401 Tech Bridge & U.S. Government Research Facility
401 Tech Bridge, a non-profit organization supporting economic development in Rhode Island, approached Impact ES–Rhode Island to develop a wireless data transmission solution for a U.S. Government research and development facility. The objective was to establish a high-speed data link from an offshore object to land, approximately one mile away, in a cost-effective and efficient manner.
The end customer’s existing solution relied on cables, which were both time-consuming to deploy and expensive to maintain. They required a more efficient and affordable method to transmit high-speed data over open water while ensuring reliability and performance.
Impact ES–Rhode Island initiated the project by evaluating various off-the-shelf wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi, LoRa, LTE/Cellular, and a proprietary solution. The team conducted extensive transmission and theoretical calculations to determine the link budget, ensuring feasibility and optimal technology selection.
Through this analysis, Wi-Fi emerged as the most suitable technology. Impact ES–Rhode Island developed a proof-of-concept system utilizing:
Two directional high-gain antennas on the receiving shore side
Two omni-directional antennas on the transmitting offshore object
This system was tested at the end customer’s facility, where it successfully transmitted data at speeds exceeding 27 megabits per second over a distance of 4,000 feet—well beyond the initial requirements.
The implemented solution provided a reliable, high-speed wireless data transmission system, replacing the costly and cumbersome cable-based approach. The success of this project demonstrated the feasibility of leveraging commercially available wireless technologies for challenging offshore data transmission applications.
Wireless technology can effectively replace expensive and labor-intensive cable-based solutions for offshore data transmission.
A structured evaluation process, including link budget analysis, is critical in selecting the optimal wireless technology.
The implemented Wi-Fi solution exceeded performance expectations, achieving a stable data rate of 27 Mbps over 4,000 feet.
Collaborations facilitated by organizations like 401 Tech Bridge can lead to innovative and cost-effective solutions for government and industry challenges.
