Empowering Underground Mines with WiFi Connectivity

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Project Background

The project involved the setup and maintenance of a fluid mesh WiFi network in 10+ km of underground mines. The implemented WiFi network was also to support various use cases in the underground mines, such as –

  1. Real-Time Communication
  2. Monitoring and Control Systems
  3. Safety and Emergency Response
  4. Autonomous Vehicle and Equipment
  5. Data Collection for Big Data and Analytics
  6. Enhanced Security and Surveillance
  7. Digital Twin Technologies

Challenges Faced and Mitigated

    1. Underground environments, particularly in mines, are often made up of dense rock, concrete, and metal, which can absorb or reflect Wi-Fi signals, greatly reducing their range and strength

      Solution – A mesh network architecture has been implemented for better-optimized coverage

    2. Maintenance of the network with an achievement of 95% network uptime
    3. The installation of networking equipment in hazardous areas needs to comply with strict safety regulations to avoid interfering with mine operations or endangering workers. The team has adhered to all safety protocols resulting in zero incident reporting
    4. Establishing high-speed internet connections or a stable backhaul for the Wi-Fi network in underground locations is difficult, especially when the mine is located in remote areas. The team has deployed a fibre network in the underground mines for a sturdy and reliable backhaul for the WiFi network

Our Approach & Solution

Mesh networking technology enables reliable, high-speed, low-latency communication in challenging environments, making it an ideal solution for industries requiring constant and seamless connectivity. Fluid mesh is effective in underground and remote areas where traditional wireless networks struggle.

The Impact

10+ Kms of uninterrupted WiFi network in underground mines

95 % uptime

Successful integration with incumbent systems for tracking, reporting and analytics

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