Underground microcellular communications network

A new strategy of providing an appropriate minewide communication network infrastructure is proposed to overcome the varied and high loss propagation characteristics of underground radio transmission. This paper describes a versatile UHF mobile radio communications network specifically designed for underground mining. This MINECOM system is aimed at providing reliable communications for multiple channels of two-way voice, monitoring data, control signals, and eventually compressed digital video. The system is also capable of automatic tracking and locating of personnel and equipment.<>