Channel Modeling of Wireless Networks in Tunnels

The propagation characteristics of electromagnetic (EM) waves in tunnels are significantly different from those in terrestrial environment. However, the current tunnel channel models cannot provide an analytical solution for both near and far region of the sources. In this paper, the Multimode model is proposed to completely characterize the wireless channel of tunnels in roads/subways as well as underground mines. The new model provides an analytical expression for the path loss and delay spread at any position in a tunnel. This theoretical model is validated by comparing results with experiment measurements. Our channel model reveals that: the mode attenuation is mostly determined by the tunnel size and operating frequency, while the mode intensity is governed by the position of the transmission antenna. Physical factors, such as, humidity, pressure and temperature of the tunnel air, as well as the material of tunnel walls have little influence on the signal propagation in tunnels.

[1]  Allen Taflove,et al.  Computational Electrodynamics the Finite-Difference Time-Domain Method , 1995 .

[2]  C. Cerasoli.  RF propagation in tunnel environments , 2004, IEEE MILCOM 2004. Military Communications Conference, 2004..

[3]  Martine Lienard,et al.  Interpretation of MIMO Channel Characteristics in Rectangular Tunnels From Modal Theory , 2008, IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology.

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

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

[6]  P. Degauque,et al.  Wireless propagation in tunnels , 2007, IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine.

[7]  P. Degauque,et al.  Natural wave propagation in mine environments , 2000 .

[8]  R. Kouyoumjian,et al.  Ray-optical prediction of radio-wave propagation characteristics in tunnel environments. 2. Analysis and measurements , 1998 .

[9]  P. Delogne,et al.  Leaky feeders and subsurface radio communication , 1982 .

[10]  D. Hill.  Book reviews - Leaky feeders and subsurface radio communications , 1983, IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society Newsletter.

[11]  김덕영.  [신간안내] Computational Electrodynamics (the finite difference time - domain method) , 2001 .

[12]  D. Dudley,et al.  Wireless propagation in circular tunnels , 2005, IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation.

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

[14]  W H Steier,et al.  Waveguides: characteristic modes of hollow rectangular dielectric waveguides. , 1976, Applied optics.