Wireless backhaul for broadband communication over Sea

Abstract

A comprehensive survey of different possible solutions to provide wireless backhaul PTP links for broadband communication over Sea is presented. The main purpose of wireless backhaul network is to provide LongDistance Point-To-Point (PTP) broadband communication. Wireless Backhaul gives a low cost solution for access to remote areas with difficult terrain to install any wired link. Long-range backhaul network with high capacity and reliability is limited to line-of-sight (LOS) distances requiring high antenna towers for further increase in range. A mirror image of WiMax-like system used on land can be envisaged on Sea to provide similar services at even non line-of-sight (NLOS) distances. Satellite communication can also provide large distance coverage for communication over Sea. Tropospheric propagation using evaporation ducts over Sea is also explored for long-range wireless communication over Sea to achieve Trans-horizon NLOS distances. Current work and future challenges regarding backhaul broadband communication over Sea with some proposed solutions are discussed at the end.