Path loss assessment of electromagnetic signal on air–sea and air–soil boundary in sensor networks

Radio frequency electromagnetic, acoustics, optics, and near field magnetic induction are the primary wireless communication carriers that are employed for underwater and underground communication. Radio waves are preferred for shallow-water and underground communication because of their high data rate over other communication carriers. This inherently motivated our research to find new capabilities with radio wave communication in conducting mediums, including underwater and underground regions. The focus of our research aims at experimentally reducing path loss for radio waves. Proposed communication model involves a communicating node present in the terrestrial region with air as the medium; and a receiving node either buried underneath soil or submerged underwater. The research focuses on assessing the impact of the incidence angle of the signal affecting path loss when the transmitting signal travels through air–water and air-ground interface. The simulation results show that path loss becomes more with the increase in angle of incidence of the propagating signal.