Scribd
Upload
66 views21 pages

Node-Based Communications: Thomas Dubaniewicz Lead Research Engineer NIOSH Pittsburgh Research Laboratory

This document provides an overview of node-based wireless communications systems for mines, including WiFi, WiFi mesh networks, ad hoc mesh networks like Zigbee, and redundant network topologies. It discusses the limited radio range of wireless networks in mines and how mesh networks can extend coverage through nodes that relay messages. The document describes a NIOSH research contract to develop and test a wireless mesh communication and tracking system at the Sentinel mine using 900 MHz radios.

Uploaded by

Dejan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
66 views21 pages

Node-Based Communications: Thomas Dubaniewicz Lead Research Engineer NIOSH Pittsburgh Research Laboratory

This document provides an overview of node-based wireless communications systems for mines, including WiFi, WiFi mesh networks, ad hoc mesh networks like Zigbee, and redundant network topologies. It discusses the limited radio range of wireless networks in mines and how mesh networks can extend coverage through nodes that relay messages. The document describes a NIOSH research contract to develop and test a wireless mesh communication and tracking system at the Sentinel mine using 900 MHz radios.

Uploaded by

Dejan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 21

Node-Based

Communications
Overview
Thomas Dubaniewicz
Lead Research Engineer
NIOSH Pittsburgh Research
Laboratory

The findings and conclusions in this presentation have not been formally disseminated
by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and should not be construed
to represent any agency determination or policy. Mention of company names or products
does not imply endorsement by NIOSH.
Overview

• System architectures
– LAN/WLAN
– WiFi/WiFi mesh
– Ad Hoc mesh/Zigbee
• UHF propagation in
mine entries
• Redundant network
topologies
• NIOSH wireless mesh
contract
Local Area Network (LAN) Example
LAN with Voice-Over-Internet Protocol (VoIP)
Phone
Wireless LAN

Wireless user devices and routers are now very common


Nodes

• We refer to these wireless


routers as “nodes”
– Radio transceivers
– Router (small computer)
– Antennas
– Battery backup
• For in-mine use
• Coverage range is limited
for a single node
To cover a wide area you need to have
multiple nodes

Access link
Node

Backhaul

Nodes relay messages over backhaul links


Backhaul Links can be Wired or Wireless

Wireless backhaul

Wired backhaul

Backhaul links can be laid out in many different ways, or topologies


WiFi is a type of Wireless LAN

• WiFi refers to wireless LAN products certified to IEEE


802.11 standards by the WiFi Alliance
• Wide variety of WiFi devices available (e.g. WVoIP
phones)
– Original WiFi standards IEEE 802.11 a/b/g
• Original standards have drawbacks relative to some
wide area applications
– High speed mobility
– Wiring to connect nodes over long distances
– Communications support in isolated segments
• WiFi radio range limited (2.4 or 5.8 GHz)
• Variety of proprietary modifications have been
created to overcome some of the drawbacks
WiFi Mesh Networks

• Refers to proprietary variants that allow


direct node-to-node communications as an
option to wired connections
– Still allows use of WiFi a/b/g devices
– Proprietary protocols used for networking
between nodes
• Operates at 2.4 or 5.8 GHz
• Mesh standard in development (802.11 s)
Ad Hoc Mesh Network

• Node can autonomously communicate with


any other node in radio range
• User devices may act as nodes or relays
• Isolated node clusters can reform a network
• Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4-2003) is a true ad hoc
mesh standard
– 900 MHz band option for good signal propagation
in open entries
– Originally designed for low bit rate and power
personal area networks
Theoretical propagation loss vs. frequency for various
distances down a mine entry 7 ft high by 14 ft wide
250
Waveguide cutoff region

200
WiFi b/g
Total Loss in dB

150
Zigbee

100

50

0 500 1500 2500 3500


Frequency (MHz)

Emslie et al [1975] IEEE T Antenn Propag Mar AP-23(2):192-205


UHF Propagation Limited By

• Entry
– Dimensions (waveguide effect)
– Bends
– Elevation changes
– 900 MHz provides some non-LOS
coverage around bends and elevation
changes
• Stoppings
– Concrete (moderate @ 900 MHz)
– Metallic (severe)
• Belt structure
• Vehicles (allow adequate backhaul
fade margin)
Network Management

• Graphical user interface


– Mine maps need updated frequently
• Monitoring and diagnostics
– Node, power, battery status
• Disconnect node and node Dispatch Display
power to check
– Redundant communication paths
– Battery switchover & capacity
• Security
– Firewalls
– Antivirus software
– Encryption
• Internet connectivity Network Display
Network Topologies
Linear Topology Between Two Portals To The Surface

Gateway Node Gateway Node


Linear Topology Between Two Portals To The Surface

Gateway Node Gateway Node


Partial Mesh Inby
Surface Access
Nodes arranged to
provide route
diversity

Node
Backhaul link
Access link
Partial Mesh Inby
Surface Access

If a node fails the


system determines a
new route
NIOSH Contract: Wireless Mesh Mine
Communication and Tracking System
• L3 Communications Global
Security & Engineering Solutions
• ICG-Wolf Run Mining Co.
Sentinel mine
• May 2007 – February 2009
L3 GS&ES Wireless Mesh
Communication and Tracking
• Full ad hoc mesh capabilities, which maximizes the
flexibility of extending and/or repairing networks
• Good propagation in open entries
– 900 MHz operational frequency
• Handset features
– Voice and Text
– Tracking
– “Talk around” handset to handset operation
– Foster parenting
• Compressed voice
– Can increase communication range,
– May support future interoperability with through-the-earth
and medium frequency systems

You might also like