Reliable Data Collection Techniques in Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks: A Survey

Reliable data collection techniques, whose aim is to ensure that sensed data are received successfully by a sink, are essential for applications in Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks (UWSNs). However, traditional data collection with Radio Frequency (RF) functions poorly in UWSNs due to peculiar features of underwater. Moreover, acoustic communication creates challenges for the reliability of data collection such as high bit error rate, packet collision and voids in routing. Furthermore, the deployment of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) in some scenarios changed the paradigm of data collection and introduced new issues that affect reliability such as inaccurate navigation and lengthy travel time. Consequently, numerous studies focus on the relative reliability of various currently available data collection in UWSNs. In this paper, we first review the problems specific to UWSNs and their impact on reliable data collection. It is followed by a discussion about characteristics, challenges, and features associated with the design of reliable techniques in UWSNs. Afterward, to provide readers with an overview of reliable data collection techniques in UWSNs, this paper categorizes them according to their ability to enhance reliability at all the key stages of data collection. In this categorization framework, the advantages and disadvantages of each technique have been in-depth discussed. Finally, several possible areas for further research are identified and discussed.