Wave Propagation Modeling Techniques in Tunnel Environments: A Survey

The prediction of radio signal transmission in tunnels is important for wireless communication link design as it enables the delivery of optimum power to the intended receiver inside the tunnel. Several techniques have been proposed to estimate path loss for wireless communication inside tunnels. The radio coverage range and where base stations need to be installed can be figured out with the help of propagation models. At the time of developing these models, modeling complexity and environmental attributes, such as the tunnel geometry and the electrical and magnetic properties of its walls and interior materials are considered. A limited amount of literature currently overviews how waves transmits through tunnels and how electromagnetic wave transmission has recently changed. This survey, which examines current advancements in the propagation of waves in tunnels, aims to address this gap. In this review, thirty wave propagation models were analyzed and grouped into distinct categories for the first time. The detailed specifications of each model were omitted to make the survey easy to comprehend. This comparative research will help service providers adopt an appropriate propagation model and plan efficient transmitter and receiver placement and link management for a specific tunnel environment.