Propagation Modeling of Wireless Systems in Shipboard Compartments

摘要

In today's navy, it is becoming more and more important to reach all areas onboard a ship with key technical resources. In order to accomplish this goal, the already existing physical networks need to be complemented with wireless capability. A sophisticated Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) can provide that vital connectivity to the ship's network resources from almost anywhere on the ship. It would allow sailors to access critical information and immediately communicate with others throughout the ship from any standard wireless device (PDA, laptop and many other hand-held devices). In addition, WLANs greatly mitigate problems due to physical damage to wires or fiber optic cables that are used today. Because the navy's emphasis is on building ships with reduced manning, advanced technology, and lower cost in mind, the idea of a WLAN, which has a deep impact on all those areas, has been of a growing interest to the Navy. The purpose of this thesis is to analyze, model, and simulate a wireless environment on board a variety of naval ship compartments, using the Urbana code. Starting from known inputs (frequency, ship compartment geometry, material properties, propagation computation model, and antenna type), analytical results reflecting the propagation mechanisms, coverage area, and security posture of the WLAN are presented. Variable inputs can then be optimized to achieve a desired signal distribution and to meet security requirements for a specific shipboard environment.