Simulation of a Medium Frequency Mesh Network for Communications in Underground Mines

Signals at the lower end of the medium frequency range (300 kHz to 3 MHz) propagate with relatively low attenuation along existing metallic infrastructure in an underground mine, such as cables, pipes and rails. Exploiting this capability, low-bandwidth medium frequency mesh networks are being developed to extend digital voice and data communications throughout a mine. This paper presents a network modeling and simulation tool that can be used to plan and evaluate medium frequency mesh networks in mines. Examples are given of mine communication scenarios that can be modeled and the quantitative analysis that can be performed using communication performance metrics such as end-to-end delay and packet delivery rate.