High speed over ocean radio link to Great Barrier Reef

Abstract

This paper investigates the feasibility of using high speed microwave radio links to relay information from the Great Barrier Reef to the Australian mainland. The investigated solution is a low-elevation, microwave link operating at 10.5 GHz. Radio signals in this band are known to often become trapped in the evaporation duct just above the ocean providing a suitable means to radiate signals well beyond the optical horizon. The paper describes experimental and prediction results for a 78 km link between Davies Reef and the Australian Institute of Marine Science. The optimum frequency and antenna heights are determined and the expected variability in the received signal level is determined. It is predicted that using conventional radio equipment a received signal to noise ratio of 40 dB should be achievable.