Korean researchers have verified the world’s first real-world maritime IoT (MIoT) communication network.

The MIoT network collects marine data by installing sensors and communication devices on ships, ports and marine facilities and can be used for safety management and environmental monitoring.

Korea’s Electronics & Telecommunications Research Institute (Etri) announced it had built an MIoT communication network in the waters of the West and South Seas, realising a communication distance of up to 35km and simultaneous connection of 30 devices. This is significant as it marks the first time that IoT international standard technology, defined by the 3GPP, has been tested and verified in an actual ocean environment.

The network can be used to build a big-data system that collects marine weather, ecological and environmental data and shares them with public institutions. It can also contribute to the efficient operation of maritime facilities such as AtoNs (aids to navigation), fishing gear, aquaculture facilities and uninhabited island management. And it can be used for public safety management, such as tracking small boats, life jackets and marine floating matters.

The researchers developed an independent network that links basestations, terminals, core networks and application services by using the 450MHz band public dedicated frequency secured by the Ministry of Oceans & Fisheries in 2023. In June, they installed a basestation at Odongdo Lighthouse in Yeosu and placed 30 terminals at six locations, including test light buoys, successfully transmitting and receiving actual data.

In August, they continued their communication demonstrations by establishing a basestation at Maldo Lighthouse in Gunsan and placing terminals at lighthouses in Gunsan, Bieung, Janghang and Gyeokpo ports.

As a result, 27km communication between Odongdo basestation and Nangdo port terminal and 35km communication between Malo basestation and Janghang port terminal were successfully achieved.

Once connected to the network, the devices performed reliably, transmitting GPS location, light status, shock detection and battery level every three minutes. In addition, 30 devices installed at AtoNs in Yeosu and Gunsan succeeded in connecting simultaneously, and commercial test equipment verified that up to 1000 devices can connect simultaneously.

Based on this achievement, Etri plans to build an MIoT pilot network in the three regions of the East, West and South Seas starting in 2026, and expanding to the entire country after 2030.

The MIoT system developed by Etri is built as an independent network, unlike the existing land-based NB-IoT, and applies low-power transmission and reception technology optimised for the maritime environment and message prioritisation for safety services.

Unlike LTE-M, which specialises in transmitting large amounts of data, this is a communication network tailored for low-power and low-cost devices, and it is differentiated in that it can be complemented with existing maritime communication networks to realise a dense maritime network similar to that on land.

The International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) has already begun work on international standardisation of MIoT technology, and the government has established the Third Basic Plan for Navigational Aids to Navigation (2025-2029) and the Marine Navigation Information System Innovation Strategy (2025.4) to promote the establishment of a nationwide MIoT communication network.

Etri’s achievements this time are expected to contribute not only to responding to international standardisation but also to attracting the International Cooperation Center for Navigational Aids to Korea and exporting overseas technologies.

“The world’s first verification of an MIoT communication network in the actual ocean is not just a technology demonstration, but also a foundation for the creation of new industries based on maritime big data and the expansion of national maritime safety infrastructure,” said Cho Seong Chul, project leader for this research. “We will strive to lead Korea’s global maritime digital transformation by building pilot networks in the East, West and South Seas and further advancing our technology in line with international standards.”

Lee Moon Sik, assistant vice president of the Satellite Communication Research Division, added: “Securing a public frequency to implement a standalone maritime IoT network in the actual ocean and demonstrating a maritime IoT communication network based on smart navigation aids is a first in Korea and an unprecedented achievement internationally. It is expected to further enhance Korea’s maritime safety management and climate crisis response capabilities.”

Etri (etri.re.kr) plans to continue system advancement and commercialisation verification through further research. This is expected to lay the foundation for Korea to lead the global MIoT market while simultaneously securing maritime big data and strengthening maritime safety.