Abstract
When humanity reaches a new phase in exploring the ocean floor, one of the most persistent technical challenges will still be maintaining dependable communication beneath the surface. The underwater environment introduces obstacles such as delayed signal transmission, fluctuating water conditions, significant signal loss, and the limited effectiveness of traditional communication methods. To address these issues, this work proposes a combined system that integrates both optical and acoustic channels, leveraging the strengths of each: the extensive range typical of acoustic links, and the fast, low-latency performance made possible by Li-Fi technology. The study compares existing approaches – acoustic, optical, and electromagnetic – with attention to the physical constraints imposed by the marine environment, including energy absorption, light scattering, refraction effects, and multipath propagation. It also considers the role of adaptive, intelligent signal-processing methods designed to maintain link stability as conditions change. From an engineering perspective, the discussion extends to laser wavelength choice, photodetector tuning, and the design of a network framework capable of enabling real-time data exchange between autonomous underwater vehicles and surface-level monitoring systems. The results suggest the potential for building a high-speed, large-scale underwater communication network with substantial capacity. This advancement could significantly accelerate deep-sea research, representing a major step forward in the evolution of marine communications.