Hyperlink Enhances SCADA Connectivity for Pipeline Operations
Success Factors
Adoption of Emerging Technologies
Hyperlink’s willingness to embrace new solutions for Scada Connectivity enabled them to move beyond legacy systems and unlock new operational efficiencies.
Problem-Solving Approach
Rather than simply replacing legacy systems, Hyperlink focused on delivering a solution that directly addressed operational challenges, improving reliability, security, and ease of deployment.
Flexible and Scalable Solutions
The combined use of Starlink’s high-bandwidth, low-latency satellite connectivity and Peplink’s multi-WAN bonding and SD-WAN technology ensured seamless network integration, creating a resilient and scalable infrastructure capable of supporting mission-critical SCADA operations.
Strategic Partnerships
Hyperlink’s partnership with Frontier and Peplink allowed for seamless technology integration, ensuring resilient and scalable network infrastructure.
Hyperlink specializes in high-performance networking solutions for challenging environments. This year, they worked with an oil and gas company in Western Canada to modernize its SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) communications infrastructure. The company’s pipeline operations span remote regions deep in Canada’s north, some only accessible by helicopter.
Traditionally, the company relied on VSAT-based geostationary satellite connectivity, which provided a stable but bandwidth-limited solution for SCADA data transmission.
While VSAT provided a consistent connection, the company recognized that higher bandwidth and lower latency could unlock new possibilities. Enhanced connectivity could enable video monitoring, motion-activated security cameras, and IoT sensor integration, improving overall efficiency and security.
What is SCADA?
SCADA systems collect real-time data from sensors and equipment across pipeline networks, allowing operators to detect leaks, regulate pressure, and address issues as they arise. Reliable connectivity is critical for ensuring continuous monitoring and control, yet many traditional solutions face challenges in remote environments.
The Challenge: Sites With No Wired Infrastructure
Pipeline monitoring sites are often located in areas with little to no wired connectivity infrastructure. While some sites can leverage cellular connectivity as a backup option, many locations rely solely on satellite connectivity.
Obstacles to Deploying a New SCADA Connectivity Solution
- Reliability in Harsh Conditions: Any solution needed to withstand extreme weather with minimal on-site maintenance support.
- Logistical Constraints: Some sites are deep in the north of Canada, where freezing temperatures, rugged terrain, and seasonal accessibility issues make deployment and on-site maintenance challenging.
- Trust in a New Technology: The company had long relied on VSAT, which was proven and dependable. Adopting a new solution required overcoming concerns about reliability and ensuring it could meet mission-critical requirements
The Solution: Starlink with Peplink Integration
To address these challenges, Hyperlink developed and deployed a next-generation connectivity solution utilizing Starlink for primary broadband connectivity while incorporating backup connectivity options where available. Key elements of the solution included:
- Starlink LEO Satellite Connectivity: Provides significantly higher bandwidth and lower latency compared to traditional geostationary satellite connections.
- Redundancy & Failover Strategies: Integration of backup connectivity options such as cellular and radio where available ensures maximum uptime.
- Peplink Technology: Enables the seamless integration of multiple connectivity options, including cellular and radio-based redundancy, to ensure a highly resilient network.
Implementation & Deployment
The deployment of Starlink significantly reduced installation time and streamlined operations. Hyperlink began with a single test site then quickly installed an additional 10 locations after validating performance. This SCADA connectivity solution was designed for scalability, allowing for efficient expansion to new locations.
The Outcome: New Operational Capabilities
Increased Bandwidth for New Applications
In addition to supporting standard telemetry data transmission, additional bandwidth enabled the use of motion-activated security cameras and IoT sensor integration.
Simplified Network Management
Moving away from VSAT infrastructure reduced complexity, eliminating the need for satellite teleports and server rooms while streamlining operations.
Enhanced Security & Safety
With the connectivity solution in place, the company can now monitor remote pipeline locations in real time, improving both security and worker safety.
Future Plans: Expansion to Additional Sites
Hyperlink is expanding this SCADA connectivity solution to more pipeline assets, improving network efficiency and remote monitoring. This year’s rollout includes 36 additional sites, with a long-term goal of about 200 locations. Hyperlink’s successful deployment of Peplink technology and Starlink connectivity demonstrates how innovative solutions can overcome extreme environmental challenges to deliver reliable, scalable connectivity for industrial operations.
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