Petrobras chooses advanced RFS optical networks for optimized wireless coverage

Petrobras, Brazil's national oil company and a global energy leader, chose Radio Frequency Systems (RFS) over 11 companies to completely outfit eight of its management buildings, including headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, with a fully turn-key indoor wireless coverage system. The project, based on advanced optical repeater technology, is the largest of its kind in Latin America.

Petrobras is a global leader in oil and gas byproduct exploration, production and marketing, and the biggest oil refiner in Latin America. The company was also Brazil's top revenue earner in 2008.

RFS will supply Petrobras with expert wireless indoor technology based on its ClearFill Space 1 and ClearFill Air solutions, comprising an advanced Distributed Antenna System (DAS), with fiber-fed repeaters relayed by off-air repeaters. Combining both passive and active components to powerfully harness and distribute RF signals indoors, this coverage solution is rapidly gaining ground in Latin America.

"The optical solution will definitely be a viable option for the distribution of the signal throughout buildings," says Luiz Tonisi, VP Sales for RFS Latin America. "The demand for wireless communication is increasing, including in confined environments where the traditional solution with passive coaxial cable cannot reach."

Fully turn-key; fully customized

The deal with Petrobras includes not just the cutting-edge wireless infrastructure, but complete project management. "This solution is entirely turn-key and includes not only the antennas, cables and optical repeaters, but also the design, installation and activation of the system," explains Marcelo Yamaguchi, RFS Area Product Manager.

ClearFill Space1 is a modular RF-over-fiber distribution system that provides reliable and highest quality indoor coverage of 2G and 3G wireless services. It comprises fiber-fed repeaters with RF converters to drive the signal through the otherwise passive RF distribution network of cables and distributed antennas.

"Because of the project's ‘plug-and-play' design, we simply connect the devices and they auto-configure themselves," explains Yamaguchi. "As a result, Petrobras will enjoy wide coverage, and improved signal quality, while benefiting from reduced installation and maintenance costs."


Offshore to the mainland

The project is unique in its scope, but RFS has worked with Petrobras previously. "We already enjoyed a business relationship with Petrobras in offshore projects, that is on oil extraction platforms," explains Tonisi.  The wireless indoor coverage project is the first commercial partnership between RFS and Petrobras on Brazil's mainland.

"The new Petrobras contract is the ultimate result of RFS' technical and commercial expertise applied over an entire year's worth of hard work," says Tonisi, "but it is also a recognition of the strong technical support and dedicated cooperation Petrobras has learned to expect from RFS."


[Homepage Image Caption]: RFS was chosen by Petrobras over 11 companies to completely outfit eight of its management buildings, including its headquarters building in downtown Rio de Janeiro.


Trademarks: ClearFill® and RFS®, are trademarks, service marks or registered trademarks of Radio Frequency Systems. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Company background
Radio Frequency Systems is a global designer and manufacturer of cable, antenna and tower systems plus active and passive RF conditioning modules, providing total-package solutions for outdoor and indoor wireless infrastructure.

RFS serves OEMs, distributors, system integrators, operators and installers in the broadcast, wireless communications, land-mobile and microwave market sectors. As an ISO compliant organization with manufacturing and customer service facilities that span the globe, RFS offers cutting-edge engineering capabilities, superior field support and innovative product design.
RFS is a leader in wireless infrastructure.