritime features: the wave motion and its effect on wireless transmissions, the ocean surface path loss characteristics, and the mobility pattern of the ships conducting wireless transmissions. We implemented our design in the Qual-Net network simulator. Using the enhanced simulator, we were able to produce simulation results comparable to experimental measurements carried out under similar settings. In addition, we observed the expected communication quality changes as the sea condition worsens in the network simulator.