A Resource Efficient Encoding Algorithm for Underwater Wireless Optical Communication Link

The underwater communication module demands a substantial amount of power to execute its myriad functions, depleting the energy source at a rapid pace. This research work introduces a resource-optimized encoding algorithm for multi-hop communication, denoted as “resource-efficient communication”, which strategically employs an optimal pulse signals for encoding sensor data generated by the underwater node. This significantly mitigates bandwidth usage during transmission, enhances payload security, consequently resulting in reduced power consumption for energy-sensitive sensor nodes. The efficacy of the resource-efficient communication algorithm is assessed by inputting various sensor data over a specific time interval. The evaluation results demonstrate a promising outcome, with a 100% run-time achievement when the sensor data exhibited gradual changes, while it still achieved a commendable 75% run-time in the case of non-deterministic variations in sensor data. The proposed algorithm accomplishes a transmission time of 100 s for steady sensor values and 127 s for fluctuating ones, using a packet size of 10,000 bytes. In contrast, the OOK modulation method requires 160 s for the same task. These results emphasize a significant enhancement in resource utilization efficiency provided by the proposed algorithm compared to conventional communication methods.