A solution for Wireless Mesh on an open cut mine site

1. Applied Mine Wireless Mesh
Solutions & Applications
An approach to efficiently running a Mine
Presented by Grant Wilmot

2. Agenda
Introduction
•
 Minetec understands the trials and tribulations of mining
 Minetec knows what's required and can help you to run your mine
efficiently
Tropos Architecture
•
 What is offered in a Tropos Solution
 How does this work & why does it suit our industry
Minetec’s Applied Tropos Powered Solution
•
 Why use Minetec with this solution
 Minetec’s Implementation of this mesh solution
 Minetec’s Installation Service and Support
Summary
•

3. Minetec Knows Mining
Minetec Communications was founded in the year 2000
Demand for specialised technical expertise in the oil, gas and mining industries.
We are well established in the Australian resource industry with clients such as:
 Argyle Diamond Mine – Rio Tinto
 Pilbara Iron – Rio Tinto
 Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) – Pilbara Mining Alliance
 Mt Keith Nickel – BHP Billiton
 Sunrise Dam – Anglo Ashanti
 Burton Coal – Thiess
The above operations have various communications/electronic systems on site with
Minetec providing full time technical labour and expertise 24/7 with a qualified
backup team available in Perth to support onsite technical services.

4. Minetec Knows Mining
Minetec engineer, supply, install, maintain and repair all areas of:
 Two Way Radio Communications
 Remote monitoring systems
 Mine management systems
 Leaky Feeder Networks
 Turnkey Electronic Solutions
 Solar Power Applications
 Mine Wireless Mesh Solutions

5. What do Mine Managers Require?
Mine, Maintenance, Production and Process Managers see it as a priority to
reduce costs, streamline and increase the efficiency of their mine. This may
be achieved by monitoring and acting on the following:
Critical Production Metrics

Measure Staff Efficiency

Collect Plant Running data

These controllable factors ultimately dictate the following
Quality and Rates of Production

Quality Production planning

Overhead costs

Minimise Unscheduled Plant Downtime

Lets also remember; we as miners are still bound by tight government &
safety regulations which must be adhered too – this makes the above
mentioned metrics all the more valuable in maintaining standards which have
not been relaxed as a result of the GEC.

6. Tropos Architecture - Introducing a
Tropos Mesh Solution
Minetec propose the installation of a full data transport solution realised
in the form of a Tropos Metro mesh powered solution.
True realisation of a Mesh Network

Cost effective and highly scalable solution

Industry proven in both urban and mining environments

Large scale redundancy and healing ability

Highly ruggedized hardware and multi-power solutions

Exceptional RF properties High TX Power & Rx sensitivity


7. Tropos Architecture - Tropos MetroMesh™ OS
Predictive Wireless Routing Protocol (PWRP)
•
High throughput, self-configuring, self-healing,
–
scalable networks
Virtual Network Infrastructure
•
Multiple user groups sharing the same
–
infrastructure
QoS-ensured user and application priorities
–
Mine Site-Scale Roaming
•
Full transparent roaming throughout the
–
coverage area
Node to node, subnet to subnet
•
Maintains TCP sessions and all authentication
–
connections
Multi-Layer Security
•
Supports multi-layered, high security models
–
Appropriate policies for each user group
–
The Core of a High Performance, Reliable, Scalable Wireless Infrastructure

8. Tropos Architecture - PWRP: Self Organizing
The Wi-Fi cells automatically discover one another, Scalable & Upgradable
solutions to fit ANY budget
Wired backhaul
Optimal routing paths
Alternate back-up routes

9. Tropos Architecture - PWRP: Self Organizing
The Wi-Fi cells automatically discover one another, intelligently choosing
optimal paths back to the wired connection.
Wired backhaul
Optimal routing paths
Alternate back-up routes

10. Tropos Architecture - PWRP: Self Organizing
Newly added Wi-Fi cells participate in auto-discovery,
Wired backhaul
Optimal routing paths
Alternate back-up routes

11. Tropos Architecture - PWRP: Self Organizing
Newly added Wi-Fi cells participate in auto-discovery, recalculating the optimal
paths to the wired connection.
Wired backhaul
Optimal routing paths
Alternate back-up routes

12. Tropos Architecture - PWRP: Self Organizing
Capacity can be dynamically upgraded by adding backhaul lines as needed
Wired backhaul
Optimal routing paths
Alternate back-up routes

13. Tropos Architecture - PWRP: Self Organizing
Capacity can be dynamically upgraded by adding backhaul lines as needed
Wired backhaul
Optimal routing paths
Alternate back-up routes

14. Tropos Architecture - PWRP: Self Organizing
Capacity can be dynamically upgraded by adding backhaul lines as needed
Wired backhaul
Optimal routing paths
Alternate back-up routes

15. Tropos Architecture - PWRP: Self Healing
If a backhaul link fails…
Wired backhaul
Optimal routing paths
Alternate back-up routes

16. Tropos Architecture - PWRP: Self Healing
If a backhaul link fails…
Wired backhaul
Optimal routing paths
Alternate back-up routes

17. Tropos Architecture - PWRP: Self Healing
If a backhaul link fails the network automatically adapts by re-assigning paths in
real-time to maintain connectivity.
Wired backhaul
Optimal routing paths
Alternate back-up routes

18. Tropos Architecture - PWRP: Self Healing
Similarly, if interference causes a path to fail…
Wired backhaul
Optimal routing paths
Alternate back-up routes

19. Tropos Architecture - PWRP: Self Healing
Similarly, if interference causes a path to fail…
Wired backhaul
Optimal routing paths
Alternate back-up routes

20. Tropos Architecture - PWRP: Self Healing
Similarly, if interference causes a path to fail the network re-configures to route
around the obstruction.
Wired backhaul
Optimal routing paths
Alternate back-up routes

21. Tropos Architecture - Tropos
Hardware Suite
Introducing the 5210
 Autosensing 10/100BaseT Ethernet
 Power input (AC models): 90-480VAC 50/60Hz single
and split-phase ANSI/IEEE C62.41 category C3 integrated
branch circuit protection
 Power input (DC models): 12-60VDC
 Power consumption: 18W typical
 Power-on and network status lamp: Green/Red
 Operating temperature range: -40 C to 55 C
 Weather rating: IP67 weather tight
 MIL-STD-810F 509.4 Salt Fog rust resistance compliant

22. Tropos Architecture - Tropos
Hardware Suite
Introducing the 4210
Autosensing 10/100 BaseT Ethernet

Power input: 10.0 to 32.0VDC

Power consumption: 8W typical

Reverse Polarity protection

Low voltage disconnect protection

Automotive over-voltage protection, SAE J1211

Automotive mini-blade fuse and socket

Network status lamp

Remote network status indicator

Operating temperature range: -40 C to 70 C


23. Why Minetec?
Key Integration Requirements
 Solar Powered Sites
 Custom installations on Mobile Mining Plant (MMP)
 Specialised wireless backhaul solutions
Knowledge of dynamics of mining environment
 Rules and regulations
 We understand the maintenance requirements
 Quality technical backup for site personnel through HQ
phone support

24. A Minetec Tropos Solution
Specialised Wireless Backhauls
 Microwave links
 WiMAX point to multipoint backhaul
distribution
 802.11a point to point links
 Client Ethernet Intranet
Wireless Mesh Layer
 Fixed Gateways
 Fixed Nodes
 Mobile Nodes
 Mobile Gateways
Client Layer
 Tropos Powered Clients/ Mobile Nodes
 Third Party wireless devices: Notebooks,
IP cameras, other telemetry devices

25. Tropos Equipment in MMP
Custom MMP Installations

26. MMP Installation Key Notes
Minetec work with ROPS & FOPS

Power supply considerations

MMP equipment OEM maintenance functionality

Installations do not cause safety concerns

Minetec provide full installation manuals which include

Installation Procedures

OEM Installation design Sign-off and certification

Equipment locations and interconnecting wiring methodology

Post Installation Factory Acceptance Testing Forms


27. Tropos Gateway/Node Installation
Fixed Gateways
Mobile Gateways
Can be mounted on any
fixed structure
Dynamically moved around site to suit operations and
coverage requirements

28. Tropos Gateway Installation Key Notes
 Solar powered sites & Back haul
 Orientation & number of panels vs geographic location
 Size of battery banks for powered equipment
 Alignment of backhauls

29. Tropos Gateway Installation Key Notes
 RF coverage and equipment placement
 Site due diligence based on current
& future mining operations
 Number of fixed vs mobile
gateways
 Educated choice for mobile
gateway locations

30. Applying the Tropos Powered
Solution – Self healing
Backhaul and Intranet Layer:
Provides a wired or wireless dedicated
backhaul connection between gateway mesh
routers and the agencies intranet (These can
be dynamically and incrementally added).
Wireless Mesh Layer:
As described above, the wireless mesh layer
provides multiple paths between routers and
gateways and ensures the best path is taken
(Additional free standing nodes can be added
to increase coverage).
Client Layer:
The link between clients and the mesh network
is provided via Wi-Fi connections depending on
the application (clients can operate anywhere
within the Tropos Mesh RF footprint).

31. Applying the Tropos Powered Solution –
MMP Operation

32. Truly Redundant Wireless
Infrastructure
DT105

33. Truly Redundant Wireless
Infrastructure – Case Study
 Bottom plot, users
per gateway for four
gateways over a seven
day period
 Backhaul to “Screen”
gateway drops for a
day
 Load redistribution
between remaining
gateways

34. Tropos Control & Minetec’s System
Monitoring

35. System Support and Maintenance
 Qualified technicians available for onsite maintenance for 24/7
coverage.
 Remote support through connection and diagnosis of faults
 Remote configuration
 Pre-emptive and preventative maintenance strategies
 Regular reporting
 Team of quality technical advice for system expansion and
modification

36. Summary
Tried and proven solution
 Tropos deployed globally
 Many reference sites in mining sector
 Upgradeable technology
Qualified by Minetec for the Mining Industry
 Systems installed and maintained by Minetec
 Proven reliability – on paper and in the field
 Remote, Proactive and reactive maintenance
System Support and Maintenance
Current Mine management systems using solution

Team of qualified Tropos experts in Perth HQ available by phone

Team of qualified technicians available for rapid deployment to

site.

37. Minetec Pty Ltd
10 Kembla Way
Willeton WA 6155
Ph: +61 (0) 8 92594955
Fax: +61 (0) 8 92594090
minetec@minetec.com.au