SDMA - A SDN-based Architecture of Multi-modal AUVs Network.

Underwater sensor networks would reap multiple benefits by extending the principles of software-defined networking (SDN) to it, such as programmable and reconfigurable network, enhanced network management and efficiency. However, there are several challenges need to be tackled in the SDN-enabled underwater network design process, especially for underwater mobile networks. Different from the terrestrial wireless sensor networks (WSNs), it is difficult to implement reliable centralized control as underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs) typically operate in the harsh ocean environment via band-limited acoustic channels. To cope with the problem, in this paper, we explore hybrid solutions and try to reap advantages of both centralized and distributed control. We proposed a semi-centralized control model for multi-modal mobile autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) networks which are equipped with multiple communication systems (e.g., optical and acoustic). We present the initial research of the network model and the intelligent control architecture, and hope to inspire more research in the SDN-based mobile multi-modal AUV networks.