The communications links associated with an OceanNet buoy serve several distinct purposes;

• Forwarding of data from the buoy monitoring systems and the attached scientific sensors
• Command and Status of buoy systems and sensor data links
• Emergency location and equipment status beacon

The figure below illustrates the various communications links associated with the buoy which accomplish these purposes.

OceanNet Communications Links

The Remote Monitor and Command (M&C) link - Inmarsat-C connects the OceanNet Communications Center (ONCC) to the buoy for control of sensors and buoy components.

The Local M&C link - Consists of a low data rate wireless local area network providing command and status capabilities to service ships within a 1/2 mile radius of the buoy.

The emergency signal link - Uses the ARGOS polar orbiting satellites to determine buoy position to within one kilometer accuracy. This link provides buoy positioning and limited system status information in the event of a mooring failure, power loss, or other catastrophic event. Buoy location is calculated from the Doppler shift of signals arriving at the buoy from Argos satellites as they pass over the buoy. This calculated position is then forwarded via e-mail to the OceanNet Communications Center (ONCC). The ARGOS transmitter on the buoy is battery powered for added reliability and increased operational life.

All equipment racks are located in the environmentally controlled electronics room.