The best solution for a large offshore oil platform that needs to transmit signals between different devices with high reliability and low latency, but cannot be fully covered by existing Wi-Fi connections, is to set up a private 5G network on the platform itself. A private 5G network provides several advantages:
- High reliability and very low latency communication suitable for critical operational and safety needs.
- Better coverage and capacity than Wi-Fi, especially over large and complex offshore structures.
- Robustness against interference and harsh offshore environmental conditions.
- Ability to support a wide range of devices and applications, including real-time monitoring, control, and communication between personnel and equipment.
This approach is increasingly adopted in offshore oil and gas operations where traditional Wi-Fi coverage is insufficient, and satellite or microwave links alone do not meet latency and reliability requirements
. Additional complementary technologies often used offshore include:
- Microwave radio and satellite links for long-distance communication to shore.
- UHF/VHF radios and DECT systems for voice communication among personnel.
- Wireless sensor networks for monitoring critical parameters.
- Integration with SCADA and other control systems for real-time data access and operational control
In summary, deploying a private 5G network tailored for the offshore platform environment is the most effective solution to achieve comprehensive, low- latency, and reliable signal transmission across the entire platform where Wi- Fi coverage is inadequate.
