Energy, Oil & Gas Magazine EOG 216 | Page 13

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Safety they can only connect to one access point at a time . This means that if an access point fails , all communication nodes connected to that access point are disconnected from the network , making all access points a potential risk for operational shutdown .
A mesh network comprising several nodes automatically transmits data via the fastest and most stable paths . Mesh networks can easily scale up and down quickly by adding or removing nodes . The data traveling across the web can be seamlessly rerouted depending on the bandwidth needs , signal strength , or competing traffic . Having a network with machine-to-machine connectivity is a huge bonus . With each mobile asset equipped with a node , the mobile robots remain connected to the network , with no dropouts experienced .
Al Rivero
become even more critical as the industry moves towards unmanned facilities .
A high-capacity wireless network that supports reliable , real-time data delivery to and from the array of onboard sensors within these autonomous systems is paramount . It can aid in the precise diagnosis of equipment problems and provide efficient fixes . Advanced wireless mesh networks are unique in delivering consistent , reliable coverage across any space , regardless of the environment ’ s size , topography , physical obstacles , radio frequency traffic , and weather conditions .
Operators often experience difficulties securing a reliable connection by conventional means , such as deploying Long-Term Evolution ( LTE ) or 5G technology . Public cellular networks often need more reliability , availability , latency , and security than mission-critical services in oil and gas require . As some mobile devices lack infrastructure capabilities ,
Unwavering connectivity
Each asset has an unwavering connection with real-time functions , such as remote monitoring and enhanced video security , always enabled , allowing for maximized production and safety on an oil rig or gas production site . By utilizing and installing wireless network technology in the hazardous environments of a robust production site , operators can achieve continuous connectivity for the entire plant and expand the range of activities its personnel can undertake . ■
For a list of the sources used in this article , please contact the editor .
Al Rivero www . rajant . com
Al Rivero is VP of Sales ( Global Energy ) at Rajant Corporation , the broadband communications technology company that invented Kinetic Mesh ® networking , BreadCrumb ® wireless nodes , and InstaMesh ® networking software . With Rajant , customers can rapidly deploy a highly adaptable and scalable network that leverages the power of real-time data to deliver ondemand , mission-critical business intelligence .
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