This article assumes basic knowledge of 802.11a/b/g/n WIFI, Motorola MotoMesh and the concept of meshing.
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There are three important factors when designing a network. My background is mine engineering so the details are beyond me but I have learnt that Throughput, Target Coverage and Network Uptime are key design criterias.
Target coverage is easy = the more access points you put in, the more coverage you'll have in your active mining areas. It is an easy cost/benefit calculation with an optimal point usually sitting at 90 - 95% for most mines.
Network Uptime is also easy = purchase hardware that is rugged and designed for the mining industry (excessive vibrations, inclement weather, etc.) and purchase hardware that has gone through an intensive QA/QC process. And supply adequate training for on-site techs so issues can be remedied swiftly and effectively.
Throughput is a little more complex = Throughput should also termed with mobility and range. In most cases, the type of radio you choose will determine your bottleneck factor. Case in point:
MotoMesh Strengths: Mobility, Range, Robust, Meshing Capabilities
MotoMesh Weaknesses: Throughput, Proprietary
802.11b/g Stregnths: Open, Decent Throughput at Close Ranges
802.11b/g Weaknesses: Range, Mobility, Noise-Floor Problem
802.11n Strengths: Throughput, Range (relative to b/g), Open
802.11n Weaknesses: Mobility
But now imagine this network design...
The network and backhaul runs 802.11n, taking advantage of the throughput capabilities, enabling the incoming camera streams off your shovels and dump/crusher locations.
The more fixed mobile equipment and bandwidth hogs (shovels and drills) runs dual radios with both 802.11n and MotoMesh on board so it is acting as both a client and as an access point. The 802.11n radio can accomodate all the applications and sensors and video feed while it communicates all this back to your network/backhaul; the MotoMesh radio on the shovel communicates with your trucks acting as an middleman between network and truck applications.
The more mobile mobile equipment (such as trucks, wheel loaders) that mostly only use dispatching and/or some condition monitoring runs on MotoMesh, where its strength is in mobility. The meshing capabilities allow for a lower count of access points, hence maintaining coverage while keeping costs lower.
The diagram shows a quick visual. For questions, e-mail me at vivienhui@3d-p.com
