OCN Communications Container: Remote Site Communications Infrastructure

The Challenge

Glencore’s Oaky Creek operation needed a self-contained communications container to support 24/7 surveillance and data transmission from a remote mining site. The system had to operate independently for 2–3 days without sunlight, handle Australian summer temperatures exceeding 45°C, and reliably power mission-critical equipment including wireless radios, network cameras, and managed switching infrastructure.

Our Approach

Deftec designed a compact 11×11 ft solar-powered container solution combining Ubiquiti wireless and network infrastructure with precision power management. The system integrated a dual-panel solar array, oversized battery storage with Victron charging equipment, climate control with thermostat-monitored cooling, and a managed EdgeSwitch network to drive the AF5-U full-duplex radio link and dual HikVision day/night surveillance cameras. Load calculations were performed across all 24/7 equipment to ensure the power budget—approximately 190W continuous draw—could be sustained across extended cloudy periods.

The Outcome

The container delivered reliable remote communications and surveillance capability with 3-day energy autonomy, enabling Glencore’s IT team to monitor the Oaky Creek site without dependency on grid infrastructure or frequent maintenance visits. The integrated thermal management ensured equipment longevity in harsh conditions, while the managed network backbone provided bandwidth efficiency and remote diagnostics.

Technologies & Capabilities

• Ubiquiti airFiber AF5-U full-duplex point-to-point wireless radio
• Ubiquiti EdgeSwitch S16 managed network switching (54V DC POE)
• HikVision 6MP day/night bullet cameras with 120dB WDR and 50m IR range
• Solar photovoltaic system with dual 250W panels
• Battery energy storage with Victron charging regulation
• DC-to-AC inverter for mixed-voltage equipment loads
• Enclosure thermal management with 48VDC filtered fan and thermostat control
• Power budget analysis and load calculation engineering
• Stainless steel ventilation hoods for corrosion resistance in outdoor environments