The Implementation of REP for Optimizing Remote-Operated Equipment Network in Underground Mines

Remote-operated equipment in underground mining has revolutionized operational safety, efficiency, and productivity. Ensuring the reliability of the network is critical, specifically in mitigating the downtime associated with communication disruptions between control centers and remote loaders, and the technical challenges and constraints encountered in complex underground mining environments. This paper explores the design, implementation, and performance of Resilient Ethernet Protocol (REP). With leveraging advanced technologies such as robust wireless communication protocols, sensor networks, and real-time data analytics, REP minimize operational risks and enhance precision. The integration of automation, machine learning, and robotics further elevates their reliability and adaptability, surpassing the limitations of Spanning Tree Protocol (STP). A ring-based network topology was designed to model the transition from STP to REP with minimal modifications. The performances of the REP and STP were compared under similar network outage scenarios, focusing on failure and convergence times. The results demonstrate that REP significantly improves the network reliability and resilience in underground mines. REP's fast convergence typically less than 50 milliseconds (ms) and efficient failover capabilities enable remote-operated equipment to continue operating with minimal interruptions during network disturbances.