SWiG launches subsea optical communications standard
Why this news matters:
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Standardized optical communications could simplify integration of subsea sensors, vehicles, and infrastructure from multiple suppliers.
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The specification supports growing industry efforts to expand autonomous and digitally connected subsea operations.
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Common communications protocols may help reduce deployment risk and improve scalability of future subsea developments.
The Subsea Wireless Group (SWiG) has released SWiGoptical Level 1, a new industry specification designed to enable interoperability between subsea free-space optical communication devices from different manufacturers.
The protocol establishes a common framework for wireless optical data exchange across subsea systems, supporting applications such as process control, equipment monitoring, diagnostics, maintenance and communications with autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).
Managed by OTM Networks, a part of Sagentia Innovation, SWiG comprises 27 member organizations spanning operators, service providers, integrators, and technology companies.
The new specification expands the group's portfolio of subsea communications standards, which already includes acoustic, radio frequency, inductive and hybrid communications technologies.
According to SWiG, the standard is intended to reduce integration complexity, lower deployment risk, and support the growth of autonomous and digitally connected subsea operations.
Development of higher-performance Level 2 and Level 3 optical communications specifications is already underway.
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