Design of a Shipboard Outside Communication Network and the Test Bed Using PLC

Abstract

Industrial disaster involving the workers at the shipyard is one of the major problems of the shipyards all around the world. The workers are usually exposed to the dangers and their works are very tough. The lack of efficient communication methods which enable smooth communications despite of communication shadow areas makes it harder for them to adapt to the working environment. To deal with such situation, SUNCOM Co. in the Republic of Korea developed and designed a PLC-based communication system and conducted Test Bed experiment together with SK Telecom, (a national telecommunication company) and Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (a national ship-building company). The developed technology is expected to play an efficient and effective role at the shipyards and will be applicable to other industries, helping the workers with uninterrupted communications to improve their working environments.