Remote Wireless Network Upgrade
Overview
Industrial Networking Solutions (INS) improved the performance of EVX Midstream's wireless network and re-engineered 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 that polled edge devices, a data model requiring high data usage.
As a processor of midstream wastewater, EVX operates in remote locations with inconsistent cellular network coverage. This created a need for 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 shift allowed EVX to move to a new cellular carrier and upgrade hundreds of edge devices. INS successfully redesigned the 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 significantly reduced its data consumption.
INS leveraged vendor recommendations, industry experience, and intellectual property to develop this bespoke solution.
The project included providing edge computing, cellular networking, security, and network management services for EVX's industrial applications.
Results
INS engineered a network infrastructure with maximum scalability to support EVX's continued growth. As a result, EVX Midstream rapidly expanded its process operations and network, evolving from one router and ten clients to a process network with 300 remote locations and 20 facility locations.
The new network provides EVX with the expandability, visibility, and management needed to significantly grow their business. It has become a critical element of their future development plans and provides a central management system.
After numerous in-depth meetings with EVX, INS authored the EVX Detailed Design Specification, which is now the standard across all facilities.
Over the past five years, INS has provided ongoing network services and support, including new facility setups, upgrades, expansions, and troubleshooting for existing locations.
