In an exciting international collaboration, NICTA, has joined Singapore A*STAR’s Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R) to demonstrate a prototype wireless mesh network for maritime traffic.

Under a new six-month agreement, NICTA will use its “go-anywhere” router technology to supply satellite connectivity for the I2R network, which provides data and voice communications between a collection of mobile nodes on ships and land-based networks. The I2R network is designed to provide communications to port authorities, container terminals and other ships, by WiMax inter-ship connectivity. However, if bad weather or distance makes the connectivity unavailable, an affordable satellite capability is needed.

This is where NICTA’s technology has a role. “When shore mesh nodes cannot be reached, traffic will be directed to the mesh node on a ship which has a satellite connection,” explains NICTA Project Leader Dr Roksana Boreli. “As standard Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) and data transport techniques don't work well with satellite communications, the mesh system will use NICTA’s mobile routers to handle satellite connectivity in these cases.” This allows the traffic to reach its destination by going through the mesh either directly to shore or via the router and the satellite system.

I2R’s maritime mesh technology project aims to deliver a 6 Mbps long-range (20km) ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore mesh communication system capable of ad hoc multi-hop communication with other vessels and shore command stations. It will seek to develop this system to serve multiple applications such as general voice and data communications, messaging, surveillance and navigational safety. “If the research outcomes are successful, trials will be conducted to further validate the system,” said I2R’s Programme Manager for High Speed Maritime Mesh Networks, Dr Jaya Shankar.

“This is an important international research collaboration that offers NICTA the opportunity to use some of its leading technology in an innovative way,” said NICTA’s Chief Executive Officer Dr David Skellern. “By working together, NICTA and I2R have a stronger chance of developing a robust maritime communications network capable of serving the world’s busiest ports.”

“I have no doubt that I2R and NICTA working jointly on this project will yield some promising results for the advancement of this highly beneficial technology for the maritime industry,” said I2R’s Deputy Executive Director (Research) Professor Lye Kin Mun.

Document(s): Broadband on the water
Contact: Dorothy Kennedy
Phone: +61 2 9376 2098
Email: dorothy.kennedy@nicta.com.au

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