Mine WiFi and method

A telecommunications system for a mine with tunnels having a plurality of nodes disposed in the tunnels in the mine which provides communication through WiFi with devices in the mine. Each node having a housing defining an enclosure, a first radio with a first antenna disposed at least partially in the enclosure within the housing directed for communication in a first direction relative to the node, a second radio with a second antenna disposed at least partially in the enclosure within the housing directed for communication in a second direction essentially opposite the first direction, and a power supply in electrical communication with the first and second radios to power the first and second radios. A method of a telecommunications system for a mine. A method of a Wifi node for a mine. A Wifi node for a mine. An apparatus for holding an object in a mine.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/832,259 filed Jun. 7, 2013, incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to WiFi in a mine using a node that has a first radio directed for communication in a first direction in the mine and a second radio directed for communication in a second direction in the mine essentially opposite the first direction. (As used herein, references to the “present invention” or “invention” relate to exemplary embodiments and not necessarily to every embodiment encompassed by the appended claims.) More specifically, the present invention is related to WiFi in a mine using a node that has a first radio directed for communication in a first direction in the mine and a second radio directed for communication in a second direction in the mine essentially opposite the first direction and which has a range of at least 2000 ft. in the first direction and the second direction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the art that may be related to various aspects of the present invention. The following discussion is intended to provide information to facilitate a better understanding of the present invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that statements in the following discussion are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

Underground mining is harsh on hardware and harsh on RF. Physically, there are tight spaces with moving equipment that can strike the hardware or rocks can fall and shift that damage hardware. RF does not perform well either in the mine environment. The presence of a multitude of metal objects scatter RF, the makeup of rock/coal or other ore either absorbs or scatters RF at different frequencies. These and other issues cut down both the distance and speed wireless connections can provide in mines. For this reason fiber optic cable is commonly utilized as a carrier for communication in a mine.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to a telecommunications system for a mine with tunnels. The system comprises a plurality of nodes disposed in the tunnels in the mine which provides communication through WiFi with devices in the mine. Each node having a housing defining an enclosure, a first radio with a first antenna disposed completely in the enclosure within the housing directed for communication in a first direction relative to the node, a second radio with a second antenna disposed completely in the enclosure within the housing directed for communication in a second direction essentially opposite the first direction, and a power supply in electrical communication with the first and second radios to power the first and second radios.

The present invention pertains to a telecommunications system for a mine with tunnels. The system comprises a plurality of nodes disposed in the tunnels in the mine which provides communication through WiFi with devices in the mine. Each node having a housing defining an enclosure, a first radio with a first antenna disposed at least partly in the enclosure within the housing directed for communication in a first direction relative to the node, a second radio with a second antenna disposed at least partly in the enclosure within the housing directed for communication in a second direction essentially opposite the first direction, the first radio with the first antenna disposed within 18 inches of the second radio with the second antenna, and a power supply in electrical communication with the first and second radios to power the first and second radios.

The present invention pertains to an apparatus for holding an object in a mine from a first mine roof bolt and a second mine roof bolt in the roof of the mine. The apparatus comprises a bag having an opening through which the object is placed within the bag. A first strap extends from the bag having a first engagement portion that connects to the first mine bolt extending from the mine roof. A second strap extends from the bag having a second engagement portion that connects to the second mine bolt extending from the mine roof, the bag swinging on the first strap and the second strap when a force is applied to the bag.

The present invention pertains to a telecommunications system for a mine having a mine power source providing power at a first voltage. The system comprises a plurality of nodes. Each node having a power supply and a radio. The power supply of a first node of the plurality of nodes connected by a first power cable to the mine power source. The power supply of the first node providing power to the radio of the first node at a second voltage less than the first voltage. The power supply of a second node of the plurality of nodes connected by a second power cable to the power supply of the first node and receiving power at the first voltage from the power supply of the first node. The power supply of the second node providing power to the radio of the second node at the second voltage less than the first voltage.

The present invention pertains to a telecommunications system for a mine with tunnels. The system comprises a plurality of nodes disposed in the tunnels in the mine which provides communication through WiFi with devices in the mine. Each node having a housing defining an enclosure, a first radio with a first antenna disposed at least partly in the enclosure within the housing directed for communication in a first direction relative to the node, a second radio with a second antenna disposed at least partly in the enclosure within the housing directed for communication in a second direction essentially opposite the first direction, and a power supply in electrical communication with the first and second radios to power the first and second radios. The plurality of nodes simultaneously use FCC 47CFR 15.47 “802.11 WiFi” and 47CFR 15.211 “tunnel radio” on the first radio with the first antenna and the second radio with the second antenna, and there is dynamic frequency selection of non WiFi channels 2300˜2400 Mhz and 2400˜2500 Mhz for mesh internode connections while also providing 2412˜2485 Mhz for standard 802.11 WiFi devices. The first radio of a first node of the plurality of nodes utilizes the non WiFi channels and the second radio of the first node utilizes the WiFi channels. In a second node of the plurality of nodes of a next hop, the first radio of the second node receives WiFi channels from the second radio of the first node while the second radio of the second node receives the non WiFi channels. In a third node of the plurality of nodes of a second hop, the first radio of the third node utilizes the non WiFi channels and the second radio of the third node utilizes the WiFi channels; one of two 20/40 Mhz channels are used centered at 2412 and 2462 which allows WiFi devices or the nodes to run on the upper or lower 20 Mhz of the channels while also providing an extra 20 Mhz for mesh connections to other nodes that does not interfere with WiFi devices.

The present invention pertains to a telecommunications system for a mine with tunnels. The system comprises a plurality of nodes disposed in the tunnels in the mine which provides communication through WiFi with devices in the mine. Each node having a housing defining an enclosure, a first radio with a first antenna disposed at least partly in the enclosure within the housing directed for communication in a first direction relative to the node, a second radio with a second antenna disposed at least partly in the enclosure within the housing directed for communication in a second direction essentially opposite the first direction, and a power supply in electrical communication with the first and second radios to power the first and second radios, wherein dynamic frequency selection is used to auto configure what channel to use.

The present invention pertains to a telecommunications system for a mine with tunnels. The system comprises a plurality of nodes disposed in the tunnels in the mine which provides communication through WiFi with devices in the mine. Each node having a housing defining an enclosure, a first radio with a first antenna disposed at least partly in the enclosure within the housing directed for communication in a first direction relative to the node, a second radio with a second antenna disposed at least partly in the enclosure within the housing directed for communication in a second direction essentially opposite the first direction, and a power supply in electrical communication with the first and second radios to power the first and second radio, wherein a signal to noise ratio “SNR” and RSSI for mesh connection between nodes is used while running in AP mode and providing 802.11 WiFi on the first radio and the second radio to audibly and visually see the status of a connection to another node connected via mesh protocol.

The present invention pertains to a telecommunications system for a mine with tunnels. The system comprises a plurality of nodes disposed in the tunnels in the mine which provides communication through WiFi with devices in the mine. Each node having a housing defining an enclosure, a first radio with a first antenna disposed at least partly in the enclosure within the housing directed for communication in a first direction relative to the node, a second radio with a second antenna disposed at least partly in the enclosure within the housing directed for communication in a second direction essentially opposite the first direction, and a power supply in electrical communication with the first and second radios to power the first and second radios. Each node self-contained and fully operational upon receiving power without needing to do anything else. Each node having a range of at least 2000 ft. in the first direction and the second direction.

The present invention pertains to a telecommunications system for a mine with tunnels. The system comprises a plurality of nodes disposed in the tunnels in the mine which provides communication through WiFi with devices in the mine. Each node having a housing defining an enclosure, a first radio with a first antenna disposed at least partly in the enclosure within the housing directed for communication in a first direction relative to the node, a second radio with a second antenna disposed at least partly in the enclosure within the housing directed for communication in a second direction essentially opposite the first direction, and a power supply in electrical communication with the first and second radios to power the first and second radios. The plurality of nodes defining a network having up to 200 mbps of throughput between radios of nodes at distances of up to about 1000 ft. and about 80 Mps at distances greater than about 1000 ft.

The present invention pertains to a WiFi node for a mine with tunnels. The node comprises a housing defining an enclosure, a first radio with a first antenna disposed completely in the enclosure within the housing directed for communication in a first direction relative to the node, a second radio with a second antenna disposed completely in the enclosure within the housing directed for communication in a second direction essentially opposite the first direction, and a power supply in electrical communication with the first and second radios to power the first and second radios.

The present invention pertains to a telecommunications system for a mine with tunnels. The system comprises a vehicle and a WiFi node disposed on the vehicle.

The present invention pertains to a method of a telecommunications system for a mine with tunnels. The method comprises the steps of providing with a plurality of nodes disposed in the tunnels in the mine communication through WiFi with devices in the mine. Each node having a housing defining an enclosure, a first radio with a first antenna disposed completely in the enclosure within the housing directed for communication in a first direction relative to the node, a second radio with a second antenna disposed completely in the enclosure within the housing directed for communication in a second direction essentially opposite the first direction; and powering with a power supply in electrical communication with the first and second radios the first and second radios.

The present invention pertains to a method of a WiFi node for a mine with tunnels. The method comprises the steps of placing the node in a mine. The node having a housing defining an enclosure, a first radio with a first antenna disposed completely in the enclosure within the housing directed for communication in a first direction relative to the node, a second radio with a second antenna disposed completely in the enclosure within the housing directed for communication in a second direction essentially opposite the first direction, and a power supply in electrical communication with the first and second radios to power the first and second radios; receiving by the node a signal from a WiFi device in the mine; and transmitting the signal by the node to another node.

The present invention pertains to a method of a telecommunications system for a mine with tunnels. The method comprises the steps of moving a vehicle in a mind; and receiving by a node on the vehicle a signal from a WiFi device in the mine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to similar or identical parts throughout the several views, and more specifically toFIG. 10thereof, there is shown a telecommunications system10for a mine12with tunnels14. The system10comprises a plurality of nodes16disposed in the tunnels14in the mine12which provides communication through WiFi with devices18in the mine12. Each node16has a housing20defining an enclosure22, a first radio24with a first antenna26disposed at least partly in the enclosure22within the housing20directed for communication in a first direction28relative to the node16, and a second radio30with a second antenna32disposed at least partly in the enclosure22within the housing20directed for communication in a second direction34essentially opposite the first direction28, as shown inFIGS. 1, 2a,2b,6and8. The first radio24with the first antenna26is disposed within 18 inches of the second radio30with the second antenna32. Each node16has a power supply36in electrical communication with the first and second radios24,30to power the first and second radios24,30.

The first radio24with the first antenna26may be disposed completely in the enclosure22within the housing20, and the second radio30with the second antenna32may be disposed completely in the enclosure22within the housing20. The system10may include an attachment77, which may have a first mine roof bolt42and a second mine roof bolt44in the roof46of the mine12, a bag48having an opening50through which one of the nodes16of the plurality of nodes16is placed within the bag48, a first strap52extending from the bag48having a first engagement portion54that connects to the first mine bolt extending from the mine roof46, and a second strap56extending from the bag48having a second engagement portion58that connects to the second mine bolt extending from the mine roof46, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 9. The bag48swinging on the first strap52and the second strap56when a force is applied to the bag48.

The plurality of nodes16simultaneously may use FCC 47CFR 15.47 “802.11 WiFi” and 47CFR 15.211 tunnel radio66on the first radio24with the first antenna26and the second radio30with the second antenna32, and there may be dynamic frequency selection of non WiFi channels 2300˜2400 Mhz and 2400˜2500 Mhz for mesh internode connections while also providing 2412˜2485 Mhz for standard 802.11 WiFi devices18. The first radio24of a first node64of the plurality of nodes16may utilize the non WiFi channels and the second radio30of the first node64utilizes the WiFi channels. In a second node68of the plurality of nodes16of a next hop, the first radio24of the second node68receives WiFi channels from the second radio30of the first node64while the second radio30of the second node68receives the non WiFi channels. In a third node69of the plurality of nodes16of a second hop, the first radio24of the third node69utilizes the non WiFi channels and the second radio30of the third node utilizes the WiFi channels. One of two 20/40 Mhz channels may be used centered at 2412 and 2462 which allows WiFi devices18or the nodes16to run on the upper or lower 20 Mhz of the channels while also providing an extra 20 Mhz for mesh connections to other nodes16that does not interfere with WiFi devices18.

Dynamic frequency selection may be used to auto configure what channel to use. A signal to noise ratio “SNR” and RSSI for mesh connection between nodes16may be used while running in AP mode and providing 802.11 WiFi on the first radio24and the second radio30to audibly hear and visually see the connection's status to another node16connected via mesh protocol.

Each node16may be self-contained and fully operational upon receiving power without needing to do anything else. Each node16may have a range of at least 2000 ft. in the first direction28and in the second direction34. The plurality of nodes16may define a network74having up to 200 mbps of throughput between radios of nodes16at distances of up to 1000 ft. and about 80 Mps at distances greater than 1000 ft.

The enclosure22may be waterproof and may have a front80and a back82, at least a portion of each of the front80and the back82is made of a material that allows RF energy to penetrate. The first and second radios24,30may support frequencies between 800 MHz and 2.5 GHz. The first and second radios24,30support both IEEE 802.11b/g/n standards as well as a desired communication standard.

The first antenna26may have most of its gain and directs RF radiation in a focused beam in the first direction28, and the second antenna32may have most of its gain and directs RF radiation in a focused beam in the second direction34. The power supply36may allow the first and second radios24,30to be powered from a Power over Ethernet (PoE) source. The power supply36may support an input voltage range of 12-50 VDC. The first and second radios24,30may operate either in a mesh configuration150, as shown inFIG. 10, or in a point to point configuration140, as shown inFIG. 7. Which configuration the first and second radios24,30operate in may be changed remotely at any time after installation.

The first radio24may be disposed on a first board84with a first plate88. The second radio30may be disposed on a second board86with a second plate90bolted to the first plate88to form a sandwich94, the sandwich94disposed in the enclosure22and bolted to the housing20. The first antenna26may be separated by less than 12 inches from the second antenna32. There may be at least 30 MHz between the first radio's channels and the second radio's channels.FIGS. 5a, 5band 5cshow the top, bottom and cross-sectional exploded views of the housing20.

The first antenna26may be vertically polarized and the first radio24may have a third antenna96which is horizontally polarized and placed adjacent to and in parallel with the first antenna26with the third antenna96under the first antenna26and being longer than the first antenna26, as shown inFIGS. 2aand 2b. The second antenna32may be vertically polarized and the second radio30may have a fourth antenna98which is horizontally polarized and placed adjacent to and in parallel with the second antenna32and under the second antenna32with the fourth antenna98being longer than the second antenna32.

The present invention pertains to a telecommunications system10for a mine12having a mine power source60providing power at a first voltage, as shown inFIG. 10. The system10comprises a plurality of nodes16. Each node16has a power supply36and a radio66. The power supply36of a first node64of the plurality of nodes16is connected by a first power cable70to the mine power source60. The power supply36of the first node64providing power to the radio66of the first node64at a second voltage less than the first voltage. The power supply36of a second node68of the plurality of nodes16connected by a second power cable72to the power supply36of the first node64and receiving power at the first voltage from the power supply36of the first node64. The power supply36of the second node68providing power to the radio66of the second node68at the second voltage less than the first voltage. The operation of the first node64is described below and in regard toFIG. 3.

The present invention pertains to a WiFi node16for a mine12with tunnels14. The node16comprises a housing20defining an enclosure22. The node16comprises a first radio24with a first antenna26disposed completely in the enclosure22within the housing20directed for communication in a first direction28relative to the node16. The node16comprises a second radio30with a second antenna32disposed completely in the enclosure22within the housing20directed for communication in a second direction34essentially opposite the first direction28. The node16comprises a power supply36in electrical communication with the first and second radios24,30to power the first and second radios24,30.

The present invention pertains to a telecommunications system10for a mine12with tunnels14, as shown inFIG. 10. The system10comprises a vehicle76. The present invention comprises a WiFi node16disposed on the vehicle76.

The present invention pertains to a method of a telecommunications system10for a mine12with tunnels14. The method comprises the steps of providing with a plurality of nodes16disposed in the tunnels14in the mine12communication through WiFi with devices18in the mine12. Each node16has a housing20defining an enclosure22, a first radio24with a first antenna26disposed completely in the enclosure22within the housing20directed for communication in a first direction28relative to the node16, a second radio30with a second antenna32disposed completely in the enclosure22within the housing20directed for communication in a second direction34essentially opposite the first direction28. There is the step of powering with a power supply36in electrical communication with the first and second radios24,30the first and second radios24,30.

The present invention pertains to a method of a WiFi node16for a mine12with tunnels14. The method comprises the steps of placing the node16in a mine12. The node16has a housing20defining an enclosure22, a first radio24with a first antenna26disposed completely in the enclosure22within the housing20directed for communication in a first direction28relative to the node16, a second radio30with a second antenna32disposed completely in the enclosure22within the housing20directed for communication in a second direction34essentially opposite the first direction28, and a power supply36in electrical communication with the first and second radios24,30to power the first and second radios24,30. There is the step of receiving by the node16a signal from a WiFi device in the mine12. There is the step of transmitting the signal wirelessly by the node16to another node16.

The present invention pertains to a method of a telecommunications system10for a mine12with tunnels14. The method comprises the step of moving a vehicle76in a mine12. There is the step of receiving by a node16attached directly to the vehicle76a wireless signal from a WiFi device in the mine12.

The present invention pertains to a telecommunications system10for a mine12with tunnels14. The system10comprises a plurality of nodes16disposed in the tunnels14in the mine12which provides communication through WiFi with devices18in the mine12. Each node16having a housing20defining an enclosure22, a first radio24with a first antenna26disposed completely in the enclosure22within the housing20directed for communication in a first direction28relative to the node16, a second radio30with a second antenna32disposed completely in the enclosure22within the housing20directed for communication in a second direction34essentially opposite the first direction28, and a power supply36in electrical communication with the first and second radios24,30to power the first and second radios24,30.

The present invention pertains to an apparatus38for holding an object40in a mine12from a first mine roof bolt42and a second mine roof bolt44in the roof46of the mine12. The apparatus38comprises a bag48having an opening50through which the object40is placed within the bag48. The apparatus38comprises a first strap52extending from the bag48having a first engagement portion54that connects to the first mine bolt extending from the mine12roof46. The apparatus38comprises a second strap56extending from the bag48having a second engagement portion58that connects to the second mine bolt extending from the mine12roof46. The bag48swinging on the first strap52and the second strap56when a force is applied to the bag48.

In the operation of the invention, the WiFi node16, as shown inFIG. 8, has two modes of operation: The first is as an 802.11b/g/n access point and the second is as a communication backbone. Both modes contain the same physical hardware but operate utilizing one of these two methods. A plurality of nodes16comprises a system10. The system10is designed to be deployed in underground mining environments. The self-contained hardware of the node16comprises two or more radios66, internal antennas, power supply36and switch21components, as shown inFIG. 1.

The wireless components will all be placed into a single waterproof box or housing20. The box could be made from a variety of material but must have a material on the front80and back82to allow the RF energy to penetrate.

The device will contain two or more wireless radios66. The radios66can support both the IEEE 802.11b/g/n standards as well as a desired communication standard. The radios66can be configured to support frequencies between 800 MHz and 2.5 GHz (although addition spectrum could also be supported). Two radios66were chosen for a few reasons.1) In a mesh or multi point system, with one radio66, throughput is nearly halved for each hop. One radio66is used for each connection and so the node16does not have this limitation.2) It was desired to have both a directional and small integrated antenna and the radio66board chosen has a small panel antenna on the board. A typical install in an entry requires at least 2 directions and sometimes 3 or more.

The node16also contains two or more self-contained antennas. The antennas are selected to allow for most of the gain to be in one direction and have minimal back or end fire. The antennas will be positioned in such a manner to direct energy to the desired directions. The node16will direct energy in opposite directions. These antennas could be of a variety of shapes and sizes including panel, patch, flat, microstrip, array, etc. The antenna must be located in the box to allow the RF energy to be directed out each direction. In a typical underground mine12there is no need for omni directional coverage since there are ribs “walls” on both sides and need coverage in two or more directions. By having a focused beam less energy is wasted on the ribs and more of it reaches the intended coverage area.

The power supply36would allow all the components in the box to be powered from a Power Over Ethernet (PoE) source. The power supply36would support input voltage range of 12-50 VDC. The power supply36would convert this voltage to an acceptable voltage level for each component.

The switch21component's purpose is to provide communication between the two radios66and one or more outside entities. The communication could be Ethernet or IEEE 802.3, Mod-bus, CAN or a desired communication protocol. The switch21component could be a standard Ethernet Switch/Bridge or Ethernet Hub. All connections to outside Ethernet devices would be over a standard CAT 5, CAT 5e or CAT6 Ethernet cable122, and which allows the nodes16to be daisy chained together.

This invention allows multiple wireless components to relay information into and out of underground mines. The components can also provide open access to 802.11b/g/n compliant devices18underground. The radios66can operate either in mesh configuration150or in a point to point configuration140. The configuration is chosen at time of installation, so the node16is installed with the desired configuration. The configuration can be changed at any time after installation by logging into the node16through the established communication network74, and changing the configuration.

The mine environment is very hard on RF. There are typically many metal objects that cause multipath. The type of mine absorbs RF at different frequencies. The mine12layout can also cause multipath issues.

When the nodes16are in a mesh configuration150, as shown inFIG. 10, the network74will automatically determine the best route for information to travel. The mesh network150must be configured to reduce the probability of network74“loops” or the passing of data in a circular fashion.

One of two loop prevention techniques is used depending on the intended use of the node16.1) Wireless distribution system (WDS) with rapid spanning tree protocol (RSTP)2) Or WDS with Hybrid Wireless Mesh Protocol (HWMP)

Point to Point:

When the nodes16are deployed in a point to point mode140of operation, as shown inFIG. 140, the node16will have an inbye face (into the mine12) and an outbye face (out of the mine12). The node16should be pointing in the correct direction for the connection to be established. The point to point link will utilize one or more frequencies to provide the maximum amount of data throughput and assist with noise immunization. A sticker is placed on one side of the node16and when deployed the sticker side of the node16faces inbye.

When the system10is deployed in a point to point fashion140, the nodes16create a parent-child relationship with the next node124in the network74. The nodes16are configured to uniquely identify the next node124and ignore the other radios contained within the same node16. Connection rules applied to the node16allow connections to other nodes16but will not connect to nodes16directly connected to each other. This allows easy deployment with no user configuration needed.

The invention will be deployed by hanging the node16inside a bag48or wiring from the roof46. The bag48, as shown inFIG. 9, will include straps of 4-8′ in length with hooks attached to the end of each strap. The hooks will be selected to easily hang the node16from the head wall or ceiling of the mine12. The bag48could be made out of reflective material.FIGS. 4 and 9show a bag48with straps.

The node16will be powered over one cable and will provide external communication to one or more wired devices18as well as multiple wireless devices18, such as laptops, PDAs, phones and tablets. The nodes16will pass through the source power allowing multiple nodes to be daisy chained. Up to 4 or 5 nodes16may be daisy chained off of one mine power source60.

Unique features of WiFi Nodes16:Simultaneous use of FCC 47CFR 15.47 “802.11 WiFi” and 47CFR 15.211 “tunnel radio” on the same radio/antenna. (for underground use only), Dynamic Frequency selection of custom non WiFi channels 2300˜2400 Mhz and 2400˜2500 Mhz for mesh internode connections while also providing 2412˜2485 Mhz for standard 802.11 WiFi devices18. Both operate in parallel at channels separate enough so there is no interference. First radio24on takes the lower channel and the second radio30on takes the higher channel. In next node68of next hop, the first radio24of next hop receives lower channel from first radio24of source and takes higher channel while second radio30of next hop takes lower channel. Third like first, and so on alternating.

One of two 20/40 Mhz channels are used centered at 2412 and 2462. This allows standard WiFi devices18or nodes16of the present invention to run on the upper or lower 20 Mhz of the channel while also providing an extra 20 Mhz for mesh connections to other nodes16that does not interfere with WiFi devices18in underground use only. This is only allowed underground as they would be licensed channels on the surface. 47CFR15.211 allows the use of these frequency's for underground use.

Dynamic frequency selection is used to auto configure what channel to use. This is done to allow no configuration from the user since most nodes16have two radios66. One will run on the lower channel and one on the upper channel. The large amount of attenuation found in mines allows two channels to be enough for staggered reuse of channels. This way it does not matter how the nodes16are deployed, they won't interfere with each other.Custom signal meter and signal to noise ratio “SNR” for mesh connection between nodes16while running in AP mode and providing 802.11 WiFi on the same radio/antenna. These features are normally only available while running in Station mode. Normal 802.11 WiFi devices18running in AP mode with WDS have no way easy way to monitor connections. The node16uses the RSSI and SNR to audibly and visually see the status of a connection to another node16connected via mesh protocol while ignoring client connections.Only self-contained underground WiFi system available, 4˜5 times more coverage from one node16than any other system currently in the market for underground use. Just plug in power and on. Tuning info to expand coverage at least 2000 ft. in mine12preferred 3750-4250. All other current purpose built underground WiFi systems use external antennas and coax cable that complicate the install and are easily damaged in the harsh environment. The node16has all components in a small durable housing20and the manner the nodes16are hanged allows them to take a shock/hit from vehicles76and continue to work afterwards. The walls of the housing20are about 3/16″ thickness.

Use of multiple in multiple out (MIMO), placement/type of antenna, tuning of hardware retries and hardware fragmentation for the underground environment has increased the coverage distance considerably over other WiFi systems.Considerably faster than any currently available underground radio systems, up to 200 mbps of throughput between radios at shorter distances and 80 Mps at node's maximum distance.

Targeted as a replacement of fiber, a way was needed to transport a high amount of data and standard WiFi protocol cannot do this. Node16uses the NV2 protocol with instream, and no use of carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) for the backhaul or backbone nodes155.Power input output range and method board (first board84, second board86).

This board allows 12˜50v dc input and outputs both lower voltage for internal components and the higher input voltage is passed outside to allow daisy chaining multiple nodes16.

In the operation of the node16, it provides a fast, easy, and reliable replacement for fiber optic cable. This required the node16to have an operational distance of at least 4000′ and speeds near 80 Mbps or more per node16to be suitable as a fiber replacement. Other observed underground wireless systems either combine fiber with wireless or only provide fully wireless to distances of 400˜1000 feet and speeds far too low to replace fiber completely. The node16meets all these requirements without the need of any fiber optic cable.

To deal with the possibility of physical damage, and provide ease of installation, a small and sturdy self-contained system was chosen that only required the node16to be plugged into a mine power source60and hung with a bag48from roof bolts92. A metal housing20could not be used for RF reasons and all of the tested polycarbonate cases were far too weak to effectively withstand typical forces that might be experienced, so a fiberglass reinforced polyester plastic was chosen to be used for the material of the housing20to define the housing20.FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5Cshow different views of the housing20. The housing20and glands120through which cables122extend into the housing20are all IR66 compliant. A bag48with adjustable straps and hooks was designed that easily adjusts to roof46bolt placement and quickly attaches to bolt flanges. The bag48is padded with padding147and the straps allow the node16to swing out of the way from equipment if struck.FIG. 9shows a node16extending out of the bag48as it appears just before it is fully inserted in the bag48.

Each radio66board/antenna is removed from the manufacture enclosure. A sandwich94of two radio boards with two UHMW plates are bolted together, and then the sandwich94is bolted into the enclosure22of the reinforced fiberglass housing20. This sandwich94was created to be durable enough for mining and to prepare for MSHA drop tests. SeeFIGS. 2aand 2b. Without the sandwich94, the radio boards easily broke loose and rattled around in the enclosure22.

The self-contained enclosure22presented another issue to overcome due to the need for multiple radios66and antennas in such a small space where self-interference was a significant concern. Normal placement of antennas would require 3 feet or more of separation, but the node16design dictated separation of the antennas by less than 12 inches and even less than 1 inch. This small operational separation distance was achieved by placing 30 Mhz between the two channels (2382˜2422)(2452˜2492), one channel for each radio66. These can be expanded or added to as needed. At a separation distance of ½″ or ¼″ with 30 MHZ between channels, there is still found some interference but it an acceptable level to meet the speed and distance needs in a mine12as set out here.

The node16contains four antennas, in a configuration where one is vertically polarized and one is horizontally polarized for each direction. The vertically polarized and horizontally polarized antennas are placed adjacent and in parallel but with the antenna under the other antenna being longer. This antenna configuration combined with MIMO facilitates multipath and increases the distance and throughput of communication in a mine12environment to that specified herein. Additionally, radio66hardware retries and fragmentation variables have been adjusted to perform better and acceptably in mines. The hardware retry value is between 4˜7 depending on type of mine12in which the node16is used. There is a hardware fragmentation value between 1500˜2312 depending on the type of mine12in which the node16is used. This is also known as MSDU (MAC service data unit).

To allow miners to quickly deploy nodes16by simply plugging them in to a power source, an auto configuration is used. Frequency selection, IP addressing, mesh link setup/tear down all are dynamic and happen with no input from the end user. Auto configuration can be over ridden if so chosen, but in most cases the default auto settings established with the node16will work fine. Auto configuration is established by the capability of the components, as provided by the vendors, chosen to be in the node16. The auto configuration includes the use of DHDP.

Dynamic IP addresses are used for management only and are not needed to provide data service. Dynamic frequency selection is used to allow frequency reuse without configuration. Dynamic mesh setup is used to allow for movement of nodes16without user reconfiguration and also will allow the use of mobile repeater stations connected to mantrips.

When a node16is plugged in, its radio1 starts looking for a mesh WDS connection on a dedicated SSID for data transport to upstream/downstream nodes16and also starts servicing WIFI access on each radio66. Once a connection to another node16is created it will start looking for a management IP from a DHCP server. Radio2 will start up slightly after radio1 and does the same thing. If no other nodes16are in range radio1 will pick the lower channel and radio2 will pick the upper channel. If other nodes16were found, radio1 will pick the channel with best noise floor and radio2 will run on the other and so on as nodes16are added.

In order to easily see the status of mesh links, a custom monitor script was made that looks at connections from an upstream or downstream node16attempting to connect via a specific SSID/WDS and based on the RSSI and SNR of the connection. For instance 3 signal levels can be used, although a 4thand 5thor several additional signal levels can also be used. The 3 signal levels that are used are:low=1 light RSSI greater than −85 & SNR between a first range 0 and 19mid=2 lights RSSI greater than −75 & SNR between a second range 20 and 34high=3 lights RSSI greater than −65 & SNR greater than a third range 35

The first led can be made to flash if no signal is present.

The script accordingly populates a set of LED lights on one of the radios66and also beeps in sequence to indicate the link status. The script is stored in each radio66. This script ignores any client connections i.e. laptops, phones etc. A set of connection rules in the script assures only the nodes16can connect via this method and will not allow connections outside acceptable ranges.

The script first checks to see if any mesh connections exist. If not, it sleeps then checks again. Once one or more mesh connections are found, the script looks at the one with the highest RSSI and takes its RSSI and SNR values and populates each led based on these values.

The connection rules only allow a mesh connection from devices18matching the Strata OUI mac address. If the mac matches this, a 2ndrule for signal level only accepts the mesh connection if the RSSI and SNR are within acceptable levels to meet the distance and speed requirement for a fiber replacement. A Wifi connection can come from any device and does not use any connection rules. No optical fiber connection is needed for communication.

As shown inFIG. 3, the power supply36has two input/output ports100,102through which 12-50 V DC is received or sent out from the power supply36through MSHA approved glands120. The two input/output ports100,102are shorted together so that each of the two input/output ports has the same voltage. In this way the voltage received at one input/output port is sent out at the same voltage from the second input/output port. This allows the nodes16to be connected together, one to the next, in a daisy chain fashion to receive and then send out power to the next node16, and so on. Generally, 4 to 5 nodes16can be linked together by running a power cable to a first input/output port100of the power supply36of a first node64and then running a second power cable72between the second input/output port of the power supply36of the first node64to another input/output port of a power supply36of a second node68and so on to a third and then to a fourth and possibly to a fifth node to provide power to each of the nodes16. The source of the power is from typical power sources62at various locations throughout the mine12. In this way, many groups of up to four or five nodes16can be easily powered. All input/output ports used are standard Ethernet connectors, and are well known as RJ45 power over Ethernet connectors.

To support the internal components of the node16, the first input/output port100that has received power, drops the voltage down to 9 V at a converter101and sends the power to a third input/output port104of the power supply36of the node16and also to a fourth input/output port106of the power supply36of the first node64. The third input/output port104is connected to a first input/output port100of an Ethernet switch and to the first radio24to provide power switch21at 9 V. The fourth input/output port106of the power supply36is connected to a second input/output port110of the Ethernet switch21and the second radio30to provide power at 9 V. A third input/output port112of the Ethernet switch21is connected to an input/output port118of the first radio24and provides switched Ethernet data to the first radio24. A fourth input/output port116of the Ethernet switch21provides switched data to a first input/output port118of the second radio30.

In addition, with this configuration, data from the radios66is transmitted and received through standard power over Ethernet communication, as is well known in the art, via the input/output port connections that have just been described in regard to power. As stated above, all of the input/output ports described are RJ45 Ethernet connectors. The data in regard to the first and second radios24,30is always sent as a first choice through the cabling via the internal connectivity when available. In the event the cable path for the data is broken for whatever reason, the radios66then communicate wirelessly from node to node.

The node16is positioned in the mine12with a bag48that holds the node16, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 9. The bag48is fixed to the mine roof46with two mine roof bolts42,44. The bag48has a strap52,56on each side that extends from the bag48to the mine roof bolt on each side. One or both of the straps can be adjustable. Each strap clips with clips55to a hook57that is commonly found on the flange of a mine roof bolt. AsFIG. 4shows, the bag48is positioned to span across the width of the mine12tunnel. The first strap56may include an adjustment59to better position the bag hanging from the roof46so the bag48hanging close to the roof46.FIG. 4shows the bag48as it would appear to a driver driving a vehicle76in the tunnel toward the bag48.

By the bag48hanging from the mine roof bolts through the straps, the node16is able to move out of the way of a vehicle76which strikes it to avoid damage. The node16in the bag48hanging from the mine roof12repeatedly survived without any damage vehicles76going at about 20 mph hitting the bag48with the node16in it. Additionally, the node16itself survived without any damage being dropped at least five times from a height of 8 feet to ground, and continued to be fully operational. Furthermore, the bag48has a padding liner147that is about ½″ thick insulation—foam or cotton—along the interior walls of the bag48to further protect the node16in the bag48. There is a Velcro slit across the top of the bag48through which the node16is positioned in the bag48. Once in the bag48, the Velcro slit is closed to contain the bag48. The node16is positioned on its side in the bag48so that one set of antennae is directed in each direction of the tunnel, that is one vertically polarized antenna and one horizontally polarized antenna are directed inbye and one vertically polarized antenna and one horizontally polarized antenna are directed outbye. The bag48has a plastic window149so the LEDs151can be seen through the window.

FIGS. 2a, 2band3show a side representation, perspective representation and a block diagram, respectively, of the node16. Each antenna and radio66is removed from the packaging as received from the manufacturer. The first antennas26and radio66and the second antennas32and radio66are bolted together in the form of a sandwich94with a top plate and a bottom plate of the sandwich94. Each of the antennas of a radio66point outward away from the other antennas of the other radio66. The sandwich94is formed by having both antenna and radio boards bolted together to the top plate and bottom plate. In turn, the bottom plate is bolted to the bottom of the housing20. There is a slot81cut into the top plate and the bottom plate from which a respective set of antennae extends.FIG. 6shows a top perspective view of the top plate of the sandwich94with the slot for the antennae of the first radio24to extend. The switch and the power supply36are disposed alongside the radio66and antenna and positioned between the top plate in the bottom plate. The description of the power provided to the components was explained above.

To install the first entry of coverage normally the travel way and with reference toFIG. 7: Starting at a point of handoff to another network, i.e. a fiber or other customer network source and power source, a node16should be plugged in to a mine power source60and cat5 data/power cable122connected. The node16should be placed and hung in the bag48so one antenna faces inbye and the other outbye. Then to find the correct area to place the next inbye node124, a portable power source60can be connected to the next node124and the next node124is moved inbye while watching the LEDs151. The next node124is continued to be moved to the desired location or until only one of the LEDS are on. A new mine12power source60is connected to the next node124through a cat5/power cable122. Additional nodes16are placed throughout the mine12in the same manner creating wireless backhaul of nodes16. Additional nodes16are placed throughout the mine12as needed, until all areas in the mine12requiring coverage have communication capability. If multiple parallel entries are needed a cat5 cable122from one power source can be run between entries to create a daisy chain in and out of each node16, only one entry needs to be tested for signal levels; other entries may or may not have a wireless connection to inbye nodes16. If they do, it will be used as an alternate for redundancy only. A node16can have several power sources connected to it. For instance, there can be cat5 cable122carrying power and data to it from another node16, and a power cable from a mine power source60connected to the node16. If the cat5 cable122from the other node16is cut or damaged, power from the mine power source60continues to power the node16so the node16can continue to communicate through its WiFi capability with other nodes16.

Data path from client to customer network or other devices18on network74:

With reference toFIG. 10, a client WiFi is made to the nearest node16from a client device18. Data leaving this device18travels across the WiFi link to a radio66inside the node16. It is then passed to either the 2ndradio66via switch connection in the node16for the next node16in line via wireless mesh connection depending on which node16of the mesh has the shortest path to the intended recipient. As the data reaches the 2ndnode124in line, it enters one radio66and is passed to the switch21then passed to the other radio66. The other radio66sends the data upstream via the mesh. This continues until the data reaches its intended destination where it is either passed to the customer network74, other Ethernet device, or another wireless device18depending where the data was intended to go.

In the alternative, or in addition to the mesh network150for additional throughput, a point to point path can be provided.

In order to provide better coverage for traveling equipment, such as vehicles76as shown inFIG. 10, and better cross cut coverage when pulling into a cross cut to allow other traffic to pass, a node16may be attached onto the traveling equipment. This will provide both a data uplink via mesh and provide WiFi services to devices18in and around the equipment. The node16will be powered from the traveling equipment's 12v source, such as the battery, or motor when on. Traveling equipment with a repeater node16attached will also normally have a voip phone connected directly to the node16via cat5 cable122to provide phone service for anyone in the traveling equipment without handing out wireless phones to every miner. The use of dynamic mesh is very well suited for this type of mobile system10. The node16is simply positioned in the traveling equipment or fixed by a bracket to the traveling equipment, and a cable from the electrical system of the traveling equipment is connected with the node16to power the node16.

FIG. 10shows how to create both a daisy chain from power/data for multiple entry coverage and also create a mesh or point to point wireless connection to up/downstream nodes16.FIG. 11shows how both B nodes and A nodes can be used for larger deployments or increased throughput.FIG. 11shows 5 hops on A nodes. The network shown inFIG. 11can support about 20 or more hops.