Maritime Communication Networks and Technologies
Summary
Marine communication networks link vessels, offshore platforms, sensors and coastal stations via terrestrial, aerial and satellite systems. Historically dominated by Very High Frequency (VHF) radio and Automatic Identification System (AIS) for navigation and safety, the field has evolved towards integrated maritime Internet of Things (IoT) architectures, machine-type communication and broadband services. Hybrid models now combine VHF Data Exchange System to exploit existing spectrum, low-power wireless protocols for remote monitoring and satellite–terrestrial convergence to support autonomous vessels and smart ports. Channel characteristics over water are shaped by sea surface reflections, evaporation ducts and meteorological factors, demanding tailored propagation models and adaptive network management. Emerging solutions harness unmanned aerial vehicles as airborne relays, 5G and beyond networks for low-latency links and edge computing for real-time decision support. Together, these advances aim to enhance safety, efficiency and environmental stewardship in global maritime operations.
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Maritime Communication Networks and Technologies publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in maritime communication networks and technologies across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
VHF Data Exchange System (VDES): A hybrid maritime communication framework combining VHF radio and satellite links for digital data exchange.
Two-ray propagation: A radio-wave transmission model accounting for direct and sea-surface reflected rays affecting signal strength.
Evaporation duct: A refractive layer above the sea surface that guides electromagnetic waves over long distances.
Connectivity manager: An intelligent entity that integrates multiple radio technologies to maintain seamless network links on autonomous vessels.
Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV): A remote-controlled or autonomous aircraft used as a mobile network node for maritime communications.
References
- VHF Data Exchange System (VDES): an enabling technology for maritime communications. CEAS Space Journal (2018).
- A Survey on UAV-Aided Maritime Communications: Deployment Considerations, Applications, and Future Challenges. IEEE Open Journal of the Communications Society (2022).
- Machine-Type Communication for Maritime Internet of Things: A Design. IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials (2020).
- Wireless Channel Models for Over-the-Sea Communication: A Comparative Study. Applied Sciences (2019).
- Maritime IoT: An Architectural and Radio Spectrum Perspective. IEEE Access (2020).
- Integrated Satellite–Terrestrial Connectivity for Autonomous Ships: Survey and Future Research Directions. Remote Sensing (2020).
- Path Loss Channel Model for Inland River Radio Propagation at 1.4 GHz. International Journal of Antennas and Propagation (2017).
- Ship-to-ship maritime wireless channel modeling under various sea state conditions based on REL model. Frontiers in Marine Science (2023).
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