Connecting Mining Networks with Industrial Single Pair PoE

RuggedNet SPoE Switches Enable Reliable Connectivity in Mining Environments

Mining operations face some of the most challenging environments for deploying communication and monitoring systems. Cameras and sensors are vital for safety, security, and operational efficiency, yet these devices are often located deep underground or in remote tunnels where traditional Ethernet cabling and power delivery are impractical. Omnitron’s RuggedNet Managed Industrial Single Pair Power over Ethernet (SPoE) Switches provide an innovative solution by transmitting both data and power over a single copper pair up to 1 kilometer, reducing infrastructure complexity while enabling reliable device connectivity in extreme conditions.

 

The Challenge

Mining environments present unique networking challenges:

 

1. 1. Distance limitations: Traditional Ethernet can only extend to 100 meters before requiring repeaters or additional infrastructure.
   2. Harsh and remote locations: Devices must be deployed in tunnels stretching hundreds of meters underground, with limited access to power and communication cabling.
   3. Cabling complexity and costs: Running multiple power and data cables over long distances in narrow, rugged tunnels is costly and difficult.

Omnitron’s Single Pair Power over Ethernet technology addresses these obstacles. By transmitting both data and power over a single copper pair up to 1,000 meters (1 km), RuggedNet SPoE switches eliminate the need for repeaters while extending Ethernet-based connectivity directly to field-level devices such as cameras and sensors. This improves data throughput, transparency, and integration, enabling mining operators to monitor conditions and operations in real-time.

 

 

The Solution

To meet the technical requirements of this mining project, the customer deployed Omnitron’s RuggedNet GLPoE/Mi Managed SPoE Switches.

 

Key Features of the RuggedNet GLPoE/Mi:

 

• • SPoE User Ports: Four IEEE 802.3cg compliant 10BASE-T1L 3-pin SPoE terminal ports or IEC 63171-2 SPoE ports.
  • Fiber Uplinks: Two 10/100/1000 RJ-45 or 100/1000 fiber SFP uplink ports for daisy-chaining fiber connections between multiple mining tunnels.
  • Power Flexibility: SPoE user ports detect and classify 30VDC class 10–12 and 58VDC class 13–15 powered devices, ensuring safe and reliable power delivery.
  • Comprehensive Management: Web, Telnet, SSH, SNMPv1/v2c/v3, and Serial Console management interfaces with IPv4 and IPv6 support.
  • Industrial Reliability: Hardened design for extreme temperatures and rugged conditions.

By deploying a fiber daisy chain topology, the switches provide a robust fiber backbone linking multiple mining tunnels to the central monitoring station. This architecture reduces cabling complexity, minimizes costs, and creates a fault-tolerant communication system capable of withstanding the harsh underground environment.

 

The Result

The RuggedNet GLPoE/Mi solution enabled the mining customer to:

Extend Ethernet connectivity up to 1 km per copper pair, eliminating repeaters.
Provide seamless integration of cameras and sensors with Ethernet-based monitoring systems.

Deploy devices in previously inaccessible tunnel locations without requiring additional infrastructure.

Reduce overall cabling and deployment costs by combining data and power over a single copper pair.

Establish a robust fiber network across multiple tunnels using daisy-chained fiber uplinks.

The system now supports real-time monitoring, increased safety, and improved operational transparency throughout the mining tunnels.

 

The Conclusion

Omnitron’s RuggedNet GLPoE/Mi Managed Industrial SPoE Switches delivered a powerful, reliable, and cost-effective networking solution for the mining customer. By extending Ethernet and power up to 1 km, supporting fiber daisy chains across tunnels, and providing robust industrial-grade performance, the solution met all technical requirements while solving the unique challenges of connectivity in harsh underground environments.

 

Why Omnitron Systems

The mining operation selected Omnitron for several critical reasons:

 

• • Proven reliability in industrial and mission-critical networks.
  • Pre- and post-sales design and technical support that ensured proper planning, deployment, and ongoing maintenance.
  • Standards-compliant solutions that guarantee interoperability with existing Ethernet-based systems.
  • Temperature-hardened switches designed for extreme environmental conditions.
  • Compliance with TAA, BAA, and NDAA, and made in the USA, ensuring both trust and supply chain security.