Chapter 2: Network System Design
Topics:
Installation Types and Coverage
Power Requirements
Choosing Antennas
Placement of NS50 Units
Placement of Antennas
Determining Distances between Wireless Network Switches
This chapter describes network system design for underground mines.
A MST System Engineer will usually design and preconfigure a network based on the requirements
and layout of each mine site. This will involve a visual inspection of the mine site to identify user
areas, and determine access point locations. A RF (Radio Frequency) site survey is also conducted
to understand the behaviour of radio waves in the mine. The following factors help determine network
design:
Wireless coverage requirements of the mine
Quantity and type of wireless client devices connected to the network
Wired client devices connected to the network and their location
Interconnection to the mine's existing corporate network
Policies for network protocol between networks
Cabling requirements
Antenna types to use with each unit and mounting method for each antenna
Mounting location and installation method for each network device.