WHAT IS DIGITALBRIDGE™:

StrataConnect DigitalBRIDGE is a multi-drop Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) coaxial cable network for digital data access and transmission in underground operations. It provides data speeds and capabilities comparable to fibre optics and facilitates services such as Voice-over-IP (VoIP) communications, high-speed Wi-Fi, real-time telemetry, tele-remoting, tracking and more.

DigitalBRIDGE can be deployed as a standalone system, distributing communications and digital data access throughout the mine, or it can be used in conjunction with existing fibre optic networks to offer extended coverage and expanded connectivity into multiple areas of the mine. It can also be used in small segments to repair sections of broken fibre.

TYPICAL CONSTRAINTS DIGITALBRIDGE HELPS TO OVERCOME:

Difficulties getting power and digital connectivity over the "last mile."

Solution: When mines do not want the labour and expense of extending - and likely repairing - fibre, but require communications and/or equipment monitoring from the last sub-station into the working section.

DigitalBRIDGE provides a simple-to-install, comparatively low-cost solution for achieving these capabilities. With the ability to carry both power and digital data in a single coaxial cable, mines can quickly expand their digital coverage into multiple entries and up to the working section.

It is easy to install, requires low ongoing maintenance and is highly user friendly.

Limited availability and fixed locations of underground power stations.

Solution: Mines are often limited in their placement of end-point devices such as gas monitors, mine phones and cameras due to lack of power accessibility in a location. The distribution of the devices can end up too far apart, and thus installed in locations not originally planned. DigitalBRIDGE carries both power and data to networked devices, alleviating the limitations created by power station locations. Power can be inserted anywhere on the network and will travel in both directions along the cable.

Breaks the boundaries set by pre-existing network cables that dictate the placement of end-point devices.

Solution: Fibre optic cables can be technical and expensive to cut into for placement of end-point devices, and mines are often restricted to the standard 1,500-foot distance. DigitalBRIDGE coaxial cable is inherently easy to use, and can be cut and spliced at any point and at any length. Operations have complete flexibility in their network architecture. Using standard procedures to tap into the cable, personnel can attach DigitalBRIDGE Quadports, which provide up to four powered digital ports for the connection of PoE devices.

Solution: DigitalBRIDGE is a point-to-multipoint network, enabling mines to split and branch off the main backbone in multiple directions.

Streamlines the labour of cable installation and maintenance

Solution: The simplicity of coaxial cable eliminates the need for specialised technicians and enables operations to utilise on-site personnel for installation, expansion, recovery and maintenance.

APPLICATIONS

DigitalBRIDGE is a universal platform for data and power transport to networked devices and is fully compatible with off-the-shelf PoE end-point devices:

• Wi-Fi Access Points
• Digital Cameras
• Atmospheric Monitoring Stations (AMS)
• PLCs
• Mine Phones
• Tracking Readers

 DigitalBRIDGE can be used for:

• Wi-Fi & LTE/4G data and voice access
• Video Surveillance and Monitoring
• Telemetry
• Gas detection
• Atmospheric monitoring
• RFID tracking for personnel and equipment
• Tele-remoting
• Refuge chamber monitoring

REFUGE CHAMBER MONITORING

DigitalBRIDGE™ enables mines to cost effectively connect their refuge chambers and safe rooms to the mine's communication network.

With a simple installation of robust DigitalBRIDGE coaxial cable from the closest available network switch to the refuge shelter, mines establish daily remote monitoring to safeguard the security of their shelters, and ensure that they remain ready for use.

In emergency status, DigitalBRIDGE's high-speed digital capabilities can provide live video feed from onboard cameras, voice communications, personnel tracking and numerous atmospheric monitoring activities from both inside and outside shelters, including:

• Occupancy
• Gas Levels
• Temperature
• Pressure
• Humidity