Underwater wireless optical-magnetic hybrid communication

In order to solve the problems such as high power and low reliability of the underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) systems in complex waters, this paper proposes a method of an underwater wireless optical-magnetic hybrid communication (UWOMHC) system. Combining the advantages of UWOC and underwater magnetic induction communication (UMIC), the UWOMHC can realize underwater wireless data transmission via optical signals at higher data rates in calm, clear waters, while the system ensures a stable underwater wireless link via magnetic signals at lower data rates in turbid dynamic waters. In this work, the channel of UMIC is first analyzed. Secondly, the details of the proposed UWOMHC are described. Finally, the experiments are conducted in harbor seawater to verify the feasibility of the system. According to the experimental results, the proposed UWOMHC system can be an effective solution to the challenges of near-field wireless communication in complex waters.