Examining Multipath Interference and Diversity Reception in Maritime Indoor Communications and WLAN Systems
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31838/NJAP/08.01.11Keywords:
Multipath Interference, Diversity Reception, Maritime Communications, Indoor Propagation, WLAN Systems, Shipboard Wireless Networks, Signal FadingAbstract
Effective wireless communication on maritime ships is necessary for both operational productivity and the well-being of the crew. However, the layout of a ship's WLAN system is particularly difficult to manage due to its intricate structural design, confined metallic compartments, and constantly changing conditions at sea. One of the most significant issues in these environments is multipath fading which results from the reflection of transmitted signals off different surfaces which may ultimately lead to signal degradation, increased delay spread and deep fading. This study investigates the degree of multipath propagation within representative shipboard environments through a combination of controlled measurements and simulations. This investigation captures a range of navigation propagation conditions including corridor-like configurations, engine rooms, and accommodation spaces. It also evaluates the impact of multipath signal fading on SNR, BER, and signal throughput (measured as overall data transfer rate) in the presence of noise. In order to solve these problems, the research analyzes the effectiveness of different diversity reception techniques such as spatial, frequency, and polarization diversity. The study also takes into account MIMO system configurations. The findings suggest that the use of diversity reception improves the dependability of communication systems and mitigates multipath fading more severely in metal-rich and enclosed spaces. These results assist in designing and implementing WLAN systems in maritime indoor environments, enhancing connectivity and operational reliability on vessels.
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