AT-MESH: Advancing Offshore Communication Technology 

With the offshore industry continuing to experience network coverage, latency and bandwidth challenges affecting operational efficiency, it was essential for the next generation in MESH technology to deliver significant technological improvements to address these challenges and set a new benchmark in advanced wireless communication and private network connectivity. 

Low Latency, Long Range 

Building on the strong foundation of Seatronics SeaMESH, AT-MESH from Ashtead Technology represents a major leap forward in offshore wireless communications. Achieving broadband speeds of up to 87 Mbps, far exceeding its predecessor’s 8.9 Mbps, and utilising MIMO mesh technology, its low-latency mode ensures real-time data transmission while connectivity up to 30 kilometres with clear line of sight guarantees reliable performance.  

Ross MacLeod, Integrated Projects Director at Ashtead Technology, emphasises its impact: “AT-MESH delivers superior performance, reliability and scalability for offshore applications. By integrating cutting-edge advancements with the proven reliability of the SeaMESH platform, we are delivering an unparalleled solution.” 

High Resolution Data Transfer 

The high-bandwidth capabilities of AT-MESH supports up to 144 nodes at 22 Mbps or 24 nodes at 87 Mbps allowing for the technology to be used across a wider range of applications. From multi-vessel resource sharing, vessel data exchange, pipeline monitoring, ROV and diving operations to tug management. 

AT-MESH is the first system with built in capability of wirelessly transmitting HD-SDI video between vessels. This eliminates the need for dedicated video encoder modules. 

Conventional RF data telemetry systems only offer point-to-point connections, whereas AT-MESH enables data sharing across multiple nodes. Serial data transmission is also possible by incorporating a serial server.  

Backward compatibility with SeaMESH hardware enables seamless integration with existing systems. 

To further continue the technological improvements, the AT-MESH system can also interface with any Ethernet-enabled device supporting wireless transmission of audio and video, it offers out-of-the-box support for analogue and SDI video encoding/decoding and with a single cable connection to the antenna unit, it simplifies installation.

Setting the Benchmark 

Ross continues “AT-MESH is a game-changer in offshore connectivity, ensuring that operations are more efficient, effective, and interconnected than ever before. The AT-MESH system is already proving itself as a trusted communication technology enhancing offshore operations. We have multiple systems currently on hire around the world including Norway (North Sea), UAE and USA. Ashtead Technology remains the only equipment rental provider offering this advanced MESH technology and has significantly invested in expanding its rental fleet to ensure customers have immediate access to one of the industry’s most advanced offshore wireless communication technologies.”