Moxa has over 35 years experience in building rugged networks fit for mission critical environments like mines.
The company has created solutions to help clients better step into the digital age without compromising productivity, safety and expansion.
As the Australian mining industry undergoes a significant digital transformation, companies are prioritising safety, competitiveness and sustainability.
Embarking on this journey means navigating through the harsh and unpredictable conditions of a mine, which can pose significant threats to personnel and complicate equipment deployment.
To enhance productivity and safety, remote operations are often implemented. And the key to a successful remote operation lies in a network that can weather the storms.
Well known for delivering sturdy industrial network solutions, Moxa is now helping clients build a foundation for the future.
From rugged exteriors that can withstand rough deployment conditions to redundant systems that can seamlessly transmit crucial information, Moxa’s ethernet switches help pave the way to the new era.
Keep danger at bay
Implementing remote operations, like incorporating automated equipment, has been a top priority for digital mines. These systems, fitted with controllers like Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) that can dynamically adjust and optimise processes in real-time based on input data, allow companies the benefit of precise remote operations, maximised productivity.
Remote monitoring also offers significant management advantages. For example, remote operation centres enable companies to supervise and control processes from a centralised location; detection equipment like on-site cameras and sensors combined with troubleshooting tools allow operators to continuously monitor equipment, anticipate and preemptively resolve maintenance needs.
In order to retain a successful remote operation lies in the stability of its communication network. Without which can put essential communication between devices, systems, and remote operation centres at risk. Such disruptions can lead to increased downtime and potential hazards. In the most severe cases, losing connection can lead to disastrous failures.
Robust networks are, therefore, necessary not just to ensure smooth information flow but overall operational reliability.
However, establishing a robust connection is challenging in a mining operation, as mines frequently face harsh environments, characterised by extreme temperatures, dust, moisture and vibrations that can significantly impact communication between on-site equipment and remote-control centres while shortening equipment lifespan and hindering productivity.
As such, the use of rugged and durable products is imperative.
Tough, through and through
Staying connected to everything, everywhere, always despite the surroundings is vital in a digital mine. However, establishing a network robust enough to withstand the rigours of the operation can be daunting.
Networking products need to be rugged enough to endure harsh environments and resilient enough to remain connected no matter the circumstances.
For instance, Moxa’s EDS-4000/G4000 series DIN-rail switches, MDS-G4000 series modular switches and RKS-G4028 series rackmount switches are built with ultra-rugged die-cast frames and deliver a long MTBF, ensuring their durability in even the toughest mining settings.
On top of a tough exterior, to maintain an uninterrupted network requires swift recovery in case of connection loss. Technologies equipped with redundancy capabilities that kick in with minimal delay are essential for ensuring continuous communication when primary connections fail.
Moxa’s Turbo Ring and Turbo Chain redundancy technologies provide alternative communication paths within milliseconds of a failure or disruption in the primary network link. This holds true even with multiple nodes in the network.
Moreover, when network troubleshooting becomes necessary, a quick resolution is crucial. Rapidly identifying issues and providing remote solutions is critical when time is of the essence.
Moxa’s industrial network management software, MXview One Series, can significantly reduce response time by enabling prompt identification by using a network management dashboard. Thus, allowing network administrators to monitor system performance, visualise and diagnose issues, and implement corrective actions from a remote location without necessitating costly on-site intervention.
These combined capabilities form the foundation for building a robust communication infrastructure.
Future planning
An increasing number of clients are looking to plan ahead as they embrace digital transformation. However, the ever-evolving technological landscape and the continuous growth of their businesses have made future planning an arduous task.
Therefore, making informed decisions during the planning stage is imperative. Moxa recognized the complexity of planning ahead, and therefore has deployed a dedicated technical support team in Australia to provide Proof of Concept (PoC) demo services and infrastructure suggestions from the get-go.
Furthermore, a Demo Ute has been initiated to help clients quickly familiarise with new trends and technologies in industrial networking. This door-to-door hands-on support helps clients better understand new network infrastructures for long-term success.
Many clients have also expressed concerns about the scalability of their infrastructure when planning for tomorrow. As technologies continue to advance, the foundation needs to accommodate future potential equipment as well.
Hence, each part of the infrastructure must be flexible enough to allow for prospective additions. Industrial Ethernet switches, such as Moxa’s RKS-G4028 Series, MDS-G4000 Series and EDS-4000/G400 Series are modularized in design, with the latter offering up to 68 different models, providing clients the freedom to integrate equipment without compromising network stability.
Moreover, as operations expand, so does the need for closer monitoring. Some clients are upgrading their cameras to ones with higher resolutions and/or thermal capabilities for improved visibility.
This demands higher power outputs, Moxa’s EDS-4000/G4000 Series and RKS-G4028 Series can withstand PoE voltage outputs of up to 90 watts in every PoE port, to better cater to clients’ needs.
Future proofing
Digital mines are becoming increasingly interconnected, powered by IoT sensors, AR devices, autonomous vehicles, and drones. The vulnerabilities introduced by these technologies can lead to significant disruptions if targeted.
Therefore, cybersecurity will be paramount in ensuring smooth and secure operations. By adopting networking products that comply with IEC 62443-4-2 security standards for OT cybersecurity, like Moxa’s Ethernet Switches, companies are safeguarding their operations against potential threats.
“Leading mining companies are identifying cybersecurity as a crucial element to ensure the reliability and integrity of digital mines,” Moxa ANZ Team field application senior engineer Theresa HY Kao said. “By protecting the network, the operations can persist.”
Close but from afar
The success of digital mining relies heavily on a robust and reliable network infrastructure, capable of weathering the harsh elements while maintaining seamless communication between devices and systems.
By offering a dedicated technical support team, scalable infrastructure solutions, and products capable of handling increased demands, Moxa helps clients build resilient and adaptable network infrastructures that can grow alongside their operations.
So, clients can stay at the forefront of innovation and maintain efficient, yet safe mining operations.
To learn more about Moxa and its robust networking solutions, visit the Moxa website or book an onsite demonstration.