A4 Refereed article in a conference publication
Assessing Mobile Network Quality for Remotely Operated and Autonomous Vessels: A Case Study in the Archipelago of Finland and Sweden
Authors: Kalliovaara, Juha; Talmola, Pekka; Jokela, Tero; Auranen, Jani; Hallio, Juhani
Editors: N/A
Conference name: Ocean Conference
Publication year: 2025
Journal: Ocean
Book title : OCEANS 2025 - Great Lakes
ISBN: 979-8-3315-5711-9
eISBN: 979-8-218-73628-6
ISSN: 0197-7385
eISSN: 2996-1882
DOI: https://doi.org/10.23919/OCEANS59106.2025.11245040
Publication's open availability at the time of reporting: No Open Access
Publication channel's open availability : No Open Access publication channel
Web address : https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11245040
This paper evaluates 4G and 5G mobile network performance in the Finnish-Swedish archipelago for autonomous and remotely controlled vessel operations. Through RF measurements along the Naantali-Långnäs-Kapellskär route, we analyze network coverage across different frequency bands. Results show that sub- 1 GHz bands provide reliable coverage with Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) values consistently above -90 dBm in the archipelagoes, while higher frequencies offer enhanced capacity near shorelines. In addition to signal strength, we estimate the theoretical capacity of the networks based on RSRP values to better understand their suitability for high-bandwidth maritime applications. The findings demonstrate initial feasibility of using mobile networks for maritime autonomous and remote operations in archipelagic waters, while identifying challenges such as uplink capacity limitations that may hinder the transmission of highresolution video and sensor data. Furthermore, network congestion during peak usage periods may reduce available bandwidth, especially when multiple vessels operate simultaneously. Hybrid connectivity solutions, such as multi-SIM modems, intelligent network selection, and satellite integration, may be needed to address coverage gaps and ensure reliable communication for safety-critical functions.
Funding information in the publication:
This research was funded by Business Finland in 5GAdvanced for Digitalization of Maritime Operations (ADMO) project and by Interreg Baltic Sea Reqion funded Maritime Data Methods for Safe Shipping (MaDaMe) project.