New subsea standard provides protocol for free-space optical communications
Oil and gas industry network Subsea Wireless Group (SWiG) has released a new industry specification for free-space optical communications, providing a common protocol for modems from different manufacturers.
SWiGoptical Level 1 defines a simple protocol to satisfy interoperability and interchangeability requirements for subsea free-space optical communication devices. It supports applications including, but not limited to, process control, equipment and process monitoring, diagnostics and maintenance, and data exchange and harvesting across autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and other connected subsea systems.
SWiG, a joint industry project (JIP) managed by OTM Networks (part of R&D consultancy Sagentia Innovation), was established to enable vehicles, infrastructure and equipment from different suppliers to work together seamlessly. It has 27 members representing all parts of the supply chain, from major energy operators to subsea service providers and integrators to specialist instrumentation companies.
Shreekant Mehta, Senior Vice President, Energy Sector at Sagentia Innovation, says SWiGoptical Level 1 represents an important step towards optical modem interoperability for subsea systems.
“SWiG’s goal is to create a common subsea ecosystem where devices from different manufacturers interact seamlessly,” Mehta explains. “As subsea communication technologies continue to mature, a collaborative approach to developing open standards supports cost management and provides a common framework, reducing deployment risk, simplifying integration and supporting scalability. Achieving interoperability across subsea operations is essential if the industry is to realise the full benefits of autonomy.”
The new specification builds on the earlier SWiGacoustic standard and is the latest in a family of complementary SWiG standards that also cover radio frequency (RF), inductive data and power and hybrid communications. SWiGoptical Level 1 is now available to the wider industry, with Level 2 and Level 3 specifications for higher-performance protocols already under development.
Further information about SWiG and the full SWiGoptical Level 1 specification are available at https://subseawirelessgroup.com/
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Why does the oil and gas industry need standards for subsea optical communications?
As offshore operations become increasingly digital and autonomous, subsea assets must exchange larger volumes of data reliably. Industry standards help ensure equipment from different suppliers can communicate effectively, reducing integration challenges, lowering deployment risk and supporting more efficient subsea operations.
What is SWiGoptical Level 1?
SWiGoptical Level 1 is a new industry specification developed by the Subsea Wireless Group (SWiG) to support interoperability between subsea free-space optical communication devices. It establishes a common protocol that enables optical modems from different manufacturers to communicate effectively, simplifying integration across subsea systems.
Why is interoperability important for subsea optical communications and oil and gas infrastructure?
Interoperability allows equipment from multiple suppliers to work together without requiring proprietary interfaces. This can reduce integration complexity, lower deployment risk and support more flexible subsea operations, particularly as autonomous systems and connected infrastructure become more widely adopted. Most offshore developments use equipment sourced from multiple suppliers. Interoperability helps ensure that communication devices, sensors, vehicles and control systems can operate together seamlessly, reducing integration risk while providing operators with greater flexibility when selecting technologies.
Who developed the SWiGoptical Level 1 specification?
The specification was developed through the Subsea Wireless Group (SWiG), an international joint industry project managed by OTM Networks, part of Sagentia Innovation. SWiG brings together operators, service providers, integrators and technology specialists to develop standards for subsea wireless communications.
What benefits can subsea operators gain from adopting common communication standards?
Common standards can help operators reduce system integration costs, improve compatibility across suppliers and support future scalability. Standardised communications protocols also provide greater flexibility when deploying, upgrading or expanding subsea infrastructure over time.
How does optical communication support subsea autonomy?
Optical communication technologies enable high-speed wireless data transfer between subsea assets. Standardised communication protocols are an important enabler for autonomous operations, allowing equipment from different manufacturers to exchange information reliably within increasingly connected subsea environments.
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