In this article, we envision a hybrid opto-acoustic network design for IoUT. The software defined underwater network (SDUN) is presented as an enabler of hybridizing benefits of optic and acoustic systems and adapting IoUT nodes to the challenging and dynamically changing underwater environment. We explain inextricably interwoven relations among functionalities of different SDUN layers and analyze their impacts on key network attributes. The NFV concept is then introduced to realize application-specific cross-layer protocol suites through an NFV management and orchestration system. We finally discuss how SDUN and NFV can slice available network resources as per the diverging service demands of different underwater applications. Such a revolutionary architectural paradigm shift is not only a cure for chronic underwater networking problems but also a way of smoothly integrating IoUT and IoT ecosystems.

中文翻译：

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一种软件定义的水下物联网光声网络架构

在本文中，我们设想了一种用于 IoUT 的混合光声网络设计。软件定义的水下网络 (SDUN) 作为混合光学和声学系统优势的推动者，并使 IoOUT 节点适应具有挑战性和动态变化的水下环境。我们解释了不同 SDUN 层的功能之间密不可分的交织关系，并分析了它们对关键网络属性的影响。然后引入 NFV 概念，通过 NFV 管理和编排系统实现特定于应用程序的跨层协议套件。我们最后讨论了 SDUN 和 NFV 如何根据不同水下应用的不同服务需求对可用网络资源进行切片。