Applicability study of the general wireless transmission path loss statistical model in mines

Wireless network planning and optimization for systems such as mine mobile communication, personnel and vehicle positioning, wireless video transmission, and wireless sensing require link budget calculations to determine the maximum allowable wireless transmission path loss. The wireless transmission path loss statistical model is an effective method for predicting wireless transmission path loss. The applicability of the general wireless transmission path loss statistical model in mine environments was analyzed: ① The single-frequency general wireless transmission path loss statistical model does not include frequency as a variable and is only suitable for predicting wireless transmission path loss at different distances for a single frequency. However, the systems used in mines operate across multiple frequency bands, and the model does not account for the impact of the unique environmental factors in mines. Therefore, the single-frequency model is not suitable for mine applications. ② The multi-frequency general wireless transmission path loss statistical model includes frequency as a variable and is suitable for predicting path loss at different distances across multiple frequencies (within corresponding frequency bands). However, it only considers the effects of frequency and distance on wireless transmission and does not account for the special environmental factors present in mines. When the multi-frequency model is used to predict wireless transmission path loss in mine auxiliary transport roadways and excavation tunnels, the mean prediction error is relatively large—around 8-9 dB—indicating that the model is not suitable for mine environments. Currently, there is no wireless transmission path loss statistical model specifically developed for the unique environment of mines. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a mine-specific statistical model for wireless transmission path loss, tailored to the confined space and special environmental conditions of mines, to guide the planning and optimization of wireless networks for mine mobile communication, personnel and vehicle positioning, wireless video, and wireless sensing systems.