Performance Analysis of Wireless Mesh Networks for Underground Mines

Underground mines operate in harsh environments that have unique challenges that limit wireless communication. To ensure the safety and efficiency of mining operations, communication systems play a vital role. This paper develops a wireless mesh network (WMN) prototype system setup of wireless mesh transceivers to conduct a feasibility study and performance analysis of data transmission on the wireless mesh network in underground mines. The second aspect of this study investigates network parameters, such as latency, throughput, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), as a function of increasing mesh nodes on the network. By conducting real-time performance tests of the mesh system, realistic conclusions and better recommendations can be issued to mining companies concerning the deployment of wireless mesh systems in underground mines.