Green Underwater Wireless Communications Using Hybrid Optical-Acoustic Technologies

Underwater wireless communication is a rapidly growing field, especially with the recent emergence of technologies such as autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and remotely operated (ROVs). To support high-bandwidth applications using these technologies, optics has attracted significant attention, alongside its complementary technology - acoustics. In this paper, we propose hybrid opto-acoustic model that reduces network power consumption supports high-data rate by selecting appropriate links in response to varying traffic loads dynamic weather conditions. offers high data rates consumes less power. However, due severe absorption light medium, range short optics. Conversely, acoustics suffers from low consumption, but provides longer ranges. Since most equipment relies on battery power, energy-efficient critical for reliable communications. work, derive analytical models both optics, calculate required transmit communications various environments. We then formulate an optimization problem minimizes carrying nodes surface sinks under The proposed can be solved offline periodically, hence additional computational complexity find optimum solution larger networks not limiting factor practical applications. Our results indicate technique yields up 35% savings compared existing solutions.