On the importance of link characterization for wireless sensor networks in underground mines
Alok Ranjan, Prasant Misra, Himanshu Bhushan Sahu · 2017
Characterization of communication links in wireless sensor networks (WSN) deployed in mine environment is of paramount importance for achieving reliable network performance. Inaccurate communication model may lead to the inferior performance of protocols designed hence may exhibit inconsistent behavior due to link degradation. It is thus significant to account for propagation factors that affect link performance of WSNs in underground mine environments. This work details observations from experimental measurements carried out in both metalliferous and coal mines to characterize the characteristics of communication links in WSNs. Based on the experimental research common denominator characteristics such as mine tunnel size, tunnel irregularities and mine infrastructure contributing to significant link degradation in WSNs in underground mines is discussed.