MODELING AND ANALYSIS OF MASKED CARRIER CHANNEL ACOUSTIC COMMUNICATION

Abstract

Legacy Navy communication systems are used for command and control in underwater fighting environments. Adversaries will seek to deny these communication mediums. Additionally, the use of these communication systems may reveal the tactical location of blue forces, creating an inherent need for innovative methods of communication. Using sonar systems in the underwater channel between vessels to transmit a desired signal disguised as ambient ocean noises or biologics is a possible way to communicate with a low probability of interception or detection. The purpose of this research is to examine the feasibility of transmitting data covertly in a multi-user scheme, using underwater acoustic means over program-of-record U.S. Navy technology, and to determine a model for doing so with associated physical and technical requirements. Future research should include novel approaches to steganography.