There are several standard IP communications technologies which might serve NEPTUNE, and selecting from them has been guided by three principles:
1. NEPTUNE should utilize COTS components wherever possible to minimize development and acquisition costs.
2. NEPTUNE should choose a technology which meets the requirements without added complexity and cost from features which are not needed.
3. The communications technology must be avail- able in a form factor and at a power consumption which is compatible with seafloor packaging.