LTE provides distinct benefits in meeting the network requirements for autonomous applications in open pit and underground mining with its predictability and Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities. 3D-P argues, however, that experience at multiple sites worldwide, however, has highlighted a number of challenges around the cost of ‘filling’ in shadows with more LTE infrastructure, limited uplink bandwidth and needing a L2 fabric on top of LTE’s L3 architecture, especially when mission critical performance of your wireless network is a requirement.
Leveraging the multi-radio meshing capability of Rajant’s InstaMesh technology, 3D-P says it is proud to introduce its new Hybrid LTE/InstaMesh® Osprey Intelligent Endpoint® (IEP). Designed to complement LTE technology, the Hybrid Osprey guarantees mission critical connectivity, extending the coverage and performance of LTE networks through the addition of client meshing.
It says deployment of Hybrid Ospreys on a mining fleet helps you guarantee performance of an LTE deployment at three levels:
1. By providing reliable and complete coverage – the meshing capability of the Hybrid Osprey allows mobile equipment to remain connected, even when outside LTE coverage or shadowed at the working face, through meshing with connected LTE neighbors or Rajant infrastructure.
2. By addressing the limited uplink bandwidth – the hybrid Osprey analyses each connection on a packet by packet basis, to determine the best route for that particular traffic, consistently sending the traffic over the best available link.
3. By creating a native Layer 2 network support – While many mining applications today still require a Layer 2 network, LTE is built upon a Layer 3 architecture. The Hybrid Osprey simplifies providing a Layer 2 solution by leveraging the integrated RPT tunnelling which is native to Rajant’s Instamesh.
“Our strong partnership with Rajant has allowed us to develop the hybrid Osprey, which not only facilitates but also significantly improves the performance of LTE networks in the mining environment when facing coverage and uplink challenges. We could not be happier of how well the product has been received so far by the industry,” says Evan Hansen, CTO at 3D-P.
