Network

The core building block of MineTrax network infrastructure is MineTrax Battery-powered Wireless Network Infrastructure Nodes:

Multiple MineTrax gateways can be used in the same MineTrax battery-powered wireless network for redundancy of backhaul links to surface. These backhaul links can be a homogeneous or heterogeneous mix of leaky feeder, fiber or RS422.

Newtrax' patented battery-powered wireless networking technology provides a reliable and cost-effective solution for mobile data communications and RFID tracking in environments where the installation of wires for power and communications is problematic.

Newtrax network infrastructure is:

• Battery-powered
• 100% wireless
• 100% decentralized
• Self-organizing
• Self-healing
• Designed for mobile data communications and RFID tracking

Newtrax networking is different from Wi-Fi networking in several ways:

• Infrastructure lasts YEARS on D cell batteries: no wires for power!
• 902-928 MHz Frequency Hopping RF: better wireless propagation!
• Remote backhaul over narrowband links: internetworks with satellite, Medium Frequency (MF), Through-The-Earth (TTE) and VHF/UHF leaky feeder networks!

MineTrax infrastructure is based on Newtrax networking technology and purpose-built for underground mining applications.

Our claim to fame is the simplicity of installation:

1. Turn on with magnetic switch
2. Confirm with LEDs that infrastructure node is in range of at least one neighbor:
   • SOLID GREEN = EXCELLENT
   • BLINKING GREEN = OK
   • BLINKING RED = MARGINAL
   • SOLID RED = NO LINK
3. Attach infrastructure node to pipes, screen, bolts or existing cables with tie-wrap.

The following pictures are examples of MineTrax nodes installed underground: 

Once the MineTrax infrastructure nodes are installed underground, they must be placed on the mine map in the MineTrax central server as shown in the following screencast: