Remote Internet Coverage through Satellite Broadband

Abstract

Present day industries worldwide, including oil and gas sector, are going through a transition from the traditional concept of isolated operation to a more cohesive and interconnected digital transformation. The driving forces behind the transformation can be summarized as follows: -A collaborative workplace spanning multiple locations, where the processes can be synchronized through an integrated work management system-Reduced deployment of manpower to remote and hazardous locations through implementation of remote monitoring and control from a central location-Providing intelligent guidance to operation and maintenance through implementation of training, real-time troubleshooting etc.-Informed decision making through historical data, real-time video, lessons learnt etc.-Storage and mobility of data, efficient computing and distributed workload-Machine substitution of human performance (artificial intelligence, drones, robots etc.) From all these drivers, evolves the concept of Internet of Things (IoT). On the field side, the idea of IoT means to deploy web-enabled devices having unique addressable identity. A plethora of such field instruments, devices, machines, processes and people then need to be interconnected over internet through a robust and reliable telecom infrastructure to make such integrated platform happen. Therefore, on the backbone side, this complex mesh of interconnectivity largely depends on the availability of a feasible and practical communication media. Providing a viable communication media becomes more challenging with the constraints of locations involved – their remoteness, difficult terrains, prevalent hazardous atmosphere, to name a few. The objective of this paper is to present one such communication scheme through VSAT, which is easy to deploy, economically viable, scalable with growing demand and based on emerging technology of private satellite communication. For the sake of objectivity, this paper discusses most of the scenarios with an offshore oil and gas field, although the idea can be generalized to apply on other sectors and industries.