Channel capacity of magnetic induction based Wireless Underground Sensor Networks under practical constraints

Abstract

Wireless Underground Sensor Networks (WUSNs) present a variety of new research challenges. Recently a magneto-inductive (MI) waveguide technique has been proposed to overcome the very harsh propagation conditions in WUSNs. In this approach, several resonant relay circuits are deployed between the two nodes to be connected. This technique allows for an extension of the transmission range, which can be quite limited, if relays are not deployed. In this paper, channel and noise models for MI-WUSNs using MI-waveguides are developed. Results of a numerical evaluation of the channel capacity under practical constraints are provided and the influence of the system parameters on the performance is discussed.