Dynamic Beam Control-Based Neighbor Discovery Protocol for Underwater Acoustic Networks with Multi-Parallel...

Area of Science:

• Underwater Acoustic Networks (UANs)
• Wireless Communication
• Network Protocols

Background:

• Neighbor discovery in UANs is hindered by high propagation delays and limited spectrum.
• Existing protocols struggle with efficiency and resource allocation in dynamic underwater environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and evaluate a dynamic beam control-based multi-parallel transceiver neighbor discovery protocol (DBCB) for UANs.
• To improve node discovery efficiency, optimize spatiotemporal resource allocation, and enhance topology stability.

Main Methods:

• The DBCB protocol uses omnidirectional broadcasting for initial parameter capture, followed by dynamic allocation of orthogonal frequency bands for directional multi-beam validation.
• It employs real-time feedback for optimizing beam alignment, resource allocation, and adaptive transmission power control based on distance and azimuth.
• Nodes adjust receiving gain to ensure continued discovery for persistently undiscovered nodes.

Main Results:

• The DBCB protocol demonstrated a 7.84% higher average discovery rate compared to directional transmission-reception (DTR) and a 28.17% improvement over random two-way (RTW).
• Average discovery delay was reduced by 28.13% compared to DTR and 59.06% compared to RTW.
• Anechoic tank experiments validated simulation findings, confirming improved efficiency, stability, and high performance of multi-beam parallel transmission.

Conclusions:

• The DBCB protocol significantly enhances neighbor discovery efficiency in UANs.
• Adaptive beam control and optimized resource allocation are key to overcoming UAN challenges.
• The protocol offers a stable, efficient, and low-power solution for underwater network management.