Photo: RigNet

[Via Satellite 04-10-2015] RigNet has signed a three-year contract with a Norwegian international midwater drilling contractor to deliver managed network communications solutions on a semi-submersible offshore drilling rig in the North Sea. Through this contract, RigNet is delivering a fully-managed end-to-end IP network solution using Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) technology for last-mile connectivity.

The solution includes crew Wi-Fi, Voice over IP (VoIP), enterprise data, and Internet access services supported by 24/7 network monitoring and support from RigNet’s Network Operations Center (NOC). If required the customer will also receive local field technician support, with backhaul to the company’s offices via Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) connection. The end user experience is improved through a Wide-Area Network (WAN) optimization service powered by Riverbed Steelhead appliances.