ImPact VoIP
Mine Site Technologies introduces a purpose designed network communications platform (ImPact) that extends a site’s Ethernet topology into the underground workings through the successful development of the ImPact Wireless Access Switch. This development has further enhanced the Wireless Ethernet capabilities with the introduction of “Voice Over Internet Protocol" (VoIP) Networks.
VoIP converts voice conversations (analog signals) into digital packets, just like any other digital media. Once converted, the packaged voice traffic can be transported over our Managed Ethernet Networks, (ImPact 802.11b wireless infrastructure) where it can also intermingle with Internet content, e-mails, videos, faxes, etc.
ImPact 802.11b Wireless Infrastructure
Mine Site Technologies’ ImPact 802.11b Wireless Access Points (IWAP) and connectivity tools provide the mining industry with a high throughput and robust communications infrastructure to support the deployment of general IP applications with a focus on mobile data and telephony solutions that are implemented over the IMPACT Wireless LAN. The IMPACT WLAN is standards based and WiFi compliant.
Benefits of VoIP include:
- Build voice VPN (Virtual Private Network) services over existing wireless infrastructure
- Allows person to person calls from surface to underground, whilst PTT options still avaiable for broadcast calls when required
- Integrates Digital phone signaling into VoIP functionality
- Transparent to clients’ existing PABX-based dialing
- Supports additional and complimentary VoIP signaling options
- Unified messaging increasing productivity Supports desk top functionality as well as hand held peripherals
- Centrally managed within clients skill base
- Based on an open format and protocol
- Scalable and reliable
- Product flexibility
- Available as customized, turnkey solution
Overview of ImPact VoIP
Mine Site Technologies Voice VPN solution enables virtual private business voice services that operate on top of the site LAN network. This includes wireless and hard wired LAN partitions.
Clients that already operate analogue PABX telephony systems are able to seamlessly interface the VPN gateway and communicate between these different techniques. The ability to manage IP addresses and analogue numbers within a single organization allows the client to distribute the most effective means of communication to each particular duty within the organization.
Once the VoIP VPN is enables existing IP based clients such as PC’s, and PDA’s to become VoIP peripherals negating the need for additional hardware, this also allows users to access the required on site numbers from external locations utilizing IP security.
Unified messaging enables the integration of voice mail, fax and e-mail messages into a single application suite, providing benefits to remote workers who are now able to use their notebook computers as communication centers.
Tools available will allow clients to internally manage phone systems with relation to access, extension numbers, alpha and SMS tagging and group allocations. These applications also allow the managers to view the network alerts, statistics and performance.
As VoIP is based on an open protocol the availability and migration to more advanced handsets and desk-top features will be easily realized and will not be affected by proprietary signaling barriers. This enables the clients to have multiple sources for the handsets and other peripherals.
The systems provided are capable of being secured by the corporate infrastructure measures. Access to the network resource is controlled. Calls that are originated on or off site are authenticated. Only registered users have access to the voice VPN, and only those services that they are authorized to use.
Due to the topography of the system, both coverage and handsets numbers can easily be increased with the addition of infrastructure hardware and peripherals. The Mine Site Technologies ImPact Wireless access switch enables additional access points to be placed in the system both on the surface and underground to increase coverage.
As Mine Site Technologies enjoys multiple vendor relationships, we can provide a full on site service, enabling the smooth and efficient turn key installation and implementation of VoIP applications. Further-more as the system utilizes open protocol platforms we could be allowed to gain access from a remote location to access the condition of the system or to assist with allocation and management of peripheral equipment.
In summary the benefits provided by the infrastructure and the deployment of Digital Communications within the mining operation, when compared to conventional leaky feeder systems support the implementation of advanced solutions due to:
- Digital QoS features and clarity
- Connectivity and mobility, - ability to roam multiple mine sites
- Increase in available bandwidth from 9.6 Kbps to 11 Mbps (1000X)
- Digital signaling, caller ID, and system utilizations records
- Personnel tracking and Work Alone Applications
- Private and open conversations from single handset
- Advanced system diagnostics and security
- Features and accessories available on handsets
- Stored voice mail and e-mail messages
- Integrates Digital phone signaling (SMS) into VoIP functionality
- Shared infrastructure with other Ethernet applications