Shipboard calibration network extension utilizing COTS products

Abstract

The feasibility of a concept of operation to reduce the manpower required during shipboard sensor calibration is investigated in this thesis. The proposed calibration process takes into consideration security concerns and the layout of the ship whereby cables cannot be laid across decks and stairways. The current calibration process requires at least two technicians, one to read the sensor information displayed on the Machinery Control System (MCS) located on one deck and another to man the reference sensor installed on a different deck. In this thesis, IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN in connection with a Keyboard Video Monitor (KVM) switch is proposed to transmit the sensor information displayed on the MCS to the technician manning the reference sensor, reducing the required manpower to one. The range and number of repeaters used to extend the wireless network is investigated in this thesis to determine the feasibility of this concept of operation. From the experimental results, we concluded that the proposed concept of operation is feasible for calibration processes that rely on steady-state readings rather than transient responses.