RigNet Uses Firetide Wireless Multi-Service Mesh to Extend Oil and Gas Rig Networks
Posted on: Tuesday, 24 October 2006, 09:00 CDT
LOS GATOS, Calif. and HOUSTON, Oct. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Firetide Inc., a developer of wireless multi-service mesh technology, today announced that RigNet, a leading provider of data and communications services for the petroleum industry, has installed over 100 industrial wireless mesh networks on oil and natural gas rigs around the world. The mesh networks provide highly secure wireless network extensions on the rigs where conventional network cabling is otherwise difficult or impossible to install.
"It is extremely difficult to lay cabling on these rigs," said Curtis McGee, RigNet Vice President of Business Development. "With Firetide's mesh we can eliminate the outdoor cabling altogether and extend our networks by simply installing wireless mesh nodes instead. And unlike other solutions that require Wi-Fi for access, the Firetide solution provides standard Ethernet connectivity over the wireless mesh, so any network device and all of our network services can operate wirelessly without costly reconfiguration. The mesh is totally transparent to our system and operates the same way as our wired networks."
Compared to many enterprises, network security is much more stringent in oil and gas rigs and transitioning to wireless was a major concern for RigNet. "We worked closely with Firetide to ensure that their mesh network could meet our added security requirements," said McGee. "They have done a thorough job answering our concerns and even added additional security that goes beyond the needs of most industrial environments."
Because Firetide multi-service mesh networks allow any network device or application to operate over its wireless infrastructure, system integrators can deploy concurrent video, voice, and data wirelessly to any location. The mesh is self-forming and self-healing to ease setup and installation, while management tools enable sophisticated network tuning, monitoring and network control.
"We are pleased to work with RigNet to provide a reliable and secure infrastructure solution for a variety of applications and sites for the oil and gas market," said Bo Larsson, CEO of Firetide. "Mesh networks provide the best infrastructure solution for industrial environments where cable installation is not a practical option. Oil rigs are large industrial structures that create many line-of-sight challenges for conventional point- to-point wireless links. The Firetide mesh automatically creates multiple, redundant paths that allow data to go around any obstacle, and makes the network very reliable and easy to install."
Currently, Firetide mesh networks are operating in more than 100 RigNet installations, primarily for LAN and VLAN extension throughout oil and gas rig structures. Although RigNet initially investigated using wireless work group bridges, the company chose the Firetide mesh solution for its added features and robust security.
For more information about Firetide, visit http://www.firetide.com/. For more information about RigNet, visit http://www.rig.net/.
About Firetide Inc.
Firetide is the leading provider of multi-service mesh networks that enable concurrent video, voice, and data for municipal, public safety, and enterprise applications. Firetide HotPort mesh nodes and HotPoint access points provide a secure, high performance wireless infrastructure and access solution for video surveillance, Internet access, public safety networks, and temporary networks wherever rapid deployment, mobility, and easy of installation are required. The company's patented AutoMesh flow-based routing protocol optimizes network performance and capacity for high bandwidth and latency sensitive applications. Headquartered in Los Gatos, California, Firetide is a privately held company with worldwide product distribution. For more information, visit http://www.firetide.com/.
About RigNet
RigNet provides broadband, plug-and-play data, communication services to offshore rigs, land rigs, and remote locations that drastically enhance communications and decision-making capabilities, save time, and reduce costs. RigNet is serving its global oil and gas customers from service centers in Houston, Singapore, Norway, and through a network of alliances and partners worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.rig.net/.
Copyright 2006 Firetide Inc. Firetide, HotPort, AutoMesh, and Multi- Service Mesh Networks are trademarks of Firetide Inc.
Firetide, Inc.
CONTACT: Mike Downes of Firetide, Inc., +1-808-387-2181 ormdownes@firetide.com; Dominic Ybarra of A&R Edelman, +1-650-762-2960 ordominic.ybarra@edelman.com, for Firetide; or Jerry Daman of RigNet,+1-281-674-0711 or jerry.daman@rig.net
Web site: http://www.firetide.com/
Source: PRNewswire
Related Articles
- i-wireless Launches New Service Enrollment Offering Directly on the Mobile Phone with Telespree Self-Service Solution
- GigaFin Networks Adds Next Generation Denial-of-Service Protection to Network Analysis and Remediation Solutions
- Sprint Selects Nokia Siemens Networks to Deploy Its Subscriber Data Management Solution for Sprint's WiMAX Broadband Network Services
- Key Wireless Ad-Hoc Mesh Network Technology to Be Sold at Ocean Tomo April Live Auction
- Embarq Chooses NewStep Networks for Converged Services Solution
- Sonus Networks and Atreus Systems Launch Self-Service Solution for VoIP and IMS-Based Offerings
- Faster, Cheaper ATM Transactions at More Locations--Innobeta Systems Selects Ventus Networks for Secure Wireless Services
- Xtend Networks, MasTec Partner on Deployment of Commercial Services Solutions for Cable
- Veraz Networks Showcases NGN Network and Subscriber Services Solutions
- A4 Health Systems Selects Sprint and Nortel Networks for Converged Voice, Data, Wireless Contact Center Services
 |
 |
User Comments (0)
RSS Feeds