In the mining industry, real-time data, operational safety, and equipment uptime are everything. Whether it’s monitoring haul truck performance deep in an open-pit mine or sending diagnostics from a drilling rig operating miles from the main site, reliable communication networks form the backbone of modern mining operations. The S-Cone6-LTE mobile router—a rugged, industrial-grade Wi-Fi6E and LTE Cat6/5G device—was designed precisely for these demanding environments.
Bringing Reliable Connectivity to the Harshest Worksites
Mining sites are often remote, vast, and filled with radio-frequency obstructions—conditions that easily defeat conventional wireless systems. The S-Cone6-LTE router provides an adaptable connectivity solution for mobile and stationary mining machinery, designed to maintain network communication under these extreme scenarios.
Capable of operating as both a Wi-Fi6E and Cellular client, the S-Cone6-LTE automatically transitions between wireless and LTE/5G connections depending on signal conditions. This seamless switching ensures continuous uptime, even when machines move beyond the range of Access Points or when interference disrupts local Wi-Fi. Haul trucks, for example, can remain connected to the mine’s private network while loading and dumping, and shift automatically to a cellular connection when driving through low-coverage zones.
Designed for Industrial-Strength Performance
The S-Cone6-LTE was engineered for environments where connectivity and durability can’t be compromised. Its compact, IP67-rated weatherproof enclosure is built to withstand dust, moisture, and vibration—all common in mining operations. The single-unit design houses a Wi-Fi6E 802.11ax tri-band adapter and a multi-band 4G LTE/5G modem, allowing direct installation on vehicles or machinery using a simple PoE CAT6 cable for both power and data.
Unlike traditional wireless clients, the S-Cone6-LTE’s higher transmit power enables it to communicate over greater distances, overcoming one of the biggest challenges in outdoor industrial networks: Access Points that the client can see but can’t reach. This added strength extends coverage across larger mining pits, processing areas, and maintenance yards.
Smart Roaming for Continuous Communication
Strategic Solution Services implemented a unique roaming software that accelerates transition times between networks. The system monitors Wi-Fi and Cellular signal strengths (RSSI values) and initiates network switching automatically, without disrupting connectivity. For fleets of moving haulage trucks, graders, or drilling rigs, this feature ensures that telemetry data, GPS tracking, and critical system diagnostics continue to flow—even during movement between zones or between wireless and cellular networks.
Secure and Flexible Network Integration
Mining operations require network solutions that are both secure and scalable. The S-Cone6-LTE can operate as a Layer 3 wireless router with built-in firewall capabilities, isolating connected devices while providing flexibility for secure remote access and monitoring. Support for enterprise authentication standards such as WPA2 and WPA3 AES makes integration with existing wireless infrastructures straightforward and secure. Additionally, the built-in StrongSwan IPsec VPN allows secure tunneling of telemetry and control data to central command systems.
Key Applications in the Mining Industry
- Haul Trucks and Excavators: Enable real-time telemetry uploads, track machine location, and transmit maintenance data without manual downloads.
- Drilling Rigs: Maintain connectivity for rig control systems and remote diagnostics over Wi-Fi or Cellular, ensuring continuous monitoring from the central control room.
- Support & Utility Vehicles: Provide fleet communication, GPS tracking, and secure access to central control networks while in motion.
- Monitoring Stations: Stream live environmental or equipment sensor data securely over Wi-Fi6E or 5G connections.
Operational Benefits
- Consistent communication coverage across large and remote sites
- Faster roaming and automatic failover between Wi-Fi and Cellular networks
- Reduced downtime through reliable telemetry and predictive maintenance data
- Improved safety and visibility across mobile fleets
- Cost savings from extended network reach with fewer infrastructure points
Driving Digital Transformation in Mining
Mining operations increasingly depend on data-driven decision-making. Connectivity solutions like the S-Cone6-LTE make it possible to unify communication between vehicles, equipment, and control centers under harsh conditions. By bridging the gap between Wi-Fi6E performance and the flexibility of 5G, mining companies can deploy a scalable and resilient industrial network that supports automation, safety, and efficiency programs.
To learn more about how our wireless solutions can be applied to your industrial network environment, visit our S-Cone6 product page or contact our team.