IEEE 802.11a performance for infrastructure-to-train communications in an underground tunnel

The deployment of wireless technologies for public transport may imply several constraints due to specific environment, such as tunnels. In this paper, we evaluate the performance of IEEE 802.11a based networks deployed for infrastructure-to-train communications in underground tunnels. The signal attenuation specific to the tunnel propagation is taken into account. We propose an optimization of the handover detection mechanism to minimize the connectivity loss when the train moves between Access Points. We propose a performance evaluation based on OPNET simulator.