Wi-Fi, LTE, and Other Magic

Transcription

1 Wi-Fi, LTE, and Other Magic How do we get the most out of existing networks, and what s on the horizon? Presenter: Ron White SVP, Technology

2 Challenges to Wi-Fi Networks in Surface Mining

3 Challenges to Wi-Fi Networks in Surface Mines Typical Design Philosophy #1

4 Challenges to Wi-Fi Networks in Surface Mines Typical Design Philosophy #2 Network design utilizes large infrastructure counts. Obstructions help attenuate the signal!

5 Challenges to Wi-Fi Networks in Surface Mines Mining Reality

6 Challenges to Wi-Fi Networks in Surface Mines In surface mines, high power, outdoor networks introduce their own problem CONGESTION! Just what is congestion, what generates it, and why is it such a problem in surface mine networks?

7 What is Congestion in an environment? wireless is a polite protocol. The protocol depends on each node participating politely in a shared contention domain.

8 What Causes Congestion? Interference Retries/Repeated Messages Mining Applications (Real-Time Applications)

9 Congestion Source #1: Interference What is interference? However, fire up a jackhammer outside, and the You can try to scream over the noise, but some of the conversation may still be lost, and your conversation is over. screaming simply increases the interference elsewhere. You can reduce the noise floor by moving away from the source Buildings, terrain, trees, and other items can help attenuate the interference Reflecting, or focusing the noise in a different direction can also greatly reduce the A one interference on one conversation can be easily understood by both parties

10 PROBLEM: Co-Channel Interference Destination Source Source Destination

11 SOLUTION: Multiple Client Channels, or Radios Destination Source Source Destination

12 Congestion Source: Single radio meshing, or Repeating Congestion Source: Single Radio Meshing SOURCE DESTINATION

13 SOLUTION: Multiple Radio Meshing or Separate Backhaul SOURCE DESTINATION

14 Congestion Source: Real-Time Applications Chatty Applications, The Biggest Culprit Typical office environment = periodic access Mining applications = very frequent, very small packets Polite Protocol = Waiting for access = Latency and Dropped Packets Congestion (not available bandwidth) becomes the #1 Problem in an open pit wireless network.

15 Applications Fleet Management System (FMS) Haul Truck Only

16 Applications High Precision GPS

17 Applications Asset Health System:

18 Putting it Together: Small Contention Domains

19 Addressing The Problems Three or four high gain access points around the site will cover everything. Creates a high noise floor and near/far problems Increases collision domain size, increasing congestion Limits data throughput

20 Addressing The Problems (2) A client-meshing network takes care of all my problems. Exaggerates RF noise problems Increases collision domain size, increasing congestion Limits data throughput

21 Addressing The Problems (3) We saw a demo network that was real fast (and real cheap). Small demo or pilot networks mask the real issue mining applications are chatty. Limited client demos hide congestion. Problems don t show up until the mine goes live.

22 Addressing The Problems (4) We ll just use the default antenna. The right antenna for each installation location may be significantly different. Patch or directional antennas for domain separation Low gain antennas for domain separation Dual Polarity antennas for polarity diversity

23 Addressing The Problems (5) We can t put infrastructure in the pit. This one is tough. A multi-channel meshing solution can help, with meshing nodes on the shovels/dozers providing additional infrastructure for trucks, without meshing on the same channels. Directional antennas can help keep infra. further away, while limiting the size of the contention domain.

24 What about LTE?

25 What about LTE? Traditional Challenges: 1. Spectrum 2. Expensive infrastructure 3. Coverage at the working face 4. Asymmetrical throughput 5. L3 Connection

26 LTE Solution #1: Spectrum Partnerships between OEM s like Redline and Telco s Redline s lower cost EPC and enodeb s allow Fit-for-Purpose deployments Redline s EPC allows: Spectrum sharing Local packet routing Reduced latency and jitter Redline Ellipse enode B

27 LTE Solution #2: Lower CAPEX & OPEX 3GPP ilte - Mobility Solution eutran Evolved Packet Core (EPC): Core Network Operations Center PGW, SGW, HSS, MME, PCRF Ellipse-4G enodeb Home Agent & AAA Server ClearView NMS IMS Core & Applications Servers User Devices FlexTalk PTT

28 LTE Solution #3: Coverage at the working face Fit-for-Purpose infrastructure where it s needed.

29 LTE Solution #4: Solving the Asymmetrical Link Multi-Layered and Hybrid Networks Layered network design allows appropriate segregation of traffic.

30 LTE Solution #5: Requirement for L2 Connectivity Edge computing allows creation of L2 Tunnels LTE/Wi-Fi Roaming for Hybrid Networks Creation of Wi-Fi hotspots on equipment

31 Questions???