Link Quality Enhancement with Beamforming Using Kalman-based Motion Tracking for Maritime Communication

• Kyeongjea Lee,
• Joo-Hyun Jo,
• Sungyoon Cho,
• Kiwon Kwon,
• Dong Ku Kim,

Vol. 18, No. 6, June 30, 2024
10.3837/tiis.2024.06.013, Download Paper (Free):

• Maritime Communication
• beamforming
• Channel Modeling
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Extended Kalman Filter
• Motion tracking.

Abstract

Conventional maritime communication struggles to provide high data rate services for Internet of Things (IoT) devices due to the variability of maritime environments, making it challenging to ensure consistent connectivity for onboard sensors and devices. To resolve this, we perform mathematical modeling of the maritime channel and compare it with real measurement data. Through the modeled channel, we verify the received beam gain at buoys on the ocean surface. Additionally, leveraging the modeled wave motions, we estimate future angles of the buoy to use the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) for design beamforming strategies that adapt to the evolving maritime environment over time. We further validate the effectiveness of these strategies by assessing the results from an outage probability perspective. focuses on improving maritime communication by developing a dynamic model of the maritime channel and implementing a Kalman filter-based buoy motion tracking system. This system is designed to enable precise beamforming, a technique used to direct communication signals more accurately. By improving beamforming, the aim is to enhance the quality of communication links, even in challenging maritime conditions like rough seas and varying sea states. In our simulations that consider realistic wave motions, you've observed significant improvements in link quality due to the enhanced beamforming technique. These improvements are particularly notable in environments with high sea states, where communication challenges are typically more pronounced. The progress made in this area is not just a technical achievement; it has broad implications for the future of maritime communication technologies. This paper promises to revolutionize the way we approach communication in maritime environments, paving the way for more reliable and efficient information exchange on the seas.

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