CHAPTER-25

COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS IN ONGC

1.

INTRODUCTION:
The need for (IT), Communication and Computerization in business
applications (i.e. technical and commercial) in ONGC was felt quite as far back
as 1970s. During this period TITAN department was given the responsibility for
setting up of computers based telemetry and voice communication network for
the Bombay offshore project.
Through this project, voice and data
communications with production parameters collected from the offshore
installations of MR was envisaged to be transferred to the on-shore control
room.
The TITAN group and subsequently the SCADA project were authorized
to implement communication as well as computer based telemetry/tele-control
system as well as associated networks to meet the requirement of Bombay High
Operations for MR for its oil production and exploitation.
The planned growth of ONGC over last 55 years has spread its
multifarious activities over length and breadth of the country. ONGC has
undertaken ambitious program of making the country self reliant in Oil and
Natural Gas. In order to meet the gigantic challenge, ONGC has rightly
analyzed, adopted and planned Information Technology automation at
every level of its multi disciplinary spheres of activities such as Seismic and
Geo-scientific surveys, Reservoir modeling, drilling, production, project
monitoring, management and delivery of crude production of LPG in addition to
Inventory Control, and finance etc.
In ONGC Seismic Data Processing forms a major part of Scientific
Applications whereas MIS (Management Information Services) for various
groups play a big role in business oriented applications. High speed array
processor based computer systems are used for ONGC's scientific activities. ON
the other hand mini, super-mini, personal computers are used in technical and
administrative applications.
The role of communication in ONGC is rapidly increasing as
the
operations of this large organization are geographically scattered all over
India, on land as well as off shore. Communication services have to optimally
cater to the diversified operation needs of various applications.
The present age mantra is: getting the right information to the right people at
the right time and right place for taking right decisions and therefore right kind
of Communication infrastructure in place to achieve this. A tailor made
Communication infrastructure fulfilling most of the communication needs of an
organization enhances the management control and thereby the Productivity.
ONGC has over 33000 employees working in various Assets, Basins, Work
Centre, field locations etc., and has global presence. Activities at these
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locations/installations are directed towards achieving the common goal of

Exploration and Exploitation of Hydrocarbon and thus contributing amicably to
the countrys exchequer.
1.1

TECHNOLOGICAL JOURNEY OF COMMUNICATION IN ONGC

ONGC began its operation in 1956 with headquarters at Dehradun. Within
next 20 years ONGCs operational area spread across the country from
Jammu in North to Karaikal, Rajamundry in South, Mumbai High in West to
Assam in East. The operations across the country were controlled from
ONGCs Headquarter at Dehradun through its regional offices situated at
Mumbai, Baroda, Kolkata, Chennai and Nazira. The need of well-planned
communication systems was felt for effective co-ordination of activities across
the country, increasing operational efficiency and managing disaster
situations. The communication needs comprised of mainly Voice and Data.
Need was felt to induct communication systems capable of providing intraregional and inter-regional communication.
In pursuance of vision of being a world-class Oil and Gas Company integrated
in energy business with dominant Indian leadership and global presence,
ONGC has embarked upon number of Infocom initiatives.
Requirement of suitable communication system was realized with the
increase in the activities of ONGC. In the earlier days, HF and VHF sets were
hired from DoT. VHF sets were deployed for intra-regional communication
and HF sets were used for inter-regional communication. Telex system was
also used for communication. These systems had their inherent limitations,
therefore need for better equipped, more efficient, reliable and duplex system
existed. This article will briefly describe various communication systems
inducted by ONGC in its journey from way back in 1960 till to date. This will
also help in understanding the evolution of ONGC during the course of this
journey.
During the earlier days, the communication systems available were mainly
Telegraph, Teleprinter, HF and VHF radio communication systems.
Telegraph:
Telegraph is equipment for transmitting and receiving telegraphy messages
over long distances. The telegraph can send message over wire or it can also
be wireless. The wireless telegraphy is also known as continuous wave
because the information is sent by modulating a high frequency carrier signal
by on-off keying i.e the information is sent by using morse code.

436

Teleprinter:
Teleprinter is a typewriter-like terminal with a keyboard and built-in printer.
Teleprinters were quite common years ago and used as data input terminals.
Teleprinters were also used to communicate typed message from one station
to another which were connected through an electrical channel. These
electrical channels were often an electrically energized pair of wire. Paper
tape was widely used on Teleprinters to record incoming data.
HF/ VHF Set:
HF systems were used by ONGC mainly for long distance radio
communications i.e. inter-regional communications and were leased from
DoT. Major offices and installations, survey party etc. had these sets. The HF
sets had high power output of the order of 100W to 150W.

a.

COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS INDUCTED UP TO 1985:

Before 1985, the various communication systems that were being used by
ONGC included leased HF and VHF sets leased from DoT. Telex/ teleprinters were also extensively used by ONGC. Earlier the messages were
printed on paper strip and with the availability of computer type terminals; the
paper strip was replaced by paper roll. From 1985 onwards there was
significant development in the communication systems across the ONGC and
the same is being elaborated below:
1.
2.
3.
4.

5.
6.
7.

8.

HF sets were leased from Dot and deployed at field offices.

These sets were used for Communicating with HQ at Dehradun.
Telecom Centers were started AT major work centers and thus
the beginning of E&T Department.
VHF sets deployed at production installations for intra-regional
voice communication.
During the same period, Dots leased PBX/ hotline (OPSCOM)
was utilized at major work centers facilitating point-to-point
communication.
Storage and far-ward Telegraph (SFT) System was deployed in
various regional Centers.
Intercom systems were deployed for communication between
various offices of ONGC.
OPSNET (Operation Network) Satellite based communication
Network was established at offshore process platform and
Plants at Uran, Hazira in early eighties for communicating
between offshore and onshore.
OFC and Microwave radio links were deployed for extending
Satcom circuits to respective offices in offshore/ offshore.
437

9.

10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.

b.

Need for duplex voice communication system was felt. Due to

advent in semiconductor technology, such systems were
available in eighties. Communication towers of appropriate
height were deployed for radio communication.
In mid eighties, MART, VHF and analog radio of DOT were
installed at major work centers.
In 1985, communication to Production installations and Drilling
rigs was provided through MART.
Intercom and manual exchange were installed at major work
centers.
It was during this period that OPSCOM & OPSPRINT for voice
and data application were commissioned in ONGC.
During the same period, electromechanical type Fax machine
was installed in ONGC.
Point-to-Point UHF radio links were deployed for various voice
and data applications. The links were between process
platforms to un-manned platforms.

COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
1.
2.

3.
4.

INDUCTED

BETWEEN 1986-95:

Multi-Contact systems with Base stations and Remote stations

were commissioned on ONGC during 1987-88.
State-of-Art Electronic exchanges of Okay technology like IDX
1250. 650 etc. were introduced in ONGC in 1989 for meeting the
communication needs at Offices and Colonies. Digital Electronic
Fax machines were also deployed during the same period.
RABMAN System was commissioned for low speed data
network in various regional offices/work Centers.
Points-to- Multipoint TDMA systems were installed to provide
voice and data (SCADA) communication to production
installations.

c.

SATCOM based communication network called Telnet was deployed in

ONGC for voice and data communication interconnecting 14 major Onshore
locations viz. Mumbai, Baroda, Dehradun, Chennai etc.

d.

Communication Systems inducted Between 1996-2005:

1.
2.

3.

UFSO, SHRAMIK, IMMS, EPINET etc. were introduced during

the period for improving efficiency of business applications.
SATCOM based Integrated Communication Network viz. ICNET
was introduced to provide connectivity across 21 locations for
utilizing above application.
OFC based high speed Data network established between Head
quarter, Corporate Office and various regional offices/Assets/
Basin/plant etc.
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4.

5.

6.
7.

8.

9.
10.
11.

12.
13.
14.
15.

16.

e.

Fixed, Mobile and Handheld latest state of art Radio Trunking

system (RTS) was commissioned for production, Rigs
communication in ER-Assam and Kavery Project.
State of art exchanges introduced in ONGC for enterprise wide
voice communication, capable of VOIP trunks, PRI/BRI etc.
Exchanges across ONGC were integrated over leased ckts./
SATCOM/VSATs etc.
Leased lines, ISDN circuits introduced during the period for
voice and data communications.
Review of the major Infocom Projects was carried out under
PROMISE
and
recommendations
were
accepted.
Implementation in phased manner took place thereafter.
The group specific ERP applications were integrated/migrated
into single ERP application under project ICE. The system was
rolled out in 2004.
Ku-Band Vsats were hired and deployed across ONGC for ERP
application (ICE).
Analog TDMA systems were replaced by digital TDMA systems
in Mumbai and North East.
Up-gradation of LAN/WAN infrastructure across enterprise was
taken-up during the period for facilitating working on ERP
applications from remote/ field locations.
Radio Trunking was introduced in Assam and Kaveri projects.
WLL system was hired from BSNL and introduced in ONGC
during the period.
Corporate mailing server was deployed and executives were
provided official e-mail IDs.
Ongcreports.net was introduced for faster sharing of information/
activities/ corporate initiatives/ order and circulars, transfers,
promotions etc. across ONGC.
Enterprise wide SCADA project was conceptualized.

COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS INDUCTED 2006 ONWARDS:

1.
2.

Phased implementation in of Enterprise wide SCADA project

started in 2006.
Satellite based state of art technology i.e. MFTDMA system
introduced for optimum utilization of SATCOM resources
(Transponder) in ONGC for enterprise wide voice and data
connectivity from remote field locations- fixed and nomadic. The
system is providing connectivity for SCADA, ICE, Intranet,
Inetrnet, Voice etc.
439

3.

4.

5.
6.

Point-to- Multipoint Broadband Wireless Access system (BWA)

on WiMAX platform was conceptualized for implementation in
Western Onshore locations viz. Ankleshwar Asset, Baroda
basin, Cambay basin, Ahmedabad Asset and Mehsana Asset.
Subsequently steps were taken to implement the project.
Motorola based Cannopy Point-to-Multipoint system in license
free band was introduced in Ankleshwar Asset in 2006 for
SCDA.
Ku-band VSATS hired from BSNL for SCADA in Western
onshore.
Leased line/Internet BW augmented to meet enhanced BW
requirement across major work centers.

Various field communication systems viz. Analog TDMA, Radio Trunking System
(RTS), Multi Access Rural Radio Telephone (MARRT), Wireless in Local Loop
(WLL), HF sets, VHF sets, Walkie-Talkie etc., came up during the last decade to
meet the expanding communication needs of the Asset/ Basin. These field
communication systems were capable of providing mainly the voice communication
in addition to low speed data communication across geographically distant locations
in the Asset/ Basin.
In ONGC, various offices and departments are working simultaneously to contribute
directly or indirectly to the common objective of Exploration and Exploitation of
hydrocarbon. These departments have different roles to play and therefore need a
communication system capable of supporting specific work related requirements.
The communication system that may be suitable for Security & Fire may not be
suitable for Finance or HR department. There may be different type of
communication systems for these departments but it is essential to ensure seamless
communication between these departments so that necessary information can be
effectively and efficiently shared. Following Table-1 shows various types of
communication systems provided to different users:

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User

Security Fire Production Drilling Finance/ Executives Remarks

System

HR

HF/VHF

UHF

-Wave

SATELLITE

GSM

EPABX

LAN-WAN

Table-1 Types of communication systems deployed

2.

A brief about the various communication systems is given

below:
EPAX\ EPABXs :
More than 100 numbers of small and big capacity Electronic Private Automatic
Exchanges (EPAXs) and Branch Exchanges have been installed in various
Projects, Regions and Head Quarters to cater the requirements of Inter and Intra
Office cum Residence Communication Requirements.

2.1

HF Radio communication:
This is mainly used for long distance radio communications. All stations at
offshore and onshore have this set. The power output varies from 100 watts
to 150 watts for drilling, processes platforms & base stations. This HF
communication is required to be available at an offshore/onshore installation
against the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System requirement, as per
the directive of DG Shipping, Govt. of India. This equipment is used for radio
communication between offshore installations to base station & amongst
offshore stations. The HF sets are also used by seismic survey field parties
where GSM/ land line coverages are not available. This is a point-to-point
radio communication.

2.2 VHF Systems

VHF sets have been provided to Production installations, drilling rigs, CISF,
Security, Field Parties etc. and is being used as emergency communication
system. The VHF Systems are also used to communicate with helicopters
and Off-shore Supply Vessels (OSVs) in offshore area. The VHF radio
system also used for CISF, security and operation requirements. Walkie441

talkies are used by Production, drilling, well maintenance, security, CISF, Fire
crew etc. for communication.
Earlier VHF based PMP Multi Access Radio Communication systems
(MART) were deployed at Assam, Ankleshwar, Ahmedabad, Rajahmundry
etc. which has been phased out recently.
1.
2.
3.

2.3

Simplex voice communication (VHF Sets)/ Duplex in MART.

Low speed data transfer is supported
These can be used for emergency communication

Non Directional Beacon (NDB):

The NDBs are used for providing navigational support to Helicopters at
offshore/ onshore. The beacons are installed on all offshore process
platforms & drilling rigs & also at base stations where helicopter sorties take
place like Uran, Panvel, Hazira, Nhava etc. The NDBs are replaced in 200506 as per guideline/suggestions by PROMISE reports.

2.4

Inter Office Communication:

Digital Exchanges of various capacities are in operational at all Work centers
and major Production platforms. Currently most of the exchanges are based
on PCM/TDM technology. The Exchanges are serving as EPABX wherein
public trunks are terminated for communicating outside ONGC. Inter office
communication over Satcom/ Radio lines by extending subscribers to remote
locations.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

2.5

Warrants maintenance of dedicated system.

Separate cabling/ DP etc. is required.
Converters/ interfacing equipments are required for VOIP
Most of the EPABX discontinued by OEM.
It is becoming increasingly difficult to get technical support as
OEMs have moved over to server based soft exchanges i.e.
Unified Communication (UC) integrating mail, FAX, Voice, Data
on single platform(Ethernet).

Plant Paging System:

The paging systems are used in all major plants viz. Uran, CPF GDR, Hazira,
Tatipaka refinery etc. These are used as means of communication between
control rooms to various plant areas for meeting operational requirements.

2.6

Point to Point Radio links:

This method is suitable to connect two distant locations through single or
multiple hops depending on the distance to be covered. There are basically
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two types of radio systems, for a high bandwidth point to point link, available
in the market.
a.

b.

Digital Microwave Radio: This is a product that is available in

both licensed and free band. Deploying radio in licensed band
eliminates possibility of interference. WPC (Under Ministry of
Communication), which is a statutory body allocates the
frequency on request to a particular user and monitor the
unauthorized use of frequencies by other user. The typical hop
length covers from35-40KM. However greater distances can be
covered through repeaters. The systems are available with hot
standby configuration therefore can be used for mission critical
application. The system capacity varies from 01 T1/E1 to 16
T1/E1 or more. Radios supporting SDH hierarchies are also
available. Cost wise the system falls in the medium range.
Spread Spectrum Radio: This product generally works in unlicensed band; hence possibility of interference is more. The
typical hop length varies from 20 to 25KM and since repeater is
not available, therefore the maximum distance that can be
covered by this system is limited to the hop length. This type of
system is not available in hot standby, therefore use of this
system for mission critical operation is not recommended. The
system capacity varies from 64 Kbps to 2 Mbps. It is low cost
solution to provide LOS link between two locations with
capacity of data requirement up to 2Mbps.

In ONGC, Point-to-Point Microwave communication links were deployed to

provide communication links for inter- process platforms, inter assets in
western onshore, inter field in Eastern region Asset- Assam and as a tail links
for extend the communication from the satellite earth station to the respective
offices.
1.
2.
3.

4.
5.

2.7

The most of point-to-point Radios links capacity are 2/4/8MB.

Unable to meet even the current BW requirements
WPC has converted spot frequencies (especially that used in
Western Onshore) into license free band, therefore cannot be
used for critical applications.
Discontinued by OEM.
No technical support exists.

Point-to-Multi-point Radio Link:a) TDMA System

The point to multipoint radio systems are used in production field/ offices
at various locations. The existing TDMA system provides point to
multipoint link. As recommendation of PROMISE report, the TDMA system

443

was implemented in MR offshore for the communication from Process

platform to well platform and in ER, Assam for fixed installations.
This is Time Division Multiple System where each user/ subscriber has
been allotted a time slot during which he is allowed to communicate i.e. RF
spectrum is divided into time slots and multiple subscribers can
communicate simultaneously.
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

TDMA system can provide wide area coverage. By proper link

engineering it is possible to extend the TDMA communication
link to as far as 500km from base station. This range can be
achieved by deploying Repaeters at regular intervals.
TDMA is best suited for Point-to-Multi-Point (PMP) applications.
It is specifically suitable for application in ONGC as the
information- voice, data or both from field installations converge
to centralised base office at Asset HQ. The PMP solution is
cost-effective compared to Satellite, WLL, Cellular etc. when the
requirement of BW is less than 8Mbps.
TDMA system is normally provided with 4mbps of RF bandwidth
that is shared by the subcribers connected to it. The system is
scalable and the RF bandwidth can be expanded to as high as
8mbps and can support 1024 subscribers. Each channel
occupies 64kbps bandwidth which can be used for voice as well
as data. Each data channel is provided with 64kbps dedicated
RF bandwidth.
It has centralised NMS therefore it is possible to remotely
configure remote subscriber unit, have diagnostic, generate
maintenance reports, etc.
If required, multiple TDMA system can be installed and those
systems can be connected to each other by various means e.g.
leased lines, E1 trunk etc.

Limitations:
This system has limitation of maximum bandwidth that can be shared by
remote subscribers. Typical bandwidth available is up to 4Mbps for voice &
data applications; whereas the current BW requirement at each Asset/
Basin is in excess of 10s of Mbps. In view of the increase in current
bandwidth requirement many manifolds, which the existing TDMA systems
cannot provide because of technological limitations and because of its
high cost of ownership, deploying multiple systems across Asset/ Basin is
not a cost effective solution.

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b) TDMA system with WLL:

1.

2.
3.

4.

TDMA systems are available whose remote stations suport

WLL, that can provide both voice & data. In this case a WLL
base is installed in the remote unit and connected to an external
antenna. This WLL can provide NLS coverage of 5km and line
of site range of as high as 25-30km depending upon antenna
type and its height at both ends.
The data rate supported by WLL remote called Wireless
Terminal (WT) is 56Kbps.
WT can be provided to Workover rigs, security, fire etc. It can
also be provided to Drilling rigs. (C-band VSAT is being provided
to drilling rigs).
The spectral efficiency of these system is poor compared to
currently available broadband systems.

Due to limited bandwidth and very high cost of upgradation, this

system will not be cost-effective for meeting increasing demand of
voice and data applications.
c) Radio Trunking System:
The Radio Trunking System is also a point to multi point radio system. The
Radio Trunking Equipment of M/S NOKIA, Finland has been installed in
the Cauvery project and at Nazira. The Base station is equipped with 5
radio channels with 4 channels for traffic and 1 channel for control. This
system can provide only voice communication. Following facilities are
available through RTS connectivity: Facility of outward dialling from
remote stations AND Facility of inward dialing to any remote station from
anywhere is possible.
1.
2.
3.

4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Radio Trunking System is basically a multi access system.

Nokia make RTS were installed in ONGC in year 1999.
This RTS is equipped with 5 radio channels. Four channels
are used for carrying voice traffic and the fifth channel is
used for control applications.
This RTS is capable of handling only the voice calls in
either directions i.e. up-stream and downstream.
RTS cannot support data communication whereas ONGC
requirement is voice and data both.
In order to improve user satisfaction, the number of
channels needs to be increased.
OEM has discontinued this system and therefore no
support is available.
AMC for the system is also not available.

d) Wireless in Local Loop (WLL):

Point-To-Multipoint system hired from BSNL for providing primarily Voice
communication to drilling rigs and fixed installations.
445

1.
2.

3.
4.

5.

These systems have outlived their life.

System performance de-grading due to ageing of electronic
components leading to instability, decreasing availability and
reliability.
Lower user satisfaction.
Additional requirement cannot be met due to non-availability of
equipments and spares. The use of WLL system cannot be
continued further due to non-availability of battery and other
spares from BSNL.
Activities have spread to area beyond the coverage of existing
system set-up and communication need for such sites cannot be
met with the present system set-up.

e) Motorola Canopy system:

The system in free band has been installed in Ankleshwar Asset to meet
the requirements of SCADA. The system is found to be unstable initially
and is in free band.
3.

SATCOM:
The C band captive SATCOM network is being used for offshore installations
and onshore remote field installations. 36 MHz transponder Bandwidth is
used for this captive network. The 18MHz is used for offshore and 18MHz for
onshore use. The offshore platforms most of data links are in PAMA and
voice are in DAMA mode. The MF-TDMA system are under implementation
for onshore (155) remote field production installation, rigs, field party, 10
offshore drilling and existing ICNET locations. The main communication
services cover in this network are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Offshore Process platform & drilling Rigs

Onshore production installations of Rajahmundry, Karaikal,
Agartala & some in western onshore
All onshore drilling rigs
All seismic survey field party
Back up to lease line for Asset/ basin/ RO/ plant etc.

Due to bandwidth constrain the offshore process platform is not having more
then 384/512 Kbps bandwidth. Most of SATCOM equipments at platforms
also not supported higher bandwidth. With the availability of better
technologies in present environment, there is a need to consider replacement
of older technologies with state-of-art systems.

446

3.1 KU Band Hired SATCOM Network:

This system is hired from BSNL for providing communication facility to
production installation in western onshore as a short term solutions, however
BWA project is being implemented to meet the voice, data and video
requirement for all fixed installations and work over rigs of western onshore.
3.2 C Band SATCOM NETWORKS
a) Offshore Network for Production Installations.
Satellite communication in ONGC was introduced in early eighties with the
installation of Uran Satellite Earth Station in MR and another earth station at
offshore, on platform BHF/ BHN. Subsequently the network was expanded by adding
other earth stations like BLQ, Heera, Hazira and other platforms. Presently, Satcom
systems are operational at 13 Platforms.

b) DRILLNET
ONGC installed VSAT based network named Drillnet in 1998 for providing
connectivity among all the ONGC owned 10 offshore drilling rigs to bring them under
the integrated telecom umbrella of the organization. Drillnet provides rig to base
communication i.e Vasudhara/ 11High, Mumbai, providing Voice & Data clear
communication irrespective of rig location anywhere in the Indian Ocean area.

c) TELENET :
TELNET is a satellite based network of fourteen Satellite Earth Stations
(SES) installed at Dehradun, Delhi, Baroda, Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai,
Nazira, Hazira, BHN, BLQ, Heera, Agartala, Jodhpur and Rajamundry. This
is a network parallel to DOT and VSNL networks in India but independent of
them. ONGC is sharing DOT Earth Stations at Calcutta and Chennai
whereas at Delhi ONGC is sharing NTPC satellite earth station. This
network provides voice, fax and high speed data communication among
various Regional Head Quarters and projects all over the country. This
provides direct dialling facility for voice communication similar to STD
network. The Network diagram is placed at Annexure II.
ONGC's Wide Area Network connecting Sun-Spark computers installed at
Dehradun, Baroda, Chennai, Nazira and Mumbai has been commissioned
using high speed TELNET data channels.

d) Integrated Communications Network (ICNET):

ONGC further decided to upgrade its existing telecommunication satellite
network infrastructure in order to meet the ever-growing demands in the area of
voice, high-speed data and video conferencing. Now the Satellite
Communication infrastructure may well have become one of the key engines for
Information flow in ONGC. Various data/voice and video Networks i.e. Upgradation of Financial System in ONGC (UFSO), Integrated Material
Management Systems (IMMS), Exploration and Production Information Network
(EPINET), System of Human Resource Automated Management Information for
447

Kaizen (SHRAMIK), Library Network (LIBNET) and Video conferencing etc. are
at various stages of implementation in ONGC. All these Networks need
Communication media for interconnecting the Regional Head Quarters with
Corporate Head Quarters Delhi and Dehradun. The existing capacity as well the
Permanently Assigned Multiple Access (PAMA) technology were not
sufficient to handle the present requirement of high capacity channels.
Accordingly the existing Satellite Earth Stations are being upgraded with new
Demand Assigned Multiple Access (DAMA) technology additional hardware
and the present Satellite Network is also being expanded with VSATs at various
new locations under the Integrated Communication Network (ICNET). After
implementation of the ICNET project ONGC would have total 26 Satellite Earth
Stations in its Country-wide Satellite Network. This includes three 11M dia, five
7.5M dia, one 6.1M dia, eight 4.5M dia and nine 3.8M dia Earth Stations.
(a)
Uran Earth Station will be augmented to make it a Nodal centre for
Control and Management of the Network. Redundant NMS with
Hardware/Software shall be installed and shall operate as HUB Station.
(b) The existing three 11M Earth Stations at Uran, Dehradun, Baroda; two 7.5M
Earth Stations at Hazira, Nazira; and three 4.5M Earth Stations at Agartala,
Jodhpur & Rajahmundry will be augmented with DAMA-SCPC system and will
be interfaced at IF stage with the existing RF equipments.
(c) Setting up of five new higher capacity 4.5M Earth Stations with DAMASCPC
system at Delhi, Chennai, Calcutta, Ahmedabad and Ankleshwar.
(d) Setting up of one new higher capacity 6.1M Earth Station at Vasudhara
Bhavan, Mumbai.
(e) Setting up of seven new 3.8M Earth Stations with DAMA-SCPC system at
Cambay, Mehsana, Jorhat, Silcher, Karaikal, Panvel and Narasapur.

448

EXISTING SATCOM LINKS (VOICE & DATA)

3V&2D
3V&2
D
3V
&3
D
6V
&
3D

7.5M

NAZIRA

10 V & 7 D

E
T -3
SA
N
I

D
4V&3
7.5M

HAZIRA

4V
4.5M

3V

2
&
V
3
D
3

10
D
&
10
V

24 V
&38
D

&

PANVEL

D
3.8M

3.8M

CAMBAY

MEHSANA

4.5M

AGARTALLA

OFFSHORE
4.5M

JORHAT

7D

&

3.8M

&

3.8M

2D

&2

2D

SILCHAR

V
10

&

&

KARAIKAL

3.8M

3V

&

JODHPUR

4.5M

4D

AHMEDABAD

&

4.5M

V
24

0D
&1
2D
4 V&

ANKLESHWAR

3V

&

20 V

&3

3.8M

4.5M

Process Platform : 09
Drilling Rigs :10

RAJAMUNDRY
11M

11M

3.8M

6.1M

4.5M

KOLKATA

4.5M

11M
NARSAPUR

49

BARODA

DEHRADUN

BHS,BHN,ICP,
NQO,SHP,BPA,
BPB,HRA,NLM

URAN - NMS

MUMBAI

DELHI

CHENNAI

e) VATMS Network
VATMS project was implemented during 2006-07 by augmenting 5 existing
VSATs/earth stations at Offshore and set up 3 VSATs at Tapti, Suvali & WIN for
offshore security purpose. The network uses:

DAMA SkyLinx of NMS, upgraded for VATMS.

Hub at Uran Earth station and 4 offshore stations were augmented with High
Speed Data Channel Units (HSDCU) for providing Data connectivity.

1 no. 2.4M VSATs & 2 nos. 3.8M VSATs were set up.

f) Onshore Control Centre (OCC) Network & C-Series Platforms:

This project was implemented subsequent to fire at BHN platform in 2005. The
project covers:

The 1.8M VSATs deployed at 13 Process Platforms and 133 Well head
Platforms.

9.0M HUB has been installed at Mumbai

Geo-redundant equipment installed at Uran.

g)

MFTDMA network for Field Installations ( Onshore & Offshore)

The project was based on MF-TDMA technology, covers 183 Satcom locations & 25
radio links spread across the country. Under the project the following installations
have been provided with Satcom links.

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Production installations at various Assets (3.8m/ 2.4m)

Geophysical Field Parties (2.4m)

On-shore Drilling Rigs (2.4m)

Augmentation of 8 off-shore Drilling Rigs

Network Diagram of MF-TDMA

4.5mtr
4.5mtr

2.4Mtr

MHN
JDH

6.3 M

Asset HQ

Asset HQ
3.8mtr

DATA CNTR.

3.8M

4.5mtr

JHD=1
ON/S=9

4.5mtr

W-

3.8 mtr

JRT=12, NZR=21
SIL=2

NZR
6.3
mtr

JRT

V-HUB

Asset HQ

AMD

3.8mtr

DLI

CBY

Asset HQ

Asset HQ

2.4Mtr

4.5mtr

Asset HQ

SIL=3 KOL=4
AGT=4

11Mtr

ANK

4.5mtr

DDN

V-HUB

Asset HQ

2.4Mt
r

BRD
11Mtr

KOL=5,
AGT=4

V-HUB
3.8M

2.4Mtr

URN

4.5mtr

RJY=8, KKL=6
CHN=6

V-HUB
S/LAXMI=1
GOA=1

RJY

6.3 M
4.5mtr

3.8Mtr

KOL
Asset HQ
4.5mtr

AGT

Asset HQ

2.4Mtr

4.5mtr

OFF/S DR=8

56

SIL

3.8Mtr

11Mtr

BRD=10, AMD=7
ANK=9, CBY=1
MHN=8

Asset HQ
Back-up links
Primary links

MBY

CHN

V-HUB

Basin HQ

RJY=8,
KKL=7

KKL

In Mesh Topology

Asset HQ

h) MFTDMA System Features

The objective of the MFTDMA System is to induct state-of-the-art
Satellite based communication systems in ONGCs onshore field Installations
consisting of Production, Drilling and Exploration sites to ensure reliable data
and voice connectivity to the above field installations for
a)
Providing communication links between the field locations and their
respective Assets/Basins for Enterprise Wide on-line SCADA to facilitate
analysis of valuable well / Process data and Drilling data available in the
SCADA servers.
b)
To ensure access to various corporate wide I.T. applications like SAP,
Intranet/internet, e-mail from these field installations.
c)
Provide seamless voice communication to these installations to enable
them to communicate with the other work centers.

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To achieve the above objective it was proposed to implement an enterprise

wide Satellite Based Communication Network for ONGCs Field Installations
based on best-in-class technology. The System has been designed to provide
the following facilities:
i.

Fully integrated, centrally managed solution which provides

simultaneous star and full mesh connectivity for data and voice applications
with a converged Internet Protocol (IP) solution.

ii.

VSAT TT shall support dynamic routing protocols such as RIP1,RIP2. It

should be able to support static and default routes and IGMP protocol for
multicast applications.
iii.
Network will support any VSAT to any VSAT single hop connectivity
over IP.VSAT should support QoS features to give priority to traffic on
application
iv.
The network is capable of handling fast data rates and shall be based
on IP technology to provide a highly reliable and bandwidth efficient solutions in
a single satellite hop for providing Voice & Data communication:
A. Voice
a.

Between field Installations and respective Asset/Basin HQrts.

b.

Among the field installations within an Asset/Basin.

c.

Between field installations and other work centers outside Asset/Basin.

B. Data
a.

Between field installations and respective Asset/Basin HQrts.

b.

Between field installations and Data Centre at Delhi

c.

Among Assets/Basins HQrts.

d.

Between Assets/Basins HQrts at Delhi and Dehradun

i)

Network Operating Centre

The Network Control Center has been setup with fully Redundant in 1+1
configuration hardware of indoor Units comprising of Satellite Modem
with in-built router and NCC/NMS equipments, interfacing hardware,
connector, cables etc. at the existing satellite earth station, Dehradun
along with AVAYA VoIP Server and gateway in 1+1 configuration for
Voice Solution.

j) Augmentation of Existing Satellite Earth Stations

18 existing Satellite Earth stations/VSATS have been augmented with
LINKWAY IP SATCOM Modem (TT) by utilizing the existing Antenna and
RF system. The LINKWAY modem has been integrated at the IF stage by
using L band to IF (70MHz) converter. These stations shall operate in full
mesh configuration and are capable of handle all data and VoIP calls
451

between these stations and their respective field installations. TT has been
integrated with Local LAN at L3/L2 switch. For voice connectivity AVAYA
make VoIP solution has been implemented. Under this project a centralized
fully redundant server and Gateway (G650) has been installed at Dehradun
and distributed Gateway (G700) installed at various 20 locations for
integrating existing Exchanges (through PRI) with AVAYA Gateways to
facilitate the users of existing Exchanges can call VoIP Subscriber at
remote field locations and vice versa.
k)

Remote NOC at Data Centre-Delhi

A Remote Network Management Terminal of the NMS from Dehradun
extended over WAN link to the Central Network Operating Centre (NOC) of
ONGC communication infrastructure at Delhi, such that the proposed
network can be monitored and managed from the Central NOC.

l)

Productions and other fixed Field Installations.

VSAT stations having 3.8M/2.4M antenna along with 10 W BUC have been
established at various fixed field installations in the Assets such that these
locations along with VoIP phones and Data connectivity for SAP,
SAMPARC, or.NET, INTERNET & SCADA applications.These stations shall
be capable of delivering minimum up to 512 Kbps in case of 3.8M VSATs
and also handle minimum of 4 simultaneous voice calls and 256 Kbps for
2.4M and also handle minimum of 2 simultaneous voice calls.
m) DRILLING RIGS
a. Onshore Drilling Rigs
There are about 71 onshore Drilling rigs, which are operating at present
in ONGC. These drilling rigs are nomadic in nature that is they keep
shifting over a period of time from one field location to other.
VSAT stations at these sites have light-weight 2.4M antenna system and
equipped with 10W BUC, that can be easily dismantled and re-installed
during the course of shifting of these rigs. The VSAT stations of the
drilling rigs shall work in star topology with Dehradun as the HUB station.
Access to SCADA Data, internet/Intranet and Mail shall be through
Dehradun, while ERP data shall have alternate access routes. These
stations are capable of delivering up to 256 Kbps of Data rates
(depending on the various parameters); which include minimum 2
simultaneous voice (VoIP) channels.

452

b. Offshore drilling rigs

There are 8 Offshore Drilling rigs. These VSATS are augmented with
LINKWAY IP SATCOM modem (TT) for Data & Voice communication.
For voice communication EPAX and PSTN numbers from Mumbai are
extended. Necessary VoIP gateway has been installed and integrated
Local exchange at Mumbai.
c. Exploration field parties
There are about 26 onshore exploration field parties. 2.4M VSATS have
been installed along with 10W BUC. These VSATS are capable of
delivering minimum up to 256 Kbps of Data include 2 simultaneous voice
(VoIP) channels.
4.

TRANSPONDER ALLOCATION & UTILISATION

Satellite /Transponder

INSAT-3E/ # 15.

Transponder BW

36.00 MHz

Transponder Power

38 dBW (with 3 dB back-off)

The present Bandwidth allocation is:

5.

VIDEO CONFERENCING :
Video Conferencing facility using 384 Kbps satellite channel has been provided
at four locations in Mumbai Off-shore i.e. BHN, BLQ, HEERA and Vasudhara
Bhavan for monitoring and maintenance of SCADA parameters of off-shore
platforms. Desktop video conferencing Technology is now cheap and widely
453

available. In addition, Video Telephones using ISDN and Broad Band Satellite
channels are also under consideration for its suitable implementation in ONGC.
Radio-Trunking : Radio trunking is the state of the art wireless communication
Network which effectively utilises the precious radio channels using cutting-edge
switching technologies which works on the principle of dynamic allocation of
radio channels for their most effective and optimum utilization. Radio trunking
system is under implementation in ONGC for providing communication to drill
sites, production installations, field parties, mobile applications of CISF, fire wing
etc. IT is a spectrum efficient system which provides communication in fixed,
semi-fixed as well as in mobile mode. This system is being introduced in ONGC
in phases at various locations in SRBC and ERBC. This system will slowly
outplace the existing Analogue MART and various point to point HF/VHF radio
systems. The system has been procured from NOKIA Inc. Finland.
SCADA Systems : Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems
(SCADA) are used for monitoring production and control parameters. The
system includes computers, control instrumentation and communication media.
Mainly Satellite and Micro-wave Radio channels are used for SCADA
applications in ONGC.

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