Level 2 and Level 3 are linked to the operator via 4G modem and Iridium. This will allow the remote operator to send and receive data and control instructions to the USV. The broadband connection will also be able to handle data streams from AUVs linked via the USV.

The command and control software Neptus is used to provide the human operators with a coherent visual interface for mission planning, control and data review and analysis. IMC is used as the main communication interface. The Inter-Module Communication (IMC) is a message-oriented protocol developed and designed by LSTS for communication between heterogeneous vehicles, sensors, and human operators (see photo below).
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The CyberData 3-Port USB Gigabit Port Mirroring Switch enables users of a network-attached device to split a single Gigabit Ethernet port into two Gigabit Ethernet ports. Power for the switch can be supplied by the host PC's USB port or from a standard +5V USB phone/camera charger. ;#; ;#;

The LtAP mini LTE kit is a small weatherproof wireless access point with a built in cellular modem that supports 2G, 3G and 4G (LTE) connectivity on International LTE bands 1,2,3,7,8,20,38 and 40. Access to the LTE network can be achieved by connecting to the LtAP mini’s built-in 802.11b/g/n wireless from a phone or any other wireless device. The LtAP mini LTE also has one 10/100 Ethernet LAN port for wired devices. The RS232 serial port gives console access for debugging. LtAP mini has a special enclosure with a wall mounting kit, two SIM slots to alternate between cellular providers, and integrated GPS support, making this a perfect device for use in moving vehicles. The unit has several powering options: 9-30 V PoE-in by Ethernet port, DC jack and microUSB.

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The RockBLOCK device is IP68 rated and hosts an Iridium 9602 unit, an antenna and a voltage regulator. The 9602 unit is interfaced with RS-232 using AT commands. Depending on the conditions, the unit can send or receive a message approximately every 40 seconds. The cost is 0.1 to 0.05 GBP per 50-byte message, depending on the bundle that is bought. In addition, there is a 10 GBP line rental per month. The system has a limited bandwidth and is therefore only suitable for simple control monitoring or tracking applications. The maximum package sizes are 340 bytes for sending and 270 bytes for receiving. Although the latency is typically a few seconds, it may be as much as a minute or more.