The Compact IS NetPort is an 802.11 a/b/g access with built-in Ethernet bridge to transmit and receive data on two antenna ports, two fiber-optic ports and an RS485/RS422 serial port.

The antenna ports operate in 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz bands on a radio, and are N type connectors so that antenna cables and antennas can be fitted. The fiber-optic ports can be run single-mode or multi-mode.

Canadian developer NLT said the nodes, which are intrinsically safe and powered via a 12-volt DC power supply, were ideally suited for key areas minewide, including for longwall shearer communications.

“A compact node can be installed on a shearer and, using the fast-roaming feature, connect wirelessly to additional nodes placed along the length of the longwall machine, thereby providing a data path to the minewide network,” the company said.

Compact IS NetPort is also well-suited as a wireless link, providing wireless connectivity in areas where wires are deemed impractical, and as a wireless hotspot to provide WiFi coverage that enables use of laptops, PDAs, VoIP phones and other peripherals using 802.11.

NLT’s family of MSHA-approved products includes two styles of fixed access points, NetPort IS, for main travel ways; NetPort IS 3FR with three fibre ports, allowing for an additional fibre and access point run off a main loop; NLT Messenger IS, a two-way text messaging device in a cap lamp; Wi-Fi tracking tags with Aeroscout; and the NLT Digital Mine software that pulls together tracking, communications and environmental monitoring into a single Internet-based front-end on a laptop or server.