ABSTRACT
This paper discusses the application of high bandwidth networks to converge all voice and data requirements onto a single communication backbone. Reference will be made to the application of Wi-Fi & Internet Protocol (IP) networks in the Singapore T302 and the WestConnex/NorthConnex projects in Sydney. The industrial world has been converging all their communication & data requirements onto a single IP backbone to ensure the capacity & reliability of the system is optimum. Tunnelling is no exception, where the potential to optimize machine performance & personnel performance by ready access to high quality data to monitor, report & proactively manage processes delivers significant cost benefits. The application of purpose built, open protocol IP networks, allows this convergence of data to be available to the underground industry in a form factor that makes it practical to deploy and use for the life of a project.
