Wave propagation model for wireless communication in underground mines

Abstract

Characteristics of Electromagnetic (EM) waves in underground mines are different from those of typical wireless channels because of the features of the underground mines. For reliable wireless communication in underground mines, an accurate channel model is crucial. In this work, an enhanced hybrid channel model is proposed with loss due to surface roughness for mine tunnel roadways based on the concept of multimode wave propagation. Based on the proposed model, we then analyzed the radio signal behaviour considering the significant parameters operating frequency, mine tunnel size, antenna gain, and transmitter and receiver position.