RAD Products Chosen for Major Offshore Oil Industry Voice and Data Project in Gulf of Mexico

April 11, 2005: PetroCom, a pioneer in wireless voice and data communication for the offshore oil and gas industry, has selected the Megaplex-2100 modular multiplexer and Vmux-2100 voice trunking gateway from RAD Data Communications to provide voice and data connectivity to four new multi-billion dollar oil platforms being erected by BP in the Gulf of Mexico.

BP turned to PetroCom to provide a solution that would deliver PRI for PBX connectivity, E&M for 2-way radio communications, low speed controller data, and high speed corporate WAN and Internet connectivity. RAD's Megaplex-2100 integrates the traffic while the Vmux-2100 is used to enable cost-effective IP satellite transmission

"The dense compression provided by the Vmux makes it an industry leader," stated Ken Wright, Chief Operating Officer at PetroCom. "The Vmux reduces the bandwidth requirement and minimizes the effects of latency and echo inherent in satellite circuits," Wright continues. "And the IP link with dynamic bandwidth allocation is much more efficient than a fixed-bandwidth TDM link," he adds. The ML-IP module installed in the Megaplex multiplexer enables all types of TDM traffic to be transported over the IP link.

PetroCom's service level agreement (SLA) with BP guarantees 99% system uptime for mission-critical applications and 30-second restoration if a problem occurs. The RADview network management system, which controls and manages the network and monitors network health, is therefore an important component of the RAD solution. For additional support, PetroCom relies on the RADCare Service Program. By providing 24/7 technical support, priority handling of all service calls and next-day shipment of replacement parts, RADCare enables PetroCom to offer the best possible service to the customer.

PetroCom intends to replicate the solution on two additional oil platforms that BP is planning to deploy next year. PetroCom will also assist BP in implementing this effective solution at other existing installations around the globe.