Bridging the Divide: Reliable Connectivity for Remote Mining Operations with Peplink
In the harsh and remote conditions of an Australian mining site, a mining company needed a reliable, self-powered communications system that could operate autonomously and withstand the environment. With the support of AirBridge Networks, the company deployed a Peplink-powered solution integrated with Starlink, delivering stable connectivity for over 200 workers, complete with intelligent traffic shaping and prioritization.
Challenge
Mining sites are typically located in remote areas far from established communication infrastructure. At this particular site, no fiber or terrestrial services were available. When the cellular network went offline, the operation was left without any reliable connectivity options. This made it nearly impossible to maintain essential digital services, affecting both operational efficiency and workforce communications.
Without stable connectivity, the team faced significant obstacles: delays in real-time data transmission, limited remote monitoring capabilities, and compromised worker safety. In an environment known for its extreme weather and isolation, the lack of a dependable network created vulnerabilities that could impact both productivity and employee well-being.
Solution
To overcome these challenges, AirBridge Networks deployed its ARNI™ Super Control solution—a purpose-built communications hub designed to deliver reliable, uninterrupted connectivity in harsh, remote environments. The system integrates Peplink and Starlink technologies to maintain consistent, high-performance network access under challenging conditions.
At the core of this tactical off-road hub is the Peplink SDX router, which aggregates connectivity from 6 Starlink Flat High Performance kits and 2 Peplink Dome Pro Duos. A Peplink SIM Injector adds carrier redundancy by enabling remote management of multiple SIM cards for the Dome Pro Duo, allowing flexible switching between cellular providers based on signal availability.
The Peplink 24-Port Switch Rugged extends the SDX’s network across site infrastructure via internal SFP fiber links, while also powering wired devices such as in-room access points. The AP One AX provides reliable Wi‑Fi 6 coverage from the trailer of the mobile hub, ensuring connectivity within the immediate area.
This integrated design provides dependable connectivity by bonding multiple WAN links using SpeedFusion. Fully portable and housed in a tactical off-road unit, the system can be easily moved between mine sites, facilitating rapid deployment and relocation as operational needs change.
Result
By integrating Peplink technologies, AirBridge Networks delivered a reliable network infrastructure that supports corporate operations. The solution enables real-time data transfer, remote monitoring, cloud applications, and video conferencing—critical tools for modern mining operations.
With uninterrupted connectivity for over 200 workers, the solution enhances not only operational continuity and safety, but also quality of life by keeping staff connected to their families. In an industry where digital isolation affects morale and retention, the solution is a transformative asset for remote mining sites.
“Connecting one of Australia’s most remote mining sites required more than just infrastructure—it demanded innovation and collaboration. Through our strategic partnership with Vocus, AirBridge Networks deployed its ARNI Super Control solution, integrating Peplink at the core and leveraging Starlink to deliver a fully autonomous, transportable communications system. This robust setup now provides reliable connectivity to over 200 workers, ensuring operational resilience in even the harshest conditions.”
Douglas Stephens, CEO, AirBridge NetworksMatt Thearle, Vocus Key Account Director QLD“The implementation of ARNI has been pivotal in transforming connectivity and employee experience at the customer’s remote mine site. With the need to support over 700 users in harsh environmental conditions coupled with demanding bandwidth loads, it was imperative that the solution be both rugged and reliable. The locally developed ARNI (built in Cairns, powered by Vocus and Starlink), is drastically changing the way remote mine operations stay connected. By integrating Peplink technology, the solution ensures seamless failover and optimised traffic performance across multiple connectivity sources—maximising uptime and resilience. This high-speed, low-latency connectivity has enabled real-time data transfer, operational stability and uninterrupted access to critical cloud-based systems. For employees (and by proxy – their families) the uplift has been equally profound supporting better access to facetime, communications, digital services providing a better work-life balance. This deployment is setting a new benchmark for what’s possible in remote resource operations. When asked again to solve these problems – the solution is easy – ARNI + Airbridge.”
Deployment
- Serves as the central router in the mobile hub
- Enables intelligent traffic shaping and prioritization
- Supports SpeedFusion for bandwidth bonding and seamless failover
- Provides 5G cellular WAN links to the SDX
- Features a rugged, outdoor-rated design for harsh mining environments
- Equipped with dual 5G cellular modems for high bandwidth
- Mounted on the trailer of the mobile hub
- Delivers reliable Wi-Fi 6 performance within the immediate area
- Provides consistent, high-speed wireless access for nearby users
- Enables remote management of multiple cellular SIMs
- Provides cellular redundancy to maximize uptime
- Supports flexible placement to assist signal optimization
- Manages wired traffic across local devices
- Extends internet connectivity into the site infrastructure via internal SFP fiber
- Powers wired peripherals, including in-room access points
