NETWORKS AND COMMUNICATIONS_proof 22/08/2016 19:57 Page 10
NETWORKS AND COMMS
The MST WSN is an alternative to the traditional communications
platform utilised by the geotechnical instruments.
A WSN provides a wireless communications platform local to the
instruments that transports the sensor data from the instrument to the cave
management database (central data repository) on the surface. A WSN is
made up of many Remote Telemetry Unit (RTU) nodes, which connect
directly to the measurement instruments. Importantly, these battery
operated RTU nodes also power the instruments, eliminating the need for
power cables. The RTUs log the sensors’ readings and transmit the data
across the mesh network formed by the many RTU nodes located in the
area. The data packets are passed through the mesh network and then gain
access to the mine’s existing backhaul network, in this case MST’s ImPact
Digital Network, via a Gateway Node. The collected data is then
consolidated into a set of database tables hosted on a server on the surface
and analysed for “out of normal” trends, which in turn can raise escalating
alerts.
At other mines, the WSN platform is now being assessed to transmit data
from other types of sensors wirelessly, such as from gas monitoring
systems.
Secondly, the WRN (Wireless Repeater Node) is Mine Site Technologies’
recently developed Mobile, Self-Meshing Access Point intended for the adhoc extension of MST’s ImPact Network for VoIP, tracking and data
transport. This enables high bandwidth connectivity to be more easily
maintained in the dynamic areas of the mine, such as the working faces and
active ore drives. The WRN utilises the highly integrated Wi-Fi System-OnChip (WiSOC) device for 802.11b/g/n MESH/ WLAN and AP (Wi-Fi) functions.
“It is important to note, that MST has long recognised the limitations of
meshing systems with latency issues with too many ‘hops’, particularly in
time critical applications such as VoIP communications, automation systems
and video. Hence the design of the WRN provides for up to 30 nodes in a
redundant mesh implementation or up to 10 hops in a ‘Long Chain’
implementation and maintain low latency and quality data.”
The unit is designed to be portable and/or used for short to medium term
installation. It can be used carried or free standing or can be mounted/
suspended via its Carry Strap Anchor Bar (carabiners, webbing straps, cable
hooks) or mounted via a secondary shock mounted Roof/Rock Bolt and
Keyhole Mounting Plate.
PBE advances for responsible mining
The PBE Group says it delivers “technological advancements for responsible
mining operations” and argues that it is unique in the vertical integration of
its engineered solutions. Stuart Champion de Crespigny, CEO told IM: “In
today’s market, the service delivery infrastructure requirements are as
challenging as ever. There is an increased desire for systems to be more
versatile, reliable and redundant. Environments are challenging, and backhaul equipment requires interfacing to various transportation media. PBE’s
extensive proprietary product line provides a reliable, high-throughput
hybrid communication system solution. The system provides a cost-effective
solution that meets and exceeds the customer’s requirements.”
PBE continues to develop its core group of products such as CENTRIAN,
that offers a familiar, reliable, radiating cable backbone capable of
transferring data from wireless hot spots, expanding wirelessly, utilising
applications such as VOIP and remote PLC control, asset and personnel
tracking. Importantly, the system uses much of the mine’s existing
infrastructure, significantly reducing the cost of proving wireless data in a
mining environment.
PBEs’ patented design novelties and algorithms offered by an advanced
cable modem termination system (CMTS) enable flexible and scalable
deployments via a hybrid fiber-coaxial network infrastructure. The CMTS
system provides Ethernet data services throughout the deployment. User
interfaces are versatile, and can include wired Ethernet nodes (network
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