Underground wireless networking: A performance evaluation of communication standards for tunnelling and mining

Abstract Tests on both commonly-used and new wireless communication standards operating in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands (IEEE 802.15.1 Bluetooth, and IEEE 802.11g, 802.11n and 802.11ac Wi-Fi) were carried out in a variety of underground tunnels. In general, it was shown that wireless data communication in tunnels shows significantly increased throughput vs. range characteristics compared to open space or office environments, however, transmission is largely restricted to line-of-sight paths. Particular attention has been given to the effect of tunnel cross-sectional area, the presence of cross-cuts, a comparison between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, and the relative effectiveness of those standards that employ MIMO. Tests also investigated tolerance to loss of line-of-sight. It is anticipated that the results presented here will provide guidance for planning wireless networks for use in mining and transport tunnels, or for temporary use in drains, sewers or service tunnels such as those carrying cables and pipework.

[1]  R. Kouyoumjian,et al.  Ray-optical prediction of radio-wave propagation characteristics in tunnel environments. 1. Theory , 1998 .

[2]  Ian F. Akyildiz,et al.  Capacity and Outage Analysis of MIMO and Cooperative Communication Systems in Underground Tunnels , 2011, IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications.

[3]  Rakesh Mohan Jha,et al.  A refined ray tracing approach for wireless communications inside underground mines and metrorail tunnels , 2011 .

[4]  Di Kong,et al.  Throughput sensitivity to antenna pattern and orientation in 802.11n networks , 2011, 2011 IEEE 22nd International Symposium on Personal, Indoor and Mobile Radio Communications.

[5]  D. Michalak.  Applying the Augmented Reality and RFID Technologies in the Maintenance of Mining Machines , 2012 .

[6]  Sivaram M. S. L. Cheekiralla.  Development of a wireless sensor unit for tunnel monitoring , 2004 .

[7]  J. Cook.  RADAR TRANSPARENCIES OF MINE AND TUNNEL ROCKS , 1975 .

[8]  S. Affes,et al.  Radio Wave Characterization and Modeling in Underground Mine Tunnels , 2008, IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation.

[9]  Ming Lu,et al.  Automation System Design and Lab Testing to Facilitate Tunnel Boring Machine Guidance in Construction of Large-Diameter Drainage Tunnels , 2012 .

[10]  S. Affes,et al.  Radio-channel characterization of an underground mine at 2.4 GHz , 2005, IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications.

[11]  Yasemin Nielsen,et al.  Wireless networking in tunnelling projects , 2007 .

[12]  Martine Lienard,et al.  Investigation on MIMO channels in subway tunnels , 2003, IEEE J. Sel. Areas Commun..

[13]  A. G. Emslie,et al.  Theory of the propagation of UHF radio waves in coal mine tunnels , 1975 .

[14]  Yongjian Zhang,et al.  Research and Design of Location Tracking System Used in Underground Mine Based on WiFi Technology , 2009, 2009 International Forum on Computer Science-Technology and Applications.

[15]  Fun Shao,et al.  Civil and environmental engineering , 2014 .

[16]  Chad Hargrave,et al.  Optimising wireless LAN for longwall coal mine automation , 2005 .

[17]  Ming Lu,et al.  Real-time tablet-based virtual reality implementation to facilitate tunnel boring machine steering control in tunnel construction , 2013 .

[18]  Charles L. Despins,et al.  Narrowband propagation characteristics at 2.45 and 18 GHz in underground mining environments , 2002, Global Telecommunications Conference, 2002. GLOBECOM '02. IEEE.

[19]  F. Salazar-Quinonez,et al.  Experimental throughput analysis and MIMO indoor propagation prediction for 802.11n system , 2011, 10th International Symposium on Electromagnetic Compatibility.

[20]  Yue Ping Zhang.  Enhancement of waveguide model for propagation-loss prediction in tunnels , 2001 .

[21]  James R. Wait,et al.  Geometrical optical approach for electromagnetic wave propagation in rectangular mine tunnels , 1974 .

[22]  Vic Grout,et al.  Prediction of Wireless Network Signal Strength Within a Building , 2008, INC.

[23]  Bai Peng,et al.  Mine Multimedia Emergency Communication System , 2007, 2007 International Conference on Wireless Communications, Networking and Mobile Computing.

[24]  Y. P. Zhang,et al.  Characterization of UHF radio propagation channels in tunnel environments for microcellular and personal communications , 1998 .