SWiG Releases Optical Modem Interoperability Standard for Subsea Systems

Oil and gas industry network Subsea Wireless Group has released a new industry specification for free-space optical communications, providing a common protocol for modems from different manufacturers. The standard, SWiGoptical Level 1, defines a protocol to satisfy interoperability and interchangeability requirements for subsea optical communication devices. It supports applications including process control, equipment monitoring and data exchange across autonomous underwater vehicles and other connected subsea systems, marking an important step toward optical modem interoperability.

 

Details of the Release

 

The Subsea Wireless Group has released a new standard. It is an industry specification for optical communications. This covers free-space optical communications. It provides a common protocol for modems. This applies across different manufacturers.

The standard has a specific designation. It is called SWiGoptical Level 1. It defines a simple protocol. This satisfies interoperability requirements. Interchangeability requirements are also addressed.

 

The Applications

 

The standard supports diverse applications. These include process control functions. Equipment and process monitoring feature too. Diagnostics and maintenance are also covered. Data exchange and harvesting complete the applications.

These applications span connected systems. They cover autonomous underwater vehicles. Other connected subsea systems benefit too. The standard enables their interaction. This supports a broader subsea ecosystem.

 

The Organisation

 

The standard comes from an industry group. This is the Subsea Wireless Group. It is a joint industry project. A consultancy manages it. It enables cross-supplier interoperability.

The group has broad membership. It has 27 members in total. These span the supply chain. Major energy operators are included. Subsea service providers and specialists also feature.

 

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The Benefits of Interoperability

 

The standard offers clear benefits. It creates a common subsea ecosystem. Devices from different makers interact seamlessly. This supports cost management. It provides a common framework.

These benefits address key industry needs. Interoperability reduces deployment risk. It simplifies system integration. Scalability is also supported. This is essential for realising autonomy's benefits.

 

Significance and Future Development

 

The standard builds on prior work. It follows the earlier acoustic standard. It joins a family of complementary standards. These cover various communication types. Radio frequency and hybrid communications feature.

The standard is now widely available. It is available to the wider industry. Higher-performance versions are in development. These are Level 2 and Level 3 specifications. This reflects ongoing standard development.