A network of remote sensing node assemblies, a first and second of which
each has a sensor element, as well as associated technique and program
code for transmitting information collected about a liquid environment.
The network provides the capability of sensing the liquid to collect a
wide variety of types of information/data about the liquid and any
surrounding environments, and transmitting from the originating node
assembly to a different node within acoustic transmission range, and then
transmitting further to a third node assembly where the information may
be processed and communicated to a user, or further transmitted by way of
suitable medium, preferably as electromagnetic signals, to a host
location for processing into a compilation of data. Each of at least two
sensing node assemblies has at least one sensor element adapted for
operation while immersed within the liquid, a source of power, and a
transducer for receiving acoustic waves/signals transmitted from another
node assembly. The transducer is adapted for emitting sensor information
collected by one or more sensor element(s) at that node, as well as
acting as a pass-through node for information collected at other nodes. A
third node assembly of the network is adapted for receiving and
processing sensor information acoustically transmitted from other nodes.
The third node can have its own processor unit(s) and means for
transmitting sensor information to a remote host, whether originating at
the third node (if so equipped) or another node assembly.