Redline Communications and infrastructure specialist AlanDick have announced a multipoint WiMAX network deployment at sea. Redline, a provider of broadband wireless equipment, will deploy a system to be used by Pemex to establish high-speed WiMAX connections on board 11 off-shore oil rig platforms in the Gulf of Mexico.


Pemex, a major Mexican oil company, owns 11 oil production platforms located up to 10 miles offshore from Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche. The platforms span an average of six miles between each platform.

The new 3.4 GHz WiMAX network uses double redundancy components and systems at all points in the network so that environmental interference is minimized, as this could significantly impact data throughput and link reliability.

The Redline RedMAX family of WiMAX solutions features a carrier-class RedMAX Base Station with support for voice, video and prioritized data traffic, which enables long-range, high-capacity wireless broadband networks. Products also include the RedMAX Indoor Subscriber Unit and Outdoor Subscriber Unit, which are designed for enterprise and residential services. The RedMAX Management Suite offers operators the ability to monitor and control the network for high service availability.

“This project represents the world’s first WiMAX network deployment to an oil rig cluster, and the first major WiMAX network in Mexico,” said John Oliver, AlanDick group marketing manager for broadband technology. “After a thorough review of available technologies, we selected Redline’s RedMAX equipment to provide the reliable, secure, high-throughput links that Pemex needs. WiMAX’s inherent flexibility, coupled with the high performance of the Redline RedMAX kit used in the project, has allowed Pemex to make the right choice in terms of technology, hardware and, of course, system integrator.”

“AlanDick’s WiMAX knowledge and technical capabilities have positioned the company among the world leaders in driving WiMAX deployments for companies in a wide range of industries and environments,” said Kevin Suitor, vice president, marketing and business development, Redline Communications. “This ‘world first’ WiMAX network oil rig deployment demonstrates the breadth of AlanDick’s expertise and the robustness and reliability of Redline’s RedMAX systems.”

“Redline’s RedMAX products support several different data modulation schemes to deliver an unmatched combination of range, capacity, security, and reliability, even in very challenging environments like those found in the Gulf of Mexico. RedMAX is an ideal solution for off-shore oil rig deployments where the distances and variable, often hostile, weather conditions test the performance limitations of any communications technology,” said Suitor.

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Laura Stotler writes about IP Communications and related topics for TMCnet. She has covered VoIP and related technologies for seven years, contributing to Internet Telephony magazine and TMCnet, and as a freelance writer. To see more articles, please visit: Laura Stotler’s columnist page.