Divers could soon benefit from a wireless system to connect them to the surface instantaneously. The system, called Aqua-Fi, would use beams of light to connect to a surface computer, which could then be linked on to global communications satellites.

New Atlas reports that academics and engineers at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) developed this ‘Aqua-Fi’ system, which makes use of either LEDs or lasers.

The LED option allows for short distance communication with low power requirements but going with lasers extends the range and transmission rate, although the power demands are higher.

There are still challenges to be overcome involving the scattering of light by water, but this may be overcome with the use of a spherical receiver that collects light from multiple directions.

The research was published in IEEE Communications Magazine, a publication of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.