VSAT and other Communications Solutions for
Energy Transmission

 

Minimize downtime and reduce truck rolls for remote network sites

Uplogix Automated Remote Management (ARM) solutions reduce the cost, complexity and risk of managing SCADA-based networks. This includes the variety of communications methods ranging from v.92, cellular, microwave and VSAT that are used for backhaul of data to the operations center.

Due to the remote nature of most network nodes, the basic infrastructure supporting the location is often less than desirable. Power is often interrupted, leaving the operator of a SCADA network wondering if a problem was caused by a power failure or malfunction of a communication or SCADA device. A field technician usually has to drive to the site and evaluate the problem, ensuring extended downtime. Extremely remote sites, such as those in mountain ranges, are only accessible during seasonal windows, and may require a helicopter ride to reach the site, which can be an extremely costly and sometimes risky proposition.

 

 

Key Benefits and Capabilities

• Reduces Costs and Improves Availability by automating recovery from network outages, service disruptions and equipment failures. Routine maintenance tasks such as provisioning services or reconfiguring devices can also be automated, resulting in lower on-site support costs and shortened maintenance cycles. Manages power controllers enabling remote system reboots.
• Enforces Security Standards and Compliance Auditing even during network outages
• Provides Constant Access to the distributed IT infrastructure by operating both in-band and out-of-band to ensure always-up availability and secure management
• Delivers In-depth, System Monitoring, Alerting and Reporting by performing real-time, console-based monitoring and management of both IP-based applications and RS-232 communications
• Simplifies Management Complexity by centralizing the administration and control of enterprise-wide, IT management tasks, and integrates seamlessly with existing system monitoring and management systems

GE MDS Microwave Radios

As a foundation for data backhaul in many SCADA and distributed industrial applications, GE MDS 900 radios are now supported in RMOS 4.0 with an advanced driver. GE mobile data solution radios were designed for long-range communication networks across remote environments, making their standard use case an ideal deployment for Uplogix as well. Uplogix Automated Remote Management appliances reduce the number of service visits through automated support actions and secure out-of-band access to remote devices.

Learn more about Uplogix in the Energy industry.

One example of Uplogix support for GE MDS would be deployment across an oil pipeline SCADA network crossing thousands of miles and hundreds of monitoring stations. Data gathered for flow rate, temperature and more needs to be reliably reported back to the operations center, meaning the devices at the stations need to work. Uplogix appliances connect to managed devices including the GE MDS radios, and provide local control and a reliable management connection to devices. This enables fewer truck rolls, greater uptime, and in cases when a site visit is required, better information on the exact problem that the technician will find.

Heterogeneous device support

Uplogix supports a variety of satellite modems and antenna controllers, in addition to tradtional networking devices. Some products common in oil and gas deployments with advanced support include:

Irridium iDirect Comtech

NDSatcom Inmarsat