Tunnel Communication Systems - Mercury Barcelona

Engineering Underground Connectivity

Underground infrastructure presents unique challenges for wireless communication. The confined spaces, metallic structures, and electromagnetic interference that characterize tunnels require specialized engineering to achieve reliable radio coverage.

Mercury Barcelona has developed particular expertise in this demanding application, delivering communication systems for some of Spain's most important tunnel projects. Our solutions ensure that workers, emergency responders, and operations personnel can communicate effectively throughout underground environments.

Discuss Your Project

Our Tunnel Expertise

Mercury Barcelona's tunnel communication capabilities were developed through hands-on experience with major infrastructure projects. Our work on Barcelona Metro Line 9, one of Europe's most ambitious automated metro systems, required us to engineer digital radio coverage through kilometers of deep tunnel sections. This project and others have given us practical knowledge that goes far beyond theoretical understanding.

We understand the construction environment and can coordinate with civil works contractors to install communication infrastructure during tunnel construction phases. We work with tunnel boring machine operators, rail installers, and systems integrators to ensure our communication systems integrate seamlessly with overall tunnel operations.

Reference Projects

Proven performance on demanding infrastructure

Barcelona Metro Line 9

Digital communication network for one of Europe's longest automated metro lines, providing reliable coverage through deep tunnel sections reaching 80+ meters below ground.

High-Speed Rail Tunnels

Communication systems for AVE high-speed rail tunnels, supporting construction operations and ongoing rail communications throughout Spain's high-speed network.

International Railway Tunnels

Cross-border tunnel projects requiring coordination of communication standards across national boundaries, including installations in Italy and France.

Technical Approach

Tunnel radio communication typically employs distributed antenna systems (DAS) or radiating cable (leaky feeder) technology to achieve uniform coverage throughout the tunnel length. The choice between these approaches depends on tunnel geometry, required frequencies, and operational requirements.

Radiating Cable Systems use specially designed coaxial cable that intentionally leaks RF energy along its length, creating a uniform signal throughout the tunnel. This approach is particularly effective for long tunnels where traditional antennas would leave coverage gaps.

Distributed Antenna Systems place multiple small antennas throughout the tunnel, connected to central equipment via fiber optic or coaxial links. This approach offers flexibility for multi-frequency deployments and easier maintenance access.

Mercury Barcelona engineers evaluate each tunnel environment to recommend the most appropriate technology. We consider factors including tunnel cross-section, length, curvature, construction materials, required frequency bands, and expected traffic levels.

Communication Applications

Construction Communications

Reliable radio coverage during tunnel construction enables coordination between surface and underground operations, improving safety and efficiency.

Emergency Services

Public safety radio coverage ensures fire, police, and medical responders can communicate during tunnel emergencies.

Rail Operations

Train-to-control communications for metro and rail operations, including voice and data applications for operational efficiency.

Road Tunnel Safety

Coverage for maintenance crews and emergency response in road tunnels, often integrated with tunnel management systems.

Safety Considerations

Tunnel environments demand exceptional attention to communication reliability. Unlike surface operations where communication failures may cause inconvenience, tunnel communication failures can compromise safety during emergencies when evacuation or rescue coordination is critical.

Mercury Barcelona designs tunnel systems with appropriate redundancy, including backup power supplies, equipment failover, and multiple signal paths. We conduct thorough testing to verify coverage throughout the tunnel and at transition zones between underground and surface communications.

Our installations comply with relevant safety standards including requirements from ITU telecommunications standards and European rail safety directives.

Planning a Tunnel Project?

Our experienced team can help you design communication systems that meet the unique demands of underground environments.

Contact Our Engineers