Enabling Multi-Node Underwater Image Transmission with a LoRa Mesh Network
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Underwater communication is essential for applications such as marine research, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure inspection. However, traditional methods like acoustic, Radio Frequency signals, and optical signaling are often expensive, power-intensive, and can negatively impact marine life–particularly due to water’s permeability. To address these challenges, this study details a low-cost, low-power underwater communication system built on a multi-hop LoRa mesh network. The system utilizes Seeeduino LoRaWAN boards with RHF76-052AM modules, submerged in polycarbonate containers and powered by Lithium Polymer batteries. A mesh topology on the application layer routes byte-converted data packets across multiple submerged nodes, which are then reassembled at the final receiver, with upwards of 3 nodes. System performance was validated in a controlled underwater environment by testing packet transmission across multiple Spreading Factors (SF7-SF12), with signal quality and link strength quantified using the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) metric. These results confirm the viability of LoRa for multi-node underwater networks, establishing it as an effective, scalable, and eco-friendly alternative for low-bandwidth data transmission in aquatic environments.
Authors: Rishi Pathuri, Srikar Akundi, Kim, Samuel, Rezoan Zazib, Parth Pathak
Institution: George Mason University
Language: English
Subfield: Ocean Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7092291722
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: