Becker Mining's underground WiFi solutions

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September 2013 Fieldbus & Industrial Networking

Becker Mining South Africa has a locally designed and manufactured Wi-Fi system that ensures safe and efficient communication underground. This system does not limit usage to a single technology, but encompasses migration and integration of many technologies.

The Becker WRAP (wireless router access point) provides a high-speed backbone for wireless VoIP, seamless roaming of devices, advanced vehicular dispatch systems, process automation, as well as any device which can utilise a wireless, serial or fibre backbone. Its versatile design means a combination of communications backbones can be used to optimise the system. For example, fibre can be used for high data throughput. In working sections of a coal mine, where there is frenetic activity, a wireless mesh topology is recommended.

“Becker Electronics has made a substantial investment in researching and testing underground WiFi systems to overcome the problems with conventional Wi-Fi systems in underground conditions,” says Johann Smit, Becker Mining South Africa. “A critical feature of this advanced system is its intrinsically safe design, which enables safe use in hazardous and harsh mining conditions underground. What’s important about Becker’s systems is that each product can be installed as a single standalone system, or can be deployed using a phased approach to minimise large initial capital outlay.”

WRAP is the primary component in creating the Becker WiFi IS backbone. The internal layer 3 router contains the logic to route all network traffic to the correct interface card or to the correct fibre point. The route of network traffic is based on the rules configured into the router itself. Firewall rules can also be configured to control bandwidth usage of protocols, as well as to provide network security. This system incorporates on board tag readers, which reduces the equipment necessary in a full tagging and tracking solution.

WRAP supports various configuration implementations ranging from traditional distributed antenna backbones, to mixed configurations of distributed and leaky feeder backbones, using redundant WDS (wireless distribution system) and redundant fibre optic loops.

The unit incorporates an additional fibre optic port for teeing off the main backbone and used for connection to a switch. Each unit also includes an RS-485 bus to communicate with any industrial serial device, such as multiple Becker UATRs (UHF active tag readers) for tracking implementations.

Systems include near and far field proximity detection, collision avoidance and leaky feeder systems, as well as WiFi, underground tracking of personnel and vehicles and underground remote evacuation signalling. Fibre optic and digital radio networks, belt rip detection for overland conveyors and scada and Ethernet network solutions are also available.

For more information contact Johann Smit, Becker Mining South Africa, +27 (0)11 617 6300, info@za.becker-mining.com, www.za.becker-mining.com

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