Local area network infrastructure (LAN) has consolidated its position as the main information transport medium in offices, factories and also in vessels. The convergence of IT and telecommunications services is creating a new environment where voice, data, video, security and others travel along a shared common infrastructure: the Ethernet LAN.

A well-designed and properly installed LAN infrastructure is fundamental for offering quality services to users and for supporting future capacity expansions, network reconfigurations and inclusion of new services.

How it works

Local Area Networks are built with Ethernet switches and structured cabling. The engineering project for the LAN defines equipment and cable models, topologies and configurations. Depending on the project and on environmental conditions, electrical and/or optical cables can be used.

C.FOSTER can design, supply and install systems and equipment that work attached to the LANs, including routers, voice gateways and computers.

Scope of a Standard Project

C.FOSTER supplies and installs Local Area Network infrastructure in ships and platforms of varying sizes, meeting the highest quality standards required for this type of installation.

C.FOSTER relys on a highly skilled and trained technical team, composed of professionals with extensive experience with maritime and offshore customers, most of whom have been trained abroad on our partner equipment vendor’s facilities.

Equipment and materials are supplied according to international norms and standards, including recommendations from PETROBRAS, ANATEL, IMO/SOLAS, Unit Classification Society, AIS, SSAS, ABS, DNV and others.

All materials and accessories are specified and assembled, considering the hostile environmental characteristics of the offshore production environment. All installed systems are rigorously tested, with test instruments that are regularly calibrated according to applicable norms.

Project and installation activities typically include:

• System conception according with the needs of each customer
• Engineering design including plans and descriptive drawings
• On-board installation, commissioning and LAN certification
• Physical identification of all the network components
•  “As built” documentation, including updated plans and drawings
• Training programs for customer personnel
• Supply and delivery logistics according to the project schedule of:
  • Metallic and optical cables
  • Connectors
  • Distributors
  • Test instruments required for future maintenance