Mine Site Technologies impact User Manual
Wireless Network Switch
User Manual
Contents
Revision History............................................................................................................................................7
Contact Information.......................................................................................................................................9
About This Manual......................................................................................................................................11
Chapter 1: Understanding the Wireless Network Switch....................13
Chapter 2: Network System Design ........................................................19
1.1 Hardware Overview...................................................................................................................14
1.2 System Layout ..........................................................................................................................16
1.3 Connectivity...............................................................................................................................16
1.3.1 Composite Fibre Ports ...............................................................................................17
1.3.2 Ethernet Ports.............................................................................................................17
1.3.3 Wireless Access..........................................................................................................18
2.1 Installation Types and Coverage................................................................................................20
2.2 Power Requirements..................................................................................................................20
2.3 Choosing Antennas ...................................................................................................................20
2.4 Placement of Wireless Network Switches.................................................................................21
2.5 Placement of Antennas..............................................................................................................21
2.6 Determining Wi-Fi Distances between Wireless Network Switches.........................................23
2.6.1 Line of Sight Distances...............................................................................................23
2.6.2 Distances Around Curves...........................................................................................23
Chapter 3: Installation..............................................................................25
3.1 WNS Mounting Options............................................................................................................26
3.2 Antenna Mounting Options.......................................................................................................27
3.3 Installation Schemes..................................................................................................................28
3.3.1 Installation in a Straight Drive....................................................................................28
3.3.2 Installation in a Curved Decline / Incline...................................................................29
3.3.3 Installation in a Stope.................................................................................................30
3.3.4 Installation at an Intersection .....................................................................................31
3.4 Connecting Power to the Wireless Network Switch..................................................................33
3.4.1 Installing Additional Power........................................................................................34
3.5 Handling Composite Cable During Installation........................................................................34
3.6 Connecting Composite Cable to the Wireless Network Switch................................................35
3.7 Connecting Ethernet Cable to the Wireless Network Switch....................................................36
3.8 Connecting Antennas to the Wireless Network Switch ............................................................38
3.9 Manual Reset and Reboot .........................................................................................................40
Chapter 4: Understanding VLANs .........................................................43
Wireless Network Switch User Manual3Revision A
4.1 Understanding Trunk and Access Ports.....................................................................................44
4.1.1 Trunk Ports.................................................................................................................44
4.1.2 Access Ports................................................................................................................44
4.1.3 Port Allocation............................................................................................................45
4.2 VLANs and Wireless Networks.................................................................................................45
4.3 Native VLAN ............................................................................................................................46
Chapter 5: Configuration Using the Web Interface ..............................49
5.1 Logging onto the Web Browser Interface..................................................................................50
5.2 Configuration screen..................................................................................................................50
5.3 Basic Tab....................................................................................................................................51
5.3.1 Setting Up the LAN....................................................................................................51
5.3.2 Configuring Wireless Radio.......................................................................................52
5.3.3 Configuring Wireless Networks.................................................................................53
5.3.4 Configuring Wireless Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP)..............................56
5.3.5 Configuring Asset Tracking and Location Based Services........................................57
5.3.6 Configuring Ethernet Switch Ports.............................................................................59
5.4 Advanced Tab............................................................................................................................60
5.4.1 Enabling the MAC Address Filter..............................................................................60
5.4.2 Fine Tuning Wireless Performance.............................................................................62
5.4.3 Defining VLANs.........................................................................................................63
5.4.4 Configuring the VLAN Port Map...............................................................................65
5.4.5 Wireless Distribution System (WDS) settings............................................................66
5.5 Tools Tab....................................................................................................................................67
5.5.1 Configuring Administrator and User Settings............................................................68
5.5.2 Saving and Restoring Configuration Settings.............................................................69
5.5.3 Activating Power Over Ethernet.................................................................................70
5.5.4 Setting the Time..........................................................................................................71
5.5.5 Rebooting or Restoring the Network Device..............................................................73
5.5.6 Upgrading Firmware...................................................................................................74
5.6 Status Tab...................................................................................................................................76
5.6.1 Obtaining Device Information....................................................................................76
5.6.2 Wireless Client Information........................................................................................77
5.6.3 Viewing System Logs.................................................................................................78
5.6.4 Viewing Network Traffic Statistics.............................................................................80
5.6.5 Viewing Ethernet Switch Information........................................................................81
5.6.6 Viewing Tracking Information....................................................................................82
5.6.7 Viewing Recent Tag Reports.......................................................................................82
Chapter 6: Centralised Configuration Management ............................85
6.1 Overview....................................................................................................................................86
6.2 Site Configuration files..............................................................................................................86
6.3 Editing Site Configuration Files................................................................................................87
6.3.1 Network......................................................................................................................87
6.3.2 System .......................................................................................................................88
Revision A4Wireless Network Switch User Manual
6.3.3 Setting the Time .........................................................................................................88
6.3.4 Enabling Power Over Ethernet ..................................................................................89
6.3.5 Setting up Asset Tracking and Location Servers........................................................89
6.3.6 Switch Configuration .................................................................................................90
6.3.7 VLAN Configuration..................................................................................................91
6.3.8 Wireless EAP Configuration.......................................................................................93
6.3.9 Wireless Network Configuration................................................................................93
6.4 Device Configuration Files........................................................................................................96
6.5 Editing Device Configuration Files...........................................................................................96
6.6 Applying Configuration Files ...................................................................................................97
Appendix A: Troubleshooting Guide ....................................................101
Appendix B: Composite Cable Testing..................................................103
B.1 Visual Inspection of the Fibre Optic Cable.............................................................................103
B.2 Measuring and Testing for Power Loss...................................................................................103
Appendix C: Ethernet Cable Specifications.........................................105
Appendix D: Connecting a PC to an ImPact Network Device............107
Appendix E: Discovering Devices on the Network...............................109
Appendix F: Timezone Indices and Offsets .........................................111
Appendix G: Power Consumption Guide.............................................115
Appendix H: Maintenance Check-list...................................................117
Appendix I: ImPact Wireless Network Switch Specifications.............119
Appendix J: Acronyms...........................................................................121
Appendix K: Hardwar e W arranty and Softwar e License Agreement.123
K.1 Hardware Warranty.................................................................................................................123
K.2 Software End User License Agreement..................................................................................123
Wireless Network Switch User Manual5Revision A
Revision A6Wireless Network Switch User Manual
Revision History
DateChangeRevision
July 2011Manual for WNS hardware Re v D and firmware 2.22.0A
Copyright © 2011 Mine Site Technologies Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. Mine Site Technologies Pty Ltd
reserves the right to make changes to specifications and information in this manual without prior notice.
Mine Site Technologies Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions contained in this
manual.
Wireless Network Switch User Manual7Revision A
Contact Information
AUSTRALIA
Sydney
25-27 Whiting Street
Artarmon NSW 2064 AUSTRALIA
Tel: +61 2 9437 4399
CANADA
Sudbury
1085 Kelly Lake Road
Sudbury Ontario P3E 5P5 CANADA
Tel: +1 705-675 7468
CHINA
Hangzhou
4th Floor, Building 1
No. 5 Xianghong Road
Hangzhou CHINA 310011
Tel: +86 571 85803320x206
UNITED STATES
Denver
13301 W 43rd Drive
Golden Colorado 80403 USA
Tel: +1 303-951 0570
Wireless Network Switch User Manual9Revision A
About This Manual
This manual describes features and functions of the WNS (W ireless Network Switch) hardware. It provides
information about system design, hardware installation, configuration and how to troubleshoot any issues.
You will find it easier to use the manual if you are familiar with networking systems and have an
understanding of electronics in a network environment.
Conventions used in the manual
This publication uses the following conventions to highlight and convey information:
• Text that requires input from an operator is boldfaced.
• Operator interface screen control names are boldfaced.
• Keyboard input keys are CAPITALISED.
Icons
Icons are used in the manual to highlight specific information as shown the table below.
DescriptionIcon
Note:
Important:
Caution:
Additional Support
For additional support please visit our website www.minesite.com.au.
The Note icon indicates important information or references to the
user.
The Important icon contains information to prevent damage to the
product and injury to the user.
The Caution icon indicates to stop and pay attention or an action not
to be performed.
Wireless Network Switch User Manual11Revision A
Chapter
1
Understanding the Wireless Network Switch
Topics:
• Hardware Overview
• System Layout
• Connectivity
This chapter presents the features and functions of the ImPact W ireless
Network Switch (WNS) and shows how it is integrated within a
network.
Mine Site Technologies' ImPact WNS consists of a managed fibre
optic Ethernet switch and two 802.11 b/g wireless access points. It
provides wired and wireless network access for surface and hard rock
mining environments. The WNS forms a network infrastructure where
voice, tracking, video and process control applications can be used to
enhance mining safety and communications.
The WNS has the following features:
• Four fibre optic Gigabit Ethernet ports
• Four internal 10/100 Ethernet ports
• Four external 10/100 Ethernet ports with Power o ver Ethernet (PoE)
capability
• Two 802.11b/g wireless access points
• Powder-coated stainless steel enclosure meeting Ingress Protection
IP66 standards
• AeroScout® tag reading capability, allowing real time tracking of
assets and personnel
• Composite cabling system incorporating fibre optic data and DC
power
• Low power design, with a wide input voltage from 10-50VDC
• Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) support for remote
monitoring
• Wireless Distribution System (WDS) for wireless VLAN trunking
with other ImPact network devices.
For detailed specifications on the WNS, see ImPact Wireless Network
Switch Specifications on page 119.
Wireless Network Switch User Manual13Revision A
Understanding the Wireless Network Switch
1.1 Hardware Overview
The features and functions of the WNS are illustrated in Figure 1: WNS layout and the accompanying
table.
Figure 1:WNS layout
1
Composite fibre / power cable
port
Power indicator LED3
FunctionDescriptionKey
Connector for data transmission and / or DC power
distribution.
Labelling of the fibre optic ports.Composite fibre port number2
• Green: when power is applied to the WNS.
• Red: when the power drops below 12V.
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Understanding the Wireless Network Switch
FunctionDescriptionKey
Status indicator LED4
Fibre port Link / Activity LEDs7
8
9
External power insertion DC jack
(optional)
Internal Ethernet ports 7-8 Link /
Activity status LED
• Flashing Red: startup in progress.
• Flashing Green: normal operation.
• Solid Red: indicates an error.
• Off: indicates a problem (Refer to the Troubleshooting
Guide on page 101).
RP-TNC jack for connecting an antenna to Radio 2.MAIN antenna port for WAC 25
RP-TNC jack for connecting an antenna to Radio 2.AUX antenna port for WAC 26
• The top LED (green) flashes when data is transmitted or
received, and is solid when a link is established.
• The lower orange LED (orange) is active when the link
is running at 1Gbps.
An optional power inserter jack to connect to an additional
DC supply.
• The top LED (green) is lit when the internal ports have
established a link, and flashes when data is transmitted or
received.
• The lower LED (orange) is not used.
12
18
External Ethernet ports11
External Ethernet ports 9-12 Link
/ Activity status LED
Wireless Access14
Internal Ethernet ports 5-6 Link /
Activity status LED
Labelling of the Ethernet ports.External Ethernet port number10
External Ethernet with IEEE 802.3 af PoE supply capability
for powering WAPs and other network devices.
• The top LED (green) is lit when the internal ports have
established a link and flashes when data is transmitted
or received.
• The lower LED (orange) indicates that PoE power is
active.
Labelling of the Ethernet ports.Internal Ethernet port number13
Up to two internal wireless access cards (WACs) enabling
wireless network communication. The first WAC (located
on the left) is mandatory as it also manages the switch
processor.
RP-TNC jack for connecting an antenna to Radio 1.AUX antenna port for Radio 115
RP-TNC jack for connecting an antenna to Radio 1.MAIN antenna port for Radio 116
A protective cover when the Ethernet port is not in use.Ethernet port protective cover17
• The top LED (green) is shared between the radio card
and the first two internal ports (Radio 1 / Port 5 and Radio
2 / Port 6).
• The LED is active when either the Wi-Fi card or the
Ethernet has a link.
Wireless Network Switch User Manual15Revision A
Understanding the Wireless Network Switch
FunctionDescriptionKey
• The LED flashes when data is transmitted or received.
• The lower LED (orange) will flash when a Wi-Fi tag is
detected by the radio card.
19
cover
Mounting holes21
A protective cover when the antenna jack is not in use.RP-TNC antenna jack protective
Lockable catch to prevent unauthorised access.Stainless steel enclosure lock20
Mounting holes for attaching to a WNS mounting plate for
installation.
1.2 System Layout
WNS units are installed in a mine to form a wired and wireless network. This section describes a simple
WNS system layout in a mine as shown in Figure 2: Typical WNS system layout.
The first WNS in a network is connected to an Ethernet switch and power supply either by composite
cable (providing power and network connectivity) to the WNS, or connection to the WNS Ethernet port
and external power jack.
WNS units are typically connected in series down the mine tunnel by composite cable. When the mine
tunnel splits into different sections, an additional WNS is branched from the network. WNS or Wireless
Access Point (WAP) devices can also be positioned in Wi-Fi ‘hot spots’ such as crib areas and refuge
bays.
A PC or mobile device can connect to the network when in proximity of an WNS or WAP.
Figure 2:Typical WNS system layout
1.3 Connectivity
The WNS has three types of network connections:
Revision A16Wireless Network Switch User Manual
Understanding the Wireless Network Switch
• Composite Fibre Ports
• Ethernet Ports
• Wireless
1.3.1 Composite Fibre Ports
WNS units have up to four composite fibre ports, interconnected by composite cables. The composite
cable contains fibre optic data cores and power (as shown in F igur e 3: WNS composite cable connection),
and connectors designed for durability in underground mines.
Figure 3:WNS composite cable connection
The composite cable overcomes the challenge of limited power access in mines by distributing power
between each WNS in a network. The fibre optic cable contained in the composite cable also provides
the following benefits over standard Ethernet cabling:
• WNS units can be spaced up to several kilometres apart, compared to Ethernet cabling with a distance
limitation of 100 metres. This reduces installation cost, component count and likelihood of faults.
• Fibre optic cable has superior signal integrity , with no signal interference from high powered electronics,
such as variable speed drives.
1.3.2 Ethernet Ports
The WNS has four optional internal Ethernet ports and four external Ethernet ports enabling connection
to client devices or other networking devices.
The four external Ethernet ports also provide IEEE 802.3 af PoE (Power over Ethernet) injector
functionality, allowing a single cable to be used for data and power to network devices. Each Ethernet
port's functionality can be configured by the web browser interface, or by centralised configuration
management. For more information on configuring Ethernet ports, see Configuring the VLAN Port Map
on page 65.
Wireless Network Switch User Manual17Revision A
Understanding the Wireless Network Switch
1.3.3 Wireless Access
Wireless connectivity in each WNS is implemented using a WAC (Wireless Access Card), consisting of
a wireless network processor and an integrated mini PCI 802.11b/g adapter.
A WNS can contain up to two WACs. The WAC contained in the first radio card slot (on the left side)
also acts as the management CPU for the switch processor. As such, it is mandatory that this WAC is
fitted to each unit. The WA C operational parameters can be configured through the web browser interf ace
or by centralised configuration management. For more information, see Configuring Wireless Radio on
page 52 and Editing Site Configuration Files on page 87.
Revision A18Wireless Network Switch User Manual
Chapter
2
Network System Design
Topics:
• Installation Types and Cov erage
• Power Requirements
• Choosing Antennas
• Placement of Wireless Network
Switches
• Placement of Antennas
• Determining Wi-Fi Distances
between Wireless Network
Switches
This chapter describes network system design for underground mines.
A MST System Engineer will usually design and preconfigure a
network based on the requirements and layout of each mine site. This
will involv e a visual inspection of the mine site to identify user areas,
and determine access point locations. A RF (Radio Frequency) site
survey is also conducted to understand the behaviour of radio waves
in the mine. The following factors help determine network design:
• Wireless coverage requirements of the mine
• Quantity and type of wireless client devices connected to the
network
• Wired client devices connected to the network and their location
• Interconnection to the mine's existing corporate network
• Policies for network protocol between networks
• Cabling requirements
• Antenna types to use with each unit and mounting method for each
antenna
• Mounting location and installation method for each network device.
Wireless Network Switch User Manual19Revision A
Network System Design
2.1 Installation Types and Coverage
Wireless network coverage can be described as:
• Wi-Fi hotspot — Network coverage is provided in key areas, such as crib areas and refuge bays.
• Full coverage — Seamless wireless coverage by strate gically placing WNS units so their radio fields
overlap.
A WNS can communicate at wireless distances of 150-300 meters, depending on the geometry and geology
of the mine.
2.2 Power Requirements
The power requirements for a network are unique to each site installation. Determining power requirements
can be complex and is dependent on various factors such as the number of WNS units, PoE devices,
branches in the network and composite cable lengths.
Note: A site inspection conducted by a MST System Engineer will help determine the power
requirements for your network.
The WNS is designed to operate at a wide voltage range, from a minimum of 10VDC up to 50VDC. Each
WNS in a network can internally step up the incoming voltage to 48VDC in order to supply power to
connected PoE devices. The WNS needs to recei v e a minimum input of 15VDC to po wer connected PoE
devices.
48VDC power supplies are used for large networks to maximise the distance between power supplies.
For smaller networks of 1-2 nodes, it is recommended that a lower v oltage 24VDC po wer supply is used.
2.3 Choosing Antennas
Antennas are connected to each WNS to provide wireless network co verage. The type of wireless cov erage,
surrounding geology, tunnel topology and stratum type are factors that will determine the choice of
antenna. A minimum of one antenna is required per WAC in a WNS.
Antennas consist of two directional patterns:
• Omnidirectional antennas — radiate equally in all directions for a short range, providing immediate
coverage in an open area.
• Directional antennas — radiate in a specific direction over a longer range. A higher gain antenna
will have a longer range and is more directional. It is important that directional antennas are aligned
properly between WNS units.
The antenna radiation pattern and polarisation need to be considered to provide suitable wireless coverage
in an area.
Antennas commonly used with the WNS are shown below.
Revision A20Wireless Network Switch User Manual
Network System Design
DescriptionIllustrationAntenna Type
Omnidirectional
5.5dbi rubber
whips
Panel antenna
Diversity panel
antenna
Yagi directional
antenna
A lower gain antenna that radiates equally in all
directions. It provides direct coverage in an open area.
A panel antenna is a directional antenna, with a wide
horizontal beamwidth and narrower vertical
beamwidth. They are suited for cov ering an open area
in one direction.
A diversity panel antenna contains two panel antennas
in one housing with a 90° rotation between them. It
is used for providing better signal reception in
difficult areas, and more accurate AeroScout® tag
location when Wi-Fi tracking is implemented.
Diversity antennas use both antenna connections on
a WAC.
A Yagi antenna is high gain directional antenna. They
are ideally suited for line of sight tunnel
communications. Yagi antennas need to be aimed
accurately and avoid obstacles in their RF beam path.
2.4 Placement of Wireless Network Switches
A site inspection will determine the best positioning of cables, WNS units and antennas prior to installation.
WNS units with antennas directly attached should be mounted in an elevated position, within line-of-sight
of mobile devices. Ideally this would be situated high up on a tunnel ceiling or on the rock wall face. The
mounting location should be free from debris, and avoid obstruction to vehicles, equipment/machinery,
vent tubing and cables.
WNS units should not be installed in cut-out areas such as safety bays and remuck bays, due to signal
confinement. In such instances, a WAP is more suitable, connected to the nearest WNS. For details on
common WNS mounting scenarios, see WNS Mounting Options on page 26.
2.5 Placement of Antennas
Antennas are usually mounted separately from each WNS to optimise transmission and avoid any
obstructions in a tunnel. They are connected by coaxial cable. The coaxial connection should be kept as
short as possible to minimise signal attenuation. Larger antennas / longer cable feeds can require line
amplifiers, and possibly bi-directional splitter / combiners for dual antenna systems.
Antenna placement is dependent on the surrounding geology, tunnel topology and stratum type. The
recommended placement of antennas is as follows:
Wireless Network Switch User Manual21Revision A
Network System Design
Tip 1: Directionality
Antennas should be mounted and angled to give optimum transmission along curves and dips as shown
below in Figure 4: Angling antennas.
Figure 4: Angling antennas
Tip 2: Obstructions
Antennas should be mounted to avoid signal obstruction from rock, vehicles, equipment and machinery
as shown in Figure 5: Antenna mounting to avoid obstructions.
Figure 5: Antenna mounting to avoid obstructions
Tip 3: RF Field Overlap
Multiple antennas should be mounted to avoid crossing signal paths as shown in Figure 6: Antenna
directivity.
Figure 6: Antenna directivity
Revision A22Wireless Network Switch User Manual
Network System Design
The positioning of the antennas is crucial when AeroScout® tags are used for asset tracking and location
services. AeroScout® tags will not be read when there are antenna standing wave nulls. Antennas need
to be positioned to have best reception of tag messages.
For Antenna mounting options, see Antenna Mounting Options on page 27.
2.6 Determining Wi-Fi Distances between Wireless Network Switches
2.6.1 Line of Sight Distances
In line of sight, a WNS has a maximum wireless range of 300 metres (984 feet) using high gain directional
antennas. WNS units are generally installed with a 100 metre (328 feet) overlap of the radio field as sho wn
in Figur e 7: Wireless channel layout and distances. This ensures sufficient cov erage between WNS units.
WNS units within range of each other must be configured with different W i-Fi channels. By default e very
fifth channel is used (channels 1, 6 and 11) to prevent signal overlap, minimising the possibility of
inter-modulation or interference.
Figure 7:Wireless channel layout and distances
2.6.2 Distances Around Curves
The wireless range of a WNS decreases when going around curves. In this case, WNS units need to be
installed closer together to provide sufficient coverage. Distances between WNS units will vary depending
on the drift and tightness of the curve. They are installed closer together on a tight curve.
Use the following steps to estimate the distance between WNS units:
1. Install one WNS unit at the beginning of the curve.
2. Install the second WNS unit between 20 metres (65 feet) to 40 metres (130 feet) from the end of the
curve.
3. Perform a RF signal strength test by walking from the first WNS to the second WNS.
4. If the strength test records levels of:
Wireless Network Switch User Manual23Revision A
Network System Design
• -80 to -65, the WNS units are spaced for optimal coverage.
• -81 to -100, move the second WNS closer (at 10m interv als), and conduct another RF signal strength
test.
• -64 to -10, move the second WNS further away, and conduct another RF signal strength test.
Revision A24Wireless Network Switch User Manual
Chapter
3
Installation
Topics:
• WNS Mounting Options
• Antenna Mounting Options
• Installation Schemes
• Connecting Power to the
Wireless Network Switch
• Handling Composite Cable
During Installation
• Connecting Composite Cable to
the Wireless Network Switch
• Connecting Ethernet Cable to
the Wireless Network Switch
• Connecting Antennas to the
Wireless Network Switch
• Manual Reset and Reboot
This chapter describes WNS and antenna mounting options, installation
schemes, antenna and cable connections. Fibre connector assembly
and cable termination in the WNS are beyond the scope of this manual.
Important: The electronic components in a WNS are designed
to be isolated from the enclosure and local electrical earth. This
ensures there is no current passing between grounds of different
potentials (known as galvanic isolation). Galv anic isolation must
always be maintained, with the WNS ground terminals isolated
from electrical earth, and all antenna and antenna cable
connections properly insulated.
Wireless Network Switch User Manual25Revision A
Installation
3.1 WNS Mounting Options
A WNS can be attached to a WNS mounting plate with M6 bolts and nuts as shown in Figure 8: WNS
on a mounting plate. The WNS mounting plate has the fle xibility to mount the WNS in a mine in v arious
configurations.
Figure 8:WNS on a mounting plate
Standard mounting options for the WNS using the mounting plate are described in the table below.
InstallationApplication
Mounting the WNS to a rock bolt
Mounting the WNS to the mesh
Mounting the WNS into the rock face
The WNS mounting plate has a 25mm hole to mount to
a rock bolt in the mine's rock face. The mounting plate is
secured to the rock bolt with a 25mm nut.
The four corner mounting points on a mounting plate can
be cable-tied to the mesh in a mine tunnel.
A WNS can be directly mounted to the rock face using
the mounting plate and two threaded metal rods. A
threaded rod is screwed to the mounting point on the back
of the mounting plate. The second metal rod is secured
at the top of the mounting plate with two nuts as shown
in Figure 8: WNS on a mounting plate. Two holes are
drilled into the rock face and the mounting plate is
inserted into the rock face and secured with chemset
adhesive.
Revision A26Wireless Network Switch User Manual
3.2 Antenna Mounting Options
Antenna mounting is dependent on the location and coverage required. Examples of antenna installation
options are described and illustrated in the table below.
PictureDescriptionMounting Option
Installation
Mounting a Yagi
antenna or panel
antenna to the mine
tunnel roof.
Mounting a Yagi
antenna or panel
antenna in a stope
or tunnel entrance.
1. The Yagi antenna is attached to
the mounting pole using
U-clamps and nuts.
2. A threaded metal bar is screwed
into the mounting pole.
3. A hole is drilled into the tunnel
roof and the mounting pole is
secured using chemset
adhesive.
1. The Yagi antenna or panel
antenna is attached to the
mounting pole using U-clamps
and nuts.
2. The mounting pole is bolted to
a metal bracket.
3. The metal bracket is bolted to
a mine tunnel entrance or roof
using three M12 Dynabolts.
This mounting method enables
angling of the antenna into a
mine tunnel or stope.
Mounting a
diversity panel
antenna on the
rockface.
Diversity panel antenna is cable
tied the mesh.
Wireless Network Switch User Manual27Revision A
Installation
3.3 Installation Schemes
The installation and placement of antennas and WNS units will depend on the wireless coverage type,
rock type and tunnel topology. A few examples of installation schemes in a mine are described and
illustrated in the following sections.
3.3.1 Installation in a Straight Drive
An example of a straight drive installation scheme is sho wn in Figure 9: Installation scheme in a straight
drive.
• Two Yagi antennas are clamped to a mounting pole, which is chemically adhered into the mine roof.
• The antennas are positioned in opposite directions to provide long range wireless coverage.
• Each antenna is connected to a separate WAC in the WNS, or a Wi-Fi signal splitter can be used to
split the signal from one WAC in two directions.
• The network switch is cable tied to the rock mesh and connected to the composite cable that provides
power and network connectivity.
Revision A28Wireless Network Switch User Manual
Installation
Figure 9: Installation scheme in a straight drive
3.3.2 Installation in a Curved Decline / Incline
A curved decline / incline installation scheme is shown in Figure 10: Installation scheme in a curved
decline / incline.
• A Yagi antenna is positioned at the end of the curve for directional wireless coverage.
• The Yagi antenna is clamped to a mounting pole, and is chemically adhered into the mine roof.
• A panel antenna is roof mounted in the middle of the curve providing wide wireless coverage.
• Each antenna is connected to a WAC in the WNS.
• The network switch is cable tied to the rock mesh, connected to the composite cable that provides
power and network connectivity.
• The network switch is also a link for power and network connectivity to devices in the next location.
Wireless Network Switch User Manual29Revision A
Installation
Figure 10: Installation scheme in a curved decline / incline
3.3.3 Installation in a Stope
An installation scheme for a stope is shown in Figure 11: Installation scheme in a stope.
• A panel antenna is clamped to a mounting pole, and is chemically adhered into the mine roof.
• The panel antenna is angled down into the stope to provide wide wireless coverage.
• A Yagi antenna is installed in the roof providing directional coverage down a straight drive.
Revision A30Wireless Network Switch User Manual
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