Case Study: Optimizing a Gold Mine’s Network in Australia with Cisco

A leading gold mine in Australia faced serious network challenges due to its extreme operating conditions:

High Dust Levels – Dust accumulation in network hardware led to overheating and reduced performance.
Intense Humidity & Temperature Fluctuations – Equipment had to withstand extreme temperatures, from freezing nights to scorching daytime heat.
Constant Vibrations & Heavy Machinery Impact – Frequent shocks from mining equipment disrupted network stability.
Remote Location – Limited on-site IT support made it critical to have a reliable and self-sustaining network.

These issues caused frequent network outages, slow data transmission, and delays in monitoring critical mining operations. Any disruption could lead to production halts, safety risks, and financial losses.

Solution: Deploying Cisco Industrial Networking Equipment

To address these challenges, the gold mine partnered with Prology to deploy Cisco Industrial networking solutions, specifically designed for rugged environments.

Key Equipment Used:

Cisco Industrial Ethernet Switches (IE Series) – Built to withstand harsh conditions, ensuring continuous data flow and high-speed connectivity.
Cisco Industrial Routers – Secure, low-latency communication between remote mining sites and central control centers.
Cisco Cyber Vision Security – Real-time threat detection and protection for operational technology (OT) networks.

Implementation Process:

Network Assessment & Custom Design – Evaluated existing network issues and designed a redundant, high-availability architecture.
Installation & Testing – Ensured proper deployment with shockproof enclosures and climate-resistant setups.
Monitoring & Support – Integrated remote management tools for 24/7 monitoring and predictive maintenance.

Results: A More Resilient & Efficient Mining Network

99.9% Network Uptime – Eliminated downtime, ensuring continuous mining operations.
5x Faster Data Transmission – Improved real-time monitoring of equipment, vehicle tracking, and production data.
Reduced Maintenance Costs – Less frequent repairs and hardware replacements due to ruggedized equipment.
Enhanced Worker Safety – Reliable network connectivity supported automated safety alerts and emergency response systems.

Prology – Your Trusted Cisco Supplier

Prology provides both new and certified pre-owned Cisco networking equipment at competitive prices, with:

Ample Stock & Fast Global Shipping – Get your equipment delivered quickly, anywhere in the world.
Expert advice and support – Our experts will help you choose the right products for your environment.
Cost-Effective Networking Solutions – Lower costs without compromising on performance and reliability.

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