A radio frequency communication system utilizing a radiating transmission line
for communicating data signals is disclosed. The data signals convey digital data
to remotely located data devices, including computers, equipment control systems
and digital video cameras. The data signals have a wide bandwidth of about 0.5
MHz to 32 MHz. In this way, the communication system creates a local area network
by means of the radiating communication line. The communication system is intended
to be used in environments where radio waves do not propagate well, such as in
underground environments, and in particular mines. The communication system comprises
at least one amplifier connected to the radiating transmission line for periodically
amplifying the data signals by demodulating the data signals to recover the data
contained therein and then modulating the recovered data into a regenerated radio
frequency at a power level permitting transmission and radiation of the regenerated
radio frequency data signal. The regeneration amplifiers comprise a processor for
temporarily storing and performing error detection and correction functions on
the recovered data. The regeneration amplifiers also comprise a device for tracking
the data devices within the coverage area of the regeneration amplifier. Information
regarding the data devices within the coverage area of each regeneration amplifier
is sent to a system server of the communication system and the system server utilizes
this information to account for delays caused by the regeneration amplifier. The
communication system may support cable modem protocols such as DOCSIS.