Cable modem, High Speed Ethernet
The SIAMnet Cable Modem technology makes possible applications never dreamed of in the underground mining operations. 

This technology allows the customer to extend its Ethernet LAN to the underground mine.  The LAN may be designed using Fiber Optic cables to link the surface computer network with the different underground levels.

From the shaft, the network is extended using the SIAMnet coaxial network to carry both Voice and Data signals.

Additionally, at specific locations, Access Points (2.4 Ghz) may be used to link the SIAMnet with vehicular or other portable equipment, providing the fastest wireless network at the lowest cost.

CMTS 1500

The heart of this system is the CMTS Termination System 1500 (CMTS 1500), the CM-300A end user modem and the SBDA II Cable Modem Amplifier/Adapter. (see SBDA II page)

 

The SIAMnet supports the installation of up to six (6) CMTS 1500.

This configuration allows up to 250 Mbps Downstream, 150 Mbps Upstream data transfer between underground users and the surface Central Computer system.

CM-300A

The CM-300A modem is used to interconnect the SIAMnet with the underground computer equipment.

CMTS 1500 Block Diagram The CMTS 1500 transmit the Ethernet data on the Downstream Channel at a maximum rate of 42 Mbps. Data coming from the end-user modem (CM-300A) is received via one of the eight Upstream Channel. The eight channel is normaly reserved for backup to provide redundancy for the seven other Upstream channels.

Any one of the Upstream Channel  receive data at a maximum rate of 10.24 Mbps.  The CMTS 1500 is fast enough to allow anyone of these channels to send real-time video images (Video streaming). Teleoperating multiple vehicles inside the mine is therefore possible using this technology.

Designed using an commercially available "Access Point 802.11b", the Cable Modem option allows a multitude of applications for the automation of the underground vehicles.  In addition to the teleoperation of a vehicle, this system can be used to gather production data in order to maintain an information database at a remote location. 
The SIAMnet is designed using a CATV coaxial cable which is much easier to repair, extend or modify its configuration than the Fiber Optic cable technology.  The mine personnel can maintain the system with a minimum of expertise.