Published in September 2007 Australian Longwall Magazine

The system will allow the integration of a number of existing and future Ethernet-enabled devices such as VoIP phones, web cameras, PDAs and fixed and wireless sensors.

The communications backbone involves an IEC Ex ia (intrinsically safe) Ethernet Switch and a protocol-insensitive Serial-to-Ethernet (UDP & TCP/IP) Protocol Converter.

"The system utilises fully managed, Ethernet-based communication protocols over multi- or single-mode fibre optic cables allowing for the future integration of the ever increasing array of Ethernet-enabled devices," Ampcontrol told Australian Longwall Magazine.

Both products were developed as part of the Nexsys project, which grew from an international collaboration between CSIRO Exploration and Mining, the Japanese Coal Energy Center (JCOAL) and the Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP) - known as the Enhanced Mine Communications and Information Systems for Real-time Risk Assessment. It was recognised early in the project that the need for an Ethernet-enabled backbone would be crucial to the project's success.

"The Nexsys system will allow improved communications, personnel and equipment tracking in underground coal mines, leading to increased levels of efficiency and safety, with the possible benefit of lowered infrastructure costs," Ampcontrol told AL.

"The products are currently undergoing final certifications, with the intrinsically safe Ethernet Switch projected to be available by the end of this year and the Serial-to-Ethernet Protocol Converter in early 2008."