Revolutionary Device Enables Long-Distance, Low-Power Underwater Communication
Researchers at MIT have developed a system for ultra-low-power underwater networking and communication that can transmit signals across kilometer-scale distances. The technique, which uses about one-millionth the power of existing methods, has potential applications in aquaculture, coastal hurricane prediction, and climate change modeling. The system utilizes underwater backscatter communication, encoding data in sound waves that are reflected back towards a receiver. By leveraging a Van Atta array and cross-polarity switching, the researchers achieved longer communication ranges and developed an analytical model to predict the technology's maximum range. The researchers plan to continue studying and commercializing this technology.