Remote Wireless Network Upgrade
Overview:
Industrial Networking Solutions (INS) improved the performance of EVX Midstream's wireless network and reengineered it for maximum expandability while reducing its data consumption by 30%. INS delivered a solution that is a critical element of EVX's future growth plan and provides the necessary tools for a central management system.
Challenge:
EVX needed to address high rates of data consumption. Its network was designed with central automation systems, which polled edge devices. This data model requires high data usage.
As a processor of midstream wastewater, EVX operates in remote locations with inconsistent cellular network coverage. As a result, it needed improved network performance and consistency in the field.
At every stage of development, INS designed the network for scalability, while improving manageability without sacrificing reliability.
Solutions:
EVX’s system was redesigned around an end-device messaging protocol called MQTT. This allowed EVX to move to a new cellular carrier and upgrade hundreds of edge devices. However, INS was able to redesign a working system during rapid expansion.
Switching to an MQTT protocol was a significant turning point in the project. This protocol effectively sends high volumes of sensor messages to cloud systems and analytics platforms only on a change of state instead of continuous polling. As a result, EVX was able to reduce its data consumption significantly.
Vendor recommendations, industry experience, and intellectual property were leveraged to develop this bespoke solution.
Edge computing, cellular networking, security, and network management services for EVX's industrial applications were provided.
Results:
INS engineered a network infrastructure with maximum scalability to support the company's continued growth. As a result, EVX Midstream has rapidly expanded its process operations and its process network. The company has evolved from one router and ten clients to a process network with 300 remote locations and 20 facility locations.
Our network provides EVX with the expandability, visibility, and management to significantly expand their business. In addition, the network now is a critical element to their future development plans and provides them with a central management system.
After many in-depth meetings with EVX, INS authored the EVX Detailed Design Specification, which is used as the standard across all facilities.
Over the past five years, INS has provided ongoing network services and support for new facilities as well as upgrades, expansions, and troubleshooting for existing locations.
