This paper discussed the implementation of a Trans-Horizon Microwave
Communication Link between one of the Talisman Malaysia South China Sea offshore platforms and an onshore facility in Malaysia. This communication link replaces an existing VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) system.
The platforms are located too far from any networked asset to be linked by Optical fiber or line-of-sight microwave. Apart from the high operating cost, the VSAT link has a minimum latency of 0.5 second due to the use of geo-stationary satellites and bandwidth is limited to only 4Mbits/sec. Studies have identified Digital Troposcatter as an industry proven technology offering higher data rate and minimal latency. This paper describes how the offshore platform will be used as a communication hub for the adjacent platforms.
Conventional Microwave links are impeded by the curvature of the earth, Troposcatter overcomes the earth's curvature by exploiting the natural scattering of radio signals that occurs in the low atmosphere. The scattered signal may be picked up by a high gain antenna and sensitive receiver. Digital signal processing is used to enhance the received signal and for the Troposcatter link to provide a 20Mbits/sec duplex data with Quality of Service in excess of 99.95%.
This requires the procurement and fabrication of high technology equipment, not commonly found in civilian installations, and the construction of transmitting and receiving facilities onshore and offshore.
The paper will discuss the project justification, the principles of the link and illustrate the design, procurement and engineering challenges.
