Beta Program

Subnero — Product Overview

UnetCloud

Physics-based underwater acoustic network simulation, hosted in the cloud. The same software your modems run, without the hardware.

Hardware-in-the-loop simulation, without the hardware constraint

Subnero modems already support hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation via the Virtual Acoustic Ocean (VAO) simulator. In that setup, a physical modem connects to a VAO instance running on a laptop, replacing the real ocean channel with a simulated one while keeping all the modem software intact.

UnetCloud takes the same idea one step further: both the simulator and the modem software run in the cloud. You are not limited by how many physical modems you have. Any number of virtual nodes can be provisioned, each running the same software image as a real Subnero modem.

UnetCloud Cloud Simulation Architecture

How UnetCloud fits alongside your other options

Options compared

Option What runs where Node count limit Requires hardware
In-water HIL with physical modems Real modems, VAO on your laptop Limited to modems you own Yes (Subnero modems)
UnetCube bench HIL UnetCube units, VAO on your laptop Limited to units purchased Yes (UnetCube)
UnetCloud (beta) Subnero-managed cloud Up to 4 nodes (standard tier) or up to 10 nodes (expanded tier) No

Your application code continues to run locally in all cases. UnetCloud changes where the simulator and modem software live, not where your software lives.

What happens when you join the beta?

How it works?

01

You request access

Tell us you would like to join the beta. There is no need to specify exact node positions or channel parameters upfront.

02

We provision a standard tier instance

Subnero sets up a standard tier instance with an example node geometry already in place, and sends you VPN credentials to connect.

03

You customize the geometry

Use the geometry editor in the VAO web UI to adjust node positions, depth, spacing, and channel parameters to match your scenario.

04

Connect as you would to a modem

Use the same UnetStack APIs, web shell, and scripts you already use with physical hardware. The interface is identical to a Subnero modem.

Key Capabilities

Everything you need to develop and validate underwater network protocols, without leaving your desk.

Full UnetStack Software

Virtual nodes run the same UnetStack software as deployed Subnero modems. Develop against the production API with no version mismatch between simulation and hardware.

Choice of Propagation Models

Choose from a library of physics-based propagation models including Bellhop, Kraken, PekerisModeSolver, etc. configured for your environment and node geometry.

Identical API

Connect using the same UnetStack web shell, UnetSockets, and Gateway API you already use with physical modems. No code changes required.

Secure VPN Access

All access is through VPN. Each node has a dedicated IP address. All traffic and data are encrypted end-to-end.

Use Cases

UnetCloud is designed for teams developing application logic, network protocols, and mission software for underwater systems, where access to physical modems is constrained by cost, logistics, or geography.

Developing Underwater Network Protocols Against Cloud-Hosted Virtual Modem Nodes

Protocol Development, Validation, and Remote Collaboration

Write and iterate on your UnetStack agents, physical layer, routing protocols, and application scripts against virtual nodes that behave identically to hardware. Your code runs locally on your own machine; only the modem software and acoustic channel run in the cloud. Test mission logic under simulated channel conditions before committing to a sea trial, rapidly exploring the impact of node geometry, water depth, and channel parameters on network behavior. Multiple developers in different locations can connect to the same shared virtual network simultaneously, enabling collaborative development and integration testing without co-location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions from early beta customers.

From an API and workflow perspective, the experience is identical. You connect to a node using its IP address, use the web shell, run Python or C scripts via UnetSockets, and receive datagram notifications exactly as you would with a physical modem. The difference is that the acoustic channel and the modem software are both running in the cloud rather than on physical hardware in a tank or in the water. The modem software is the same that runs on Subnero modems, since they are fully software-defined.

Yes. Your application code connects to the virtual modem nodes through the VPN, exactly as it would connect to a modem over a local network. Nothing about your application needs to change or move to the cloud.

UnetCloud stores logs, signal recordings, and any files generated by UnetStack that would normally be accessible through the modem web interface. It also stores anything you upload through the web UI or API. UnetCloud does not collect telemetry and does not share data with third parties. During the beta, we may review log files to understand issues you encounter, solely for the purpose of improving the product. This data will not be shared with any third party. All stored data is deleted when your instance is torn down, which occurs within 3 months of the end of your subscription or the end of the beta period, whichever applies.

All access is through a VPN, and all traffic within the VPN is encrypted. All data stored in the cloud is encrypted at rest. If your security requirements require it, you can generate your own public/private key pair and provide us with the public key; we configure the instance and supply a connection file.

Yes. Subnero provisions your instance with an example node geometry on a standard tier to get you started, and from there you can use the geometry editor in the VAO web UI to adjust node positions, depth, spacing, and channel parameters yourself, without waiting on us.

During the beta, UnetCloud supports the existing channel models available in VAO, including Bellhop, Kraken, PekerisModeSolver, etc. Support for plugging in your own channel models, as well as other real-world channel datasets, is coming soon.

During the beta, we are offering two tiers. The standard tier supports up to 4 compute nodes. An expanded tier supporting up to 10 nodes is also planned, though pricing for that tier is not yet finalized. If you anticipate needing more than 10 nodes, for example for large AUV fleet simulations, please get in touch to discuss requirements and roadmap.

UnetCloud runs the same UnetStack version used in current Subnero modems. This means you can develop against the production API without needing to manage version compatibility between your simulation and your physical hardware.

UnetCloud is currently in a closed beta. Access is available to select customers on request, to help us collect feedback before public release. We are targeting a public release before the end of 2026, though a firm date has not been set.

Beta access is provided at no charge. After the beta period, UnetCloud will move to a subscription model. Subscriptions start at a minimum of 3 months, with options for 6-month and annual terms. No other subscription blocks are available at this stage. The standard tier (up to 4 nodes) is priced at USD 350 per month. Pricing for the expanded tier (up to 10 nodes) is not yet finalized. Contact us for details.

Your application code runs entirely on your own systems and never touches UnetCloud infrastructure. The example geometry Subnero sets up to get you started describes the acoustic channel environment, not your application logic or protocol design, and you do not need to share exact geographic coordinates with us to request it. Once your instance is live, you can adjust the geometry yourself through the VAO web UI without sending those details to Subnero at all. Your mesh topology and routing configuration can be loaded by your own startup scripts over the VPN connection.

This is not available as a standard offering today, but it is on the roadmap as an on-premises deployment option we offer server hardware that runs UnetCloud on your own premises. This is particularly relevant for customers with strict data sovereignty requirements, such as defense programs, where sending any simulation traffic outside a controlled environment is not acceptable. Please note that access to the internals of the system may be limited compared to a fully managed setup. Setting this up involves a scoped engagement with Subnero rather than a self-service installation. If this is a firm requirement for your program, contact us to discuss scope and timelines.

Relevant Resources