WiFi, Cellular, and GPS Antenna Design
Mining takes place in difficult and remote environments. A reliable and effective communication system is an essential requirement to ensure safety and allow uninterrupted communication during routine mining processes. For an Ideal Mining Solution outside of the United States, view our Active Antennas category.
Why is a Wireless System of Communication Needed in Mines?
Safety
Mining work takes place thousands of feet beneath tons of rock. When mining disasters occur, the ability to communicate with the trapped miners is crucial. For this reason and more, mining operations require a rugged communication system that can operate through multiple layers of rock and earth.
Durable Dependability
Wireless communication involves transmission of various types of data. A wireless system of communication is indispensable in mines as wired systems are often unable to withstand disasters. Wired systems fail when connectivity is a must: for instance, in case of a roof fall, fire outbreak, explosion, power or battery failure.
The modern, wireless technology provides the perfect solution to this problem because wireless solutions:
- are reliable
- reach inaccessible areas
- work during crisis situations
- work over long distances
- increase productivity
- reduce operational costs
- can be installed at a low cost
From exploration to extraction to delivery, wireless technology has become an integral part of the process to improve productivity, reduce costs and enhance safety. Applications range from voice and data communications to fleet management and remote video surveillance. Wireless system designers serving the Mining industry are called upon to build networks that offer continuous and balanced coverage.
Mechanical integrity of the antennas can be as important as electrical performance. Mobile Mark’s wide range of antennas can help make that possible. Both our WiFi and RFID products provide effective wireless solutions. These solutions, like the HD7-868 Heavy Duty High Vibration Panel Track Trace Antenna, are made to withstand the harsh conditions of the mine, and deliver a wireless connection even if damage has occurred.
Mobile Mark’s antennas cover most commercially available wireless networks like LTE, ISM, WiFi, RFID VHF/UHF and other specialized networks. Our WiFi, Cellular and GPS antennas in the mining industry are known for being high-performing and reliable. Installers will like the fact that our antennas are easy to install and service free.
Vehicle Control and Fleet Tracking
Modern mining operations rely on a battalion of vehicles, from massive extraction vehicles to more modest-sized trucks to transport extracted material. These vehicles operate in tough environments where high vibration is a frequent wear and tear challenge. The MOD omnidirectional antennas in the mining industry address this concern with foam-filled mobile antennas. For on-going communication and control, GPS Multi-band Fleet Management antennas cover Cellular, WiFi, GPS, and GNSS.
Remote Monitoring & Video Surveillance
Surveillance plays an important role in maintaining secure settings. Network deployments for mining need to be low maintenance and weather resistant. RM Broadband surface mounts offer flexibility for multi-frequency coverage and are rugged and dependable. High-performance YAGI antennas in the mining industry provide practical point-to-point connections for ISM networks. Over-molded device antennas in either straight positions or right angle positions resist moisture and dust ingress.
Infrastructure
Wireless connections become critical in remote exploration and mining. Rapid deployment and redundancy coverage are key for effective wireless infrastructure in isolated settings. For optimal performance, omnidirectional antennas in the mining industry can be selected to shape the radiation pattern to best fit the space available. Narrow beamwidth coverage can send the signal further down the tunnel. Omni-directional coverage with spherical radiation patterns can be used for effective base stations.
Underground Wireless and Asset Tracking
Managing and tracking important assets can be a challenge in the field, and both RFID and WiFi antennas in the mining industry offer effective wireless solutions. But bringing wireless underground poses its own set of challenges, from falling rocks or excavated materials to damp environments. Reliable antennas need to be designed to resist damage from impact or corrosive environments, and to maintain the wireless connection even if damaged.
Exploration Antennas
Remote locations, such as offshore drilling platforms, will require antennas that continue to perform in harsh conditions, including salt water environments and heavy winds. These settings may also depend on satellite communications, such as Iridium®, either as a primary or secondary means of communications. Additional antenna options for geolocation capture and data transfer, may be needed to evaluate extraction potential in new sites.
Mobile Mark is a Leader in the Innovation of WiFi, Cellular and GPS Antennas in the Mining Industry
Mobile Mark antennas cover most commercially 
available wireless networks (Cellular, LTE, ISM, WiFi, GPS, RFID and VHF/UHF) as well as specialized networks. Installers will like that fact our antennas are easy to install and service free.
If you need something special, Mobile Mark has the facilities and the experience to take a project from initial conception through to final production. Our team of design engineers has years of experience and a proven track record for developing innovative, high-quality antennas. Give us a call toll-free at 800-648-2800 or send an email to info@mobilemark.com for more information on WiFi, Cellular and GPS antennas in the mining industry.
