Wireless sensor networks for underground railway applications: The light at the end of the tunnel?
PJ Bennett, Yuta Kobayashi, Neil A. Hoult, Paul R A Fidler, Kenichi Soga · Cambridge University Engineering Department Publications Database · 2009
It is challenging to deploy an effective, reliable, large-scale, long-term, and real-time monitoring system in an underground railway environment (subway/metro). However, monitoring is increasingly being used as a cost effective way of minimizing identified risks. The use of wireless sensor technology allows for the rapid deployment of a monitoring scheme and thus has significant potential benefits as the time available for access is severely limited. The optimal configuration of a wireless sensor network will depend on factors such as the availability of electrical power and communications networks. This paper will look at the various issues facing underground deployment of wireless sensor networks, including two field case studies involving networks deployed for structural monitoring in the Prague Metro and London Underground. The paper will address areas including network design, and radio propagation as well as the practical issues involved in deploying a wireless sensor network.