Network-enabled information fusion in support of underwater research

Abstract

Advanced communication and information processing techniques can be applied to underwater research to enable new ways of enhancing real-time experimental outcome. This paper is concerned with three main areas where network-enabled capabilities can be

successfully applied: a) network infrastructure, b) information infrastructure, c) contextbased

data management. Network infrastructure relates to the networking infrastructure

required to support sea trials, including 2-way always-on satellite links to enable distributed processing, low-cost asymmetric satellite communications systems based on DVB-S to provide unidirectional broadband services, and advanced quality of service

mechanisms to allow seamless Internet Protocol operations across heterogeneous media. Information infrastructure relates to set of techniques used to collect, process, store and distribute data acquired during sea trials, including self-synchronization between web

services. Context-based data management relates to interoperability aspects between

heterogeneous information systems, including metadata, information identification, data reduction using genetic sequencing algorithms and the possible application of multilevel security environments, to enable information sharing in a seamless and secure way. The Dynamics of the Adriatic in Real Time (DART) sea trials, conducted between NURC and 26 international partners in 2006, will be used as a test case to describe the networking and information infrastructure implemented by NURC to fulfil scientific requirements in terms of increased collaboration and interoperability with external research partners, information sharing and guaranteed quality of service.