Redline Communications Group Inc will deploy SmartLink connectivity for a large digital oilfield project of Petroleum Development Oman (PDO).

Redline is partnering with Oman Fiber Optic Co, a regional integrator who will coordinate the implementation of the system as well as provide project management, logistics and human resources management for the deployment.

SmartLink involves the full bi-directional communication-integration between the corporate layer and the field layers for oil and gas fields. Data and information flow seamlessly both ways, providing a full picture of what’s happening in the field and how it is impacting the finances of the oil field operator.

Redline’s award-winning AN80i and newly released RDL-3000 products will be the cornerstone of a system that will connect over 5,000 well heads, rigs, semi-mobile units and gathering stations, providing reliable and resilient data gathering from drilling units, remote stations and well heads. It will also support advanced services like video surveillance and offer voice and wireless data services to mobile field maintenance crews.

‘Unique ability’
“Oil fields are very complex operations, and Redline’s products were unique in their ability to provide flexible coverage over a vast and inhospitable area. Their powerful solution allowed us to provide a robust and reliable industrial-grade offering,” said Al Barashdy, CEO of Oman Fiber. “Also important was Redline’s emphasis on software, which allows us to customise the system to meet a wide range of applications - from Scada to video surveillance to office automation applications - with quality of service controls and a level of security that went well beyond what we expected.”

A mixture of RDL-3000 and AN80i products will help meet the demands of a number of varied applications and add capacity and speed as the system grows to deliver secure high-speed, low-latency connectivity.

The project has accomplished the first product deliveries before the end of 2010. Other deliveries will be rolled out over the next 22 months.

“The needs of a sophisticated digital oil field are incredibly varied. Providing the optimal connections between people, machines and technology means that the system will operate efficiently and reliably” said Eric Melka, Redline’s CEO. “We are pleased to be an integral component of this deployment, and we’re honoured to have been chosen by Oman Fiber to participate by delivering the powerful performance, high reliability and versatility that our products are known for.”

Strategic win
Redline considers this to be a strategic win in a major industry focus segment, the oil and gas market.

Muscat-based Fiber Optic Co manufactures cables for long-haul backbone communication links, LAN networks, video transmission and cable TV, traffic signalling, FTTH solutions, security systems and defence and speciality applications.

Prime shareholders include Oman Telecommunications Company, Gulf Investment Corporation of Kuwait, Dr Omar AI-Zawawi Establishment, Oman & Emirates Investment Holding Company and the general public.

Customers include Siemens AG, Marconi Communications International Limited, Ericsson, Nexans, Anixter, and leading PTTs in the Middle East.