Deploying Temporary SCADA Communications Links to Restore Failed SCADA Communications

Temporary emergency SCADA Communications links can be deployed to restore failed SCADA Communication links.

SCADA Communications networks are most often implemented as private networks using licensed or unlicensed wireless RF networks; or with dedicated or leased lines. In the systems, SCADA Hosts (Master Station) communicates to Remote Outstations directly or indirectly via Repeater System(s).

Causes of SCADA Communications Failures

SCADA Systems may experience prolonged SCADA Communications outage due to equipment failure, extreme weather, path obstruction, or RF interference affecting the existing SCADA Communications network.

Equipment Failure/Damage

SCADA Communications Link can be affected by equipment failure at the outstations, master stations, or repeaters.

Failures could occur to the RF Transceiver equipment and antenna systems.

System outage will the prolonged if replacement equipment may is readily available or legacy equipment is obsolete.

Extreme Weather

Extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding or ice storms can severely damage equipment and cable infrastructure.

Sites with marginal RF paths can be adversely affected by harsh weather conditions that affect the RF path. Antenna icing can change the antenna beam pattern leading to signal attenuation.  Temperature inversions can affect RF path leading to signal lost.

RF Interference

SCADA Communications Link can be affected by RF interference from power lines and electrical substations.

Path Obstruction

Remote SCADA out stations may begin to experience unreliable SCADA Communications due to path obstruction from the construction of new buildings and infrastructure.

Mitigating Prolonged SCADA Communications Outages

Prolonged SCADA communications outages increase EHS risk and increase operations costs from extra operator site visits to monitor and operate the remote unmanned facilities.

Temporary emergency SCADA Communications links can be deployed to restore affected SCADA Communication links.The temporary communications links can be deployed for critical remote sites, or for repeater/hub sites.

Technologies for Deployment as Temporary Emergency SCADA Data Links

Cellular and Starlink Satellite can be invaluable technologies to deploy for rapid emergency SCADA Communications link repairs due to their ubiquiteous connectivity. In areas with good cellular network coverage, cellular modems can be used to replace failed or unreliable private RF links or wireline.  In remote areas without good cellular coverage,  Starlink Satellite can be used.

The SCADALink SatConnect integrating Cellular and Starlink Satellite technologies with VPN networking can serve as a rapid deploy temporary SCADA Communications link replacement.  With use of SatConnect and Layer2 VPN networking there is no SCADA Host, PLC/RTU configuration changes are required, minimizing time to repair and complexity.

Use of SCADALink SatConnect for Emergency SCADA Communications Links can be a good proof of concept for integrating cellular and satellite technologies in a SCADA communications network as a primary or backup link for critical remote sites.