Operational and technology trends
Reliable wireless networks in mining
Nigel Slater, EVP Business Development, 3D-P
T
echnology plays a vital role in keeping operations competitive. As mining applications get more and more sophisticated, reliable wireless networks are essential in optimising their benefits and supporting the higher capacity requirements.
LTE (Long Term Evolution) and Wi-Fi technologies have been prevalent in mining for a number of years now, but each have their own limitations, pros, and cons. By using innovative tools and technologies, hybrid networks can enhance connectivity beyond any single technology and eliminate significant limitations. These innovative wireless concepts are becoming a reality and could be the way of the future for mining wireless networks. The Challenges: Wi-Fi vs LTE, blackspots and highwalls For many years now, miners have used unlicensed Wi-Fi spectrum to allow connectivity between mining vehicles, applications servers, and operators. The spectrum (2.4GHz and 5GHz) is free and available to anyone who wants to use it, and industrial grade Wi-Fi radio equipment is readily available with plenty of choice in terms of technology and products. The difficulties of these types of mining networks are mainly in interference and network density; that is the number of access points (APs) and supporting infrastructure (such as solar trailers) required to keep mining applications working. In terms of interference, as the Wi-Fi spectrum is unlicensed, there is often a risk that the miner’s network will be interfered with by someone else’s network. This can create ongoing headaches for miners as application performance is degraded due to a suboptimal network caused by interference.
Photo: Peter Turnbull
BBMC Yearbook 2021
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