Highly effective solutions are essential to overcome communication obstacles, especially in complex environment such as on crude oil tankers, pipeline installation vessels or drilling platforms. Here are some examples
It is not easy to equip a fleet with a truly effective voice-communication system between all personnel on board, capable of eliminating any blind spots and signal loss. This is especially true in high metal reflection environments, such as crude oil tankers; it is even more difficult if the vessels are also equipped for drilling and pipeline laying.
In addition, it is imperative to eliminate the risk of fire caused by sparks accidentally generated by electronic devices for installed DECT cells and phones.
For the best results in terms of cost-effectiveness, investment in hardware and related maintenance costs must also be reduced by standardizing DECT communications across the fleet.
However, all these problems can be solved brilliantly using highly effective solutions.
• ATEX (ATmosphères EXplosives): Directive of the European Community 34/2014 for the regulation of equipment intended for use in seismic-risk zones, explosive or potentially explosive zones. Requires certification of EX protocols.
• DECT – Digital Enchanced Cordless Telecommunication: solutions with a wide range of security protocols (authentication, encryption, identification). This reduces the overall need for self-certification by reducing IT input – Information Technology and security operations.
• VIP – Very Important Point: the virtual IP (Internet Protocol) address that corresponds to a physical network interface assigned to multiple applications located in one server. Usage includes network address translation, fault tolerance and mobility.
Highly effective solutions
The installation of a DECT cordless telephone network can be realized even in highly explosive hazard environments. In particular, the use of a TECNEL ATEX enclosure for the Spectralink IP-DECT Base Station, engineered specifically for compliant use in explosive environments, and allows for the installation of IP Radio Base Stations even in hazardous areas.
Ships or cargo ships transporting hydrocarbons, mobile drilling platforms, or production sites and sites for extraction and storage of risk-explosive substances are the environments best suited for this solution.
SAIPEM extracts and transports fuels by sea by means of a large naval fleet that also includes vessels equipped for drilling, construction, heavy lifting and pipeline laying.
Given the extremely hazardous nature of the materials it handles, SAIPEM turned to TECNEL and Allnet.Italia to equip 8 of its ships with an ATEX-certified communication system capable of robustly withstanding maritime conditions in highly ferrous and thus, highly reflective environments.
- TECNEL is a specialist in integrating wireless solutions and state-of-the-art systems for mobile alarm reporting;
- Allnet.Italia distributes high-tech TECNEL systems;
- Spectralink specializes in solutions for complex environments.
These different specialist services set up a joint venture to equip the ships with 6 Spectralink 6500 physical servers, 2 VIP Virtual Server One servers, and 130 devices. The phones are a mix of Spectralink 7212 and Funkel FC4 ATEX equipment, certified by Spectralink for operation in explosive environments. TECNEL and Allnet.Italia developed the project so that the 300 Spectralink IP-DECT base stations used inside SAIPEM ships would be deployed to eliminate obstacles posed by thick iron doors, thus reducing the risk of voice interruptions or points with no connection signal.
Spectralink IP-DECT server 6500
Spectralink IP-DECT Server 6500 allows for the coverage of large geographical areas or the management of a large number of mobile users.
In fact, in the standard configuration it manages 30 users and can manage up to 4,096 devices and 1,024 base stations: as it is modular it allows for the number of devices, conversation channels, and/or expansion of the geographic coverage of the operational area to be increased.
Due to redundancy, it can be used as a load balancing cluster of 2 servers with automatic fail over. It also provides high quality and secure voice communication in all environments, while also enabling increased business efficiency through integration with application systems and business processes.
Some of the most valued features of Spectralink IP-DECT Server 6500 are:
- Microsoft Lync Server Certification
- Ease of direct connection to the LAN
- Single web portal for system administration and maintenance
- Advanced messaging features and lone worker protection with Informo IP.
- Browser configuration options
- Compatible with all Spectralink laptops
- 19” Rack Solution
Spectralink VIP-DECT SERVER ONE
Spectralink VIP-DECT SERVER ONE can solve wireless telephony requirements in indoor facilities with up to 16,000 mobile users and supports radio coverage with up to 4,096 IP radio base stations.
It can be quickly installed as a virtual appliance on existing virtual machine/hypervisor environments, eliminating the need to incorporate a new, separate hardware platform and minimizing IT security issues associated with new hardware.
The following are the Spectralink VIP-DECT SERVER ONE features:
- Virtual IP-DECT server solution designed for VM hypervisor environments.
- Interoperable with most well-known call control and Unified Communications (UC / UCaaS) platforms.
- Centralized web portal for administration and maintenance.
Spectralink 7212 DECT Handsets
Cordless Spectralink 7212 Handsets is a robust IP54 DECT phone for industrial and professional environments, equipped with speakerphone and jack connection. It offers advanced and customizable features, fast charging, and long battery life.
The Spectralink 7212 Handsets Cordless provides excellent sound quality, jack connection for earphones and speakerphone, and vibration function.
Comments on the TECNEL / Allnet.Italia / Spectralink joint venture
- SRB-IP-ATEX Radio Base Station Interface
10/100 Mbps Ethernet - Radio
RF output 20 to 24 dBm - Accuracy
Typical -90 dBm - Typical performance range
Indoor: 20-50 m
Openspace: 300 m - Electromagnetic certifications
EN 301 489-1
EN 301 489-6
FCC 47 CFR Part 15, Subpart B - Safety certifications for the E.C. market
UL62638-1 CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 62368-1
EN 62368-1 - DECT Certifications
EN 301 406 - ATEX (EX) Certifications
II 2 (1) G Ex db mb [ia Ga] IIC T6…T5 Gb
II 2 (1) D Ex mb tb [ia Da] IIIC T80°C…T100°C Db - Power supply
PoE IEEE 802.3af, Class 1 device, 2W typ - Conditions of use
Operating temperature: -10º – 40º C
Storage temperature: -50º – 70ºC
Relative humidity from 20% to 80% (non-condensing)
Maribel Ojeda Jimenez, Spectralink – Region Lead EMEA Mediterranean
What issues does the communication system created by the TECNEL – Allnet.Italia – Spectralink joint venture solve?
The partnership allows SAIPEM to equip its fleet with a communication system that ensures reliable voice communications on board without the risk of blackout zones. Typically, the highly ferrous environment of ships poses a challenge when designing communication systems in maritime environments but, by using DECT technology and effectively distributing cells, we were able to ensure crystal-clear communications on all the ships. In addition to this, the highly flammable nature of fuels carried by SAIPEM means that all systems must be ATEX compliant.
This is why TECNEL developed an enclosure for DECT cells called “SRB-IP-ATEX” to prevent dangerous sparks causing a safety issue. Finally, the Spectralink DECT solution automatically shifts from the European DECT frequency to the American DECT frequency, ensuring a seamless connection at all times.
Are there other uses for the solution proposed?
We are proud to be actively involved in the design and development of solutions for our partners’ end-customers, and all the experience Spectralink has acquired in different vertical industries also helps us in product development and design.
The maritime environment certainly poses some unique challenges due to the heavy use of iron and the change in DECT frequency assignment in international waters.
However, we find there are similar scenarios in manufacturing, for example where there are metal parts and moving machinery, and where personal safety devices and device strength are key requirements.
In future and together with Allnet.Italia and TECNEL we hope to draw from this experience.
Franco Boero, Product & Sales Manager, TECNEL
What are the strengths of the solution proposed by the TECNEL – Allnet.Italia – Spectralink joint venture?
The active cooperation between TECNEL, Allnet and Spectralink enabled us to combine the excellence and characteristic strengths of the three companies involved.
TECNEL provided technical support to end-users both in terms of choosing the best solution and in system configuration.
It also developed the “SRB-IP-ATEX,” envelope which allows Spectralink DECT cells to be used in hazardous zones and complies with ATEX regulations; a solution that had not previously existed but which SAIPEM specifically requested.
Allnet fully supported the project by optimizing logistics and material procurement, acting as a “link” between the system integration managed by TECNEL and the chosen vendor Spectralink.
Spectralink actively contributed by providing technical and product management resources useful for the development of the entire project.
Is a new joint venture project between TECNEL, Allnet.Italia and Spectralink planned?
In fact, the “joint venture” between TECNEL, Allnet and Spectralink is still very much up and running; the fruit of a collaboration which has gone from strength to strength over the years.
Thanks to the in-depth specialized know-how of the respective companies, daily dialogue and support, and the mutual exchange of knowledge regarding Spectralink solutions in both Dect and Wifi fields, we have achieved excellent results. For specific projects or requests, we share key information so that together we can deliver a solution that meets business needs.
