Smart Oil Industry Networking and Power Supply Solution

I. Demand Overview

With the rapid development of China’s national economy, the issue of oil shortage has increasingly become a core aspect of China’s energy security and an important part of national security. In 2022, China’s crude oil output reached 204.6 million tons, and natural gas output was approximately 220 billion cubic meters, with annual growth exceeding 10 billion cubic meters for six consecutive years. Meanwhile, China imported 508.3 million tons of crude oil in 2022, resulting in an import dependency rate of 77.1%. While adhering to the principle of relying on domestic production, China will continue to implement the “Going Global” strategy and strengthen cooperative development of overseas oil and gas resources. Domestic oil and gas production, however, remains the foundation of China’s energy security strategy.

The oil and petrochemical industry possesses unique characteristics. Coupled with rapid business development in recent years and the pursuit of higher efficiency and more reliable safety, numerous enterprises engaged in oil and gas exploration, production, refining, transportation, storage, and sales have raised higher requirements for digitalization and intelligence.

The oil and petrochemical industry comprises a wide range of enterprises and institutions, including exploration companies, drilling companies, refineries, chemical companies, power generation companies, transportation companies, pipeline companies, and sales companies. Each operates with distinct business scopes, leading to varying demands for digital and intelligent production. Consequently, numerous IT and automation companies serving the industry have competed to propose solutions for “digital oilfields” and “intelligent petroleum.” However, there is no consensus on the exact definition of digital or intelligent petroleum. The only widely accepted view within the industry is that intelligence and digitalization represent an inevitable trend in the production and management of the oil sector.

Although no definitive conclusion has been reached on the precise meaning of “intelligent” or “digital petroleum,” the core essence of their design should be to integrate existing mature IT and automation technologies to the greatest extent possible, appropriately adopt advanced and cutting-edge technologies, and optimize the production and management levels of oil enterprises. Based on years of experience in the oil and petrochemical industry, Guoxin Longxin has launched a series of “Smart Petroleum” solutions, aiming to provide the most reliable wireless network and new energy power support for the construction of intelligent oilfield systems.

II. Advantageous Products

Guoxin Longxin has long provided customized product and solution services for intelligent and digital projects of users in oil and gas production, storage, transportation, and other fields. Multiple series of wireless communication products and lithium battery-solar power supply systems have been widely adopted by major domestic oilfield companies. The core advantageous products fall into three categories:

1. Wireless Communication ─ Solving the “Network Access Difficulty”

1) Wireless Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) Private Network

Most oilfields and gas fields are located in remote rural areas, deserts, or offshore regions. Under such natural conditions, the cost of wireless networking is often a fraction of that of wired optical cable solutions, and sometimes even just a small portion. However, ordinary wireless equipment cannot meet the operational requirements in such harsh environments, primarily due to insufficient communication distance, inadequate link bandwidth, unreliable stability, and lack of support for networking features.

Wiring in oil and gas production sites is extremely challenging. Whether in plains, mountains, or islands, optical cables are not only costly but also vulnerable to damage. Wireless transmission has thus become the mainstream solution. Oil production sites typically feature harsh environments (extreme temperatures, thunderstorms, ice, snow, etc.) and poor transportation access. If a product’s key indicators and quality fail to meet requirements, frequent malfunctions will not only affect the normal operation of the system but also lead to a significant increase in later operation and maintenance costs. Compared with professional iMAX 5G wireless MAN communication systems, “wireless bridges” based on WiFi technology are inferior in terms of performance indicators such as communication distance, bandwidth stability, and multi-service bearing capacity, as well as quality and reliability. These factors are the most important reasons why numerous oil industry users choose Guoxin Longxin’s iMAX wireless MAN system.

What are the characteristics of Guoxin Longxin’s iMAX Wireless Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) Private Network Communication System?

The iMAX Wireless Communication System is a “private network” communication system that enables independent networking without relying on typical operator infrastructure. Designed to construct wireless urban private networks or address ultra-long-distance network interconnection in outdoor environments, all series offer exceptional communication distances. The system supports essential MAN networking technologies such as VLAN, bridging, routing, and firewalls, and can seamlessly integrate with fiber-optic networks to build highly reliable hot-standby redundancy or ring networks. Among them, the iMAX-6000 series serves as the core backbone network, while the iMAX-8000S, iMAX-8000H, and other series function as edge access networks.

Communication Distance: Under line-of-sight conditions, even the smallest iMAX 5G dedicated communication system with an integrated antenna can easily achieve coverage with a radius of 10 kilometers in point-to-multipoint mode. In point-to-point mode, the maximum distance reaches 100 kilometers, making it ideal for ultra-long-distance communication and networking in islands, mountainous areas, and deserts.
Transmission Bandwidth: The iMAX-8000H is a 600Mbps point-to-multipoint wireless MAN communication system; the iMAX-8000S is a 100Mbps system with high reliability and cost-effectiveness; and the iMAX-6000 is a point-to-point system with bandwidth options of 150/300/600Mbps.
Multi-Service Capabilities: The iMAX Wireless MAN System can be integrated with metropolitan backbone networks and fully supports the mixed transmission of multiple media types, including data, video, and voice. Rich network features such as RSTP, VLAN, VPN, QoS, software firewalls, and dynamic routing protocols ensure “convergence of multiple networks” for diverse user services. Its wide frequency range and high bandwidth guarantee reliable support for bandwidth-intensive applications, especially video services (e.g., security monitoring, video conferencing).
MAN Features: In addition to ultra-long communication distances, the system supports MAN technologies such as routing and firewalls, significantly increasing device capacity. It can be configured with “load balancing + hot-standby ring network” through technologies like wireless ring networks, VRRP virtual hot-standby routing, and multi-link data mirroring, achieving reliability comparable to or even exceeding that of fiber-optic MANs.

The iMAX Wireless Communication System is a true wireless private network solution designed specifically for building wireless MANs. Its reliability and stability have earned widespread user recognition, making it the optimal communication method for networking oilfield stations, well sites, pipelines, and other facilities in the petroleum industry.

2) 4G/5G Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) Virtual Private Network

Does Guoxin Longxin offer 4G/5G and other WWAN solutions?

For cross-provincial/municipal networking scenarios where wireless MANs are insufficient, in addition to leasing dedicated lines from telecom operators, secure interconnection of remote networks can be achieved through hardware VPN + SD-CX cloud exchange technology. The topology diagram of Guoxin Longxin’s WWAN solution is as follows:

A cloud computing platform, also known as a cloud platform, refers to a service built on hardware and software resources that provides computing, networking, and storage capabilities. Cloud computing platforms can be categorized into three types: storage-oriented cloud platforms focusing on data storage, computing-oriented cloud platforms centered on data processing, and integrated cloud computing platforms that balance both computing and data storage/processing. With the development of cloud computing, nearly every enterprise is already using or planning to adopt cloud computing, which operates through three distinct cloud models: public cloud, private cloud, and hybrid cloud.

If the cloud is “in the sky,” how to connect “on-the-ground” businesses to the cloud? Public clouds typically utilize the Internet, most commonly via operator-provided broadband access. For private clouds, VPN or dedicated line access is preferred—common options include dedicated lines from telecom operators, or self-built fiber-optic or wireless private networks by users. Thanks to its dedicated nature and isolation from the public network, a private network offers significantly higher connection bandwidth, reliability, and security compared to regular broadband. Both public and private clouds face the challenge of how to connect edge nodes to the cloud.

The iMWB-5GW1000 is the first 5G multi-mode wireless gateway system under the iMWB brand. It simultaneously supports 5G Wide Area Network (SA & NSA) and WiFi 6 Wireless Local Area Network coverage (2.4GHz & 5.8GHz), and is equipped with 2 Ethernet ports, serving as an edge VPN access gateway for cloud exchange platforms. Leveraging WiFi 6 wireless technology to deliver high bandwidth, high reliability, and high capacity, it also supports 5G network access via telecom operators’ public networks, providing users with more flexible and optimal wireless networking solutions.

The iMAX-4GW300 series 4G Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) dual-mode wireless gateway system is a powerful tool for connecting cloud computing edge nodes to the cloud. Supporting both iMAX wireless MAN technology and 4G LTE technology, the iMAX-4GW300 is equipped with multiple Ethernet ports, serving as a multi-network convergence gateway. In terms of wireless communication, it not only leverages wireless private network technology to deliver high bandwidth, high reliability, and high capacity but also supports 4G LTE network access via telecom operators’ public networks, providing users with more flexible and optimal wireless networking solutions.

In terms of ensuring security and stability, the primary reliance is on Virtual Private Network (VPN) technology. VPN technology enables the establishment of a “private network” over a “public network” (or an encrypted tunnel on a private network to enhance security) for encrypted communication. It mainly relies on tunnel encryption protocols, with typical ones including PPTP, L2TP, and IPSec. Guoxin Longxin’s solution is constructed based on the “VPN server + VPN gateway” model, which primarily utilizes embedded hardware VPN devices. Undoubtedly, this approach provides superior reliability and security for remote management and maintenance, making it highly suitable for scenarios such as vehicle-mounted monitoring, remote network management, and equipment maintenance in the petroleum industry.

For remote multi-site networking across different locations, cloud platform-based Internet solutions offer the highest cost-effectiveness and adaptability. Petroleum enterprises can choose private clouds, public clouds, or hybrid clouds, and integrate scattered operational sites into a virtual private network over a wide area network (WAN) through VPN tunnel encryption technology.

2. Lithium Battery Solar Power System – Solving the “Power Supply Difficulty”

In petroleum production, storage, transportation, and pipeline sites, accessing electricity is sometimes a major challenge when constructing IT facilities such as monitoring points and data collection points. Wired power supply not only incurs high costs but also poses safety hazards. Except for a few specific locations, wired power transmission is unsuitable for most scenarios. Therefore, the optimal power supply solution for such cases is Guoxin Longxin’s iPower2000 new energy power supply system, which leverages environmentally friendly solar energy to address power needs.

The iPower2000 lithium battery solar power supply system is a reliable and secure off-grid power solution. It is highly convenient for application in outdoor environments such as islands, mountainous areas, forests, scenic spots, and water conservancy projects. Aligning with green and environmentally friendly construction concepts, it resolves power supply issues for scattered devices in outdoor settings, including wireless network systems, video monitoring points, and IP sensors. Boasting advantages such as a simple structure, compact size, light weight, and long service life, the safety of its lithium iron phosphate battery cells is unparalleled by other lithium batteries, making it an ideal choice for long-term power supply in the construction of outdoor IT systems.

3. Customized Mobile Surveillance System – Enabling “Mobile Monitoring”

Guoxin Longxin’s years of experience in the mobile communication industry and technical reserves in IP HD video streaming technology form the fundamental guarantee for customizing mobile surveillance terminals. Vehicle-mounted (ship-mounted, airborne) surveillance points support real-time mobility, characterized by high movement speed and the need for targeted design based on different carriers. Portable mobile video surveillance point systems and movable surveillance point systems are customized products developed by Guoxin Longxin to meet specific user needs, serving as a powerful supplement to fixed-point surveillance systems. Drone and robot surveillance points are similar to vehicle-mounted ones but require more professional design due to higher requirements for size, weight, and power consumption – standard IP cameras and wireless communication devices cannot meet these demands. Individual soldier systems and glasses-type individual soldier surveillance systems mainly realize local storage of real-time video and audio from personnel and enable real-time network transmission within the target’s movement range.

1) Vehicle-mounted (Ship-mounted, Airborne) Mobile Surveillance Points for Petroleum Equipment

The petroleum industry utilizes numerous specialized vehicles, ships, and airborne (specialized machinery) as temporary front-end communication nodes or even temporary command centers. These typically require one-way or even two-way data, audio, and video communication, making the wireless mobile terminals installed on-board crucial.

The most common type is vehicle-mounted mobile points. Taking oil fracturing trucks as an example, Guoxin Longxin’s 4G dual-mode wireless gateway can effectively address their networking needs for mobile surveillance.

2) Portable Mobile Video Surveillance Points

Portable mobile point systems and detachable surveillance point systems adopt a “nomadic” mobility mode, serving as an effective supplement to fixed surveillance points in temporary mobile deployment scenarios. The physical diagram of the detachable mobile surveillance point integrated with an IP HD camera and iMAX wireless CPE is as follows: (Supports wall-mounted and pole-mounted deployment)

Both Guoxin Longxin’s iPMVS Portable Surveillance Point System and iCMVS Detachable Surveillance Point System consist of an IP HD video surveillance camera, an iMAX wireless MAN terminal or 4G dual-mode gateway, a high-performance lithium battery host, a waterproof case, and a supporting tripod. An NVR (Network Video Recorder) and hard disk are also optional. Despite their comprehensive functionality, the systems can be neatly packed into cases and relocated on demand. Through integrated professional design, the systems can adapt to outdoor working conditions (such as rain resistance, high and low temperatures) while addressing HD video surveillance, power supply, and IP network connectivity—making them ideal for temporarily setting up emergency video surveillance points.

3) UAV-Mounted Video Access Terminal

The Flybird100 UAV Terminal is a custom-developed video transmission system exclusively for drones, tailored to DJI M300 by our company. Its typical operating frequency is 1400MHz (customizable for all frequencies below 2.4GHz). When paired with a suitable base station and a customized omnidirectional antenna, the measured maximum video transmission distance exceeds 20 kilometers under line-of-sight conditions—specifically, a typical base station covers a radius of 20 kilometers, with a single base station capable of covering 30-40 kilometers. This product features a compact size, light weight, and low power consumption, and is equipped with a dedicated mounting bracket for the DJI M300, enabling easy installation and removal. The device is equipped with professional aviation plug jumpers to connect to DJI’s dedicated OSDK interface, simultaneously solving power supply and video collection needs. The product appearance is as follows:

he Flybird100 supports low-frequency MESH technology. The centerless mesh network technology effectively addresses service roaming issues and expands the UAV’s operational radius. The system supports communication on the move, enabling adaptation to high-speed mobile operations of UAVs.

Note: For UAVs of different brands from other manufacturers, direct access is possible if they support Ethernet interfaces. Alternatively, we can conduct in-depth joint development by leveraging provided data interfaces to achieve network connectivity. For specific details, refer to the article “Why Is the Flybird Wireless Private Network Indispensable for UAV Applications?”

III. System Solutions

Numerous enterprises in the petroleum industry are among the most suitable users of wireless access and interconnection solutions, with their application scenarios being highly representative:

1. Oilfield-Specific Wireless Network Access System

When constructing systems such as video surveillance, data collection, or operational machinery monitoring and dispatching at petroleum production sites, a highly reliable dedicated system is required for edge network access. The 5G iMAX wireless private network system is the optimal solution. Boasting high reliability, strong confidentiality, and multi-purpose private network capabilities, it is the preferred choice for the construction of petroleum IT and intelligent control systems.

2. Wireless WiFi Coverage at Operational Sites

Integrating the petroleum industry’s needs for mobile office, broadband Internet access, and data, voice, and video communication for operational machinery, the 4th-generation specialized WiFi coverage systems (iSAP-2450S Series) and iMAX-ACG600 Series MAN WiFi dual-mode wireless gateway systems are deployed to provide WiFi hotspot access in operational areas. Various information and media access are enabled via WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), such as transmission of operational machinery control data, mobile office via laptops, and more. The specialized WiFi base stations, derived from telecom operator technology, feature an all-outdoor integrated design with ultra-long coverage distance, strong anti-interference capability, and excellent Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) performance—making them the optimal choice for wireless coverage in operational areas.

In particular, the iMAX-ACG600 Series, with its dual-mode architecture supporting both iMAX wireless MAN technology and WiFi coverage, not only simultaneously addresses WiFi coverage and backhaul connectivity from AP nodes to the backbone network (completely eliminating reliance on optical cables) but also functions as a CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) for wireless MAN to enable networking of services such as video surveillance, broadcasting, and data acquisition/control. It is truly a model of the “multi-network convergence” application mode.

3. Vehicle-Mounted Wireless Video Surveillance System for Petroleum Machinery

For operational vehicles belonging to managers and regulators of petroleum operational areas, network interconnection is required to facilitate the command center in retrieving information and storing real-time video recordings of on-site operations. During emergency response to unexpected incidents, there is an urgent need to address the issue of on-board video backhaul from the scene. Based on the prior application experience of petroleum industry operational vehicles (such as communication vehicles, instrument vehicles, cementing trucks, batch mixing trucks, fracturing trucks, coiled tubing units, etc.), Guoxin Longxin has integrated wireless network technology, networked digital audio-video technology, and intelligent control technology to custom-launch the Vehicle-Mounted Wireless Video Transmission System for Petroleum Machinery. Tailored to user requirements (e.g., capacity, distance), the system provides the most practical solution designed specifically for individual user needs.

4. Comprehensive Informatization Solution for Field Operation Teams

The petroleum industry involves long-term field operations, and informatization for field teams such as exploration teams and drilling teams has always been a major challenge. To address this, Guoxin Longxin has specially designed a comprehensive informatization solution for field operation teams. Integrating satellite communication, broadband wireless, and WiFi wireless coverage, the solution enables cross-regional and even transnational remote communication, providing reliable support for the work and living information needs of field operation teams in the petroleum industry.

5. Comprehensive Monitoring Solution for Oil and Gas Transmission Pipelines

Oil and gas transmission pipelines are the backbone of energy supply and even national energy security. Given the pipelines stretch for hundreds or thousands of miles, monitoring and supervision pose a significant challenge—among which, the most intractable issues are power supply and network connectivity for monitoring points. The seamless integration of Guoxin Longxin’s iMAX wireless Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) system and iPOWER lithium battery new energy system is hailed as the “golden combination” for constructing IT information points in harsh outdoor environments like oil and gas pipelines. The topology diagram of a typical oil and gas pipeline monitoring system is as follows:

6. UAV Inspection Solution

In recent years, UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) inspection has been introduced for oil and gas transmission pipelines or operational areas, playing a unique role in ensuring the safety of oil and gas production, storage, and transportation. Guoxin Longxin’s customized wireless communication system based on low-frequency MESH technology (typical frequencies: 1.4GHz or 1.8GHz) is highly suitable for such applications. The schematic diagram of a typical UAV pipeline inspection wireless private network solution is as follows:

The Flybird brand Wireless MESH Communication-on-the-Move (COTM) system adopts mesh ad-hoc network technology to meet the requirements of ad-hoc networking, high bandwidth, non-line-of-sight (NLOS) communication, and communication-on-the-move in ultra-long-distance scenarios. It can realize real-time transmission of high-speed wireless network data “during high-speed movement” and “under non-line-of-sight conditions,” making it the optimal choice for completing one-way and two-way TCP/IP network integrated services such as voice, data, and image transmission “during movement and in blocked environments.” It is an ideal remote command COTM wireless system for users in special industries.

Based on the needs of system integrator partners or end-users in the petroleum industry, Guoxin Longxin has customized numerous wireless private network (or virtual private network) and new energy power supply system solutions. Due to space limitations, they are not elaborated on one by one here. Partners with needs can provide specific requirements, and we will customize the safest, most reliable, stable, and cost-effective solutions accordingly.

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