Device for routing communications, adapter for exchanging communications, and system for communicating with at least one subsea system

Abstract

Disclosed is a device for routing communications, the device being configured to be used within a subsea environment The device includes: a first connector for connecting a first fiber optic cable to the device; at least one first group of antennas for exchanging near-field communications within the subsea environment; and a first electronic circuit for connecting the first connector with the at least one first group of antennas. The first electronic circuit is configured to: multiplex at least one incoming signal into an outgoing multiplexed signal and transmit the outgoing multiplexed signal to the first connector; and demultiplex an incoming multiplexed signal from the first connector and into at least one outgoing signal to be transmitted through a respective first group of antennas. Also disclosed is an adapter for exchanging communications between the device and a subsea system, and a system for communicating with subsea systems.

Description

[0001] DEVICE FOR ROUTING COMMUNICATIONS, ADAPTER FOR EXCHANGING COMMUNICATIONS, AND SYSTEM FOR COMMUNICATING WITH AT LEAST ONE SUBSEA SYSTEM

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a device for routing communications. The present disclosure also relates to an adapter for exchanging communications between a device and a subsea system. Also, the present disclosure relates to a system for communicating with at least one subsea system.

[0003] Background

[0004] Typically, in offshore operations, there is a need to provide a communication network for communicating with a plurality of subsea systems from topsides, the subsea systems being usable below a waterline of a body of water (e.g. above, on and / or below a seabed). There are many known types of subsea systems, such as but not limited to a riser buoyancy system, a remotely-operated vehicle, a subsea pump, a wellhead system, a well valve, a running tool to be operated within the well, among many others. The subsea systems may include transducers, actuators, processing units, electronic memories, and / or many other known components, and the communication network can be used for transmitting control signals, transferring data in one or both ways, updating configurations, or other known data exchanges with the subsea systems. In practice, a known way of implementing a network for communicating with subsea systems is to arrange a bundle of fiber optic cables (e.g. through an umbilical or supported by a fixed offshore installation) between topsides and the subsea systems.

[0005] It can be challenging to implement a communication network between topsides and a plurality of subsea system instances.

[0006] Typically, an offshore operation requires a high number of subsea systems, which imposes a demand for a high number of connections between topsides and subsea positions (e.g. above, on and / or below the seabed). Thus, a lot of resources may be required for supporting all the necessary fiber optic cables, the effort being increased if, in known communication networks, each subsea system is to be set up with a dedicated fiber optic cable.

[0007] Additionally, the use of fiber optic cables in this context often requires performing underwater mating operations for connecting two fiber optic cable ends with each other, which can have many drawbacks. One type of drawback is that underwater mating operations often require a lot of effort and precision. Another type of drawback is that known subsea fiber optical connectors typically support only a limited number of mate / de- mate cycles without refurbishment (e.g. one hundred mate / de-mate cycles, although in practice the number of support mate / de-mate cycles is typically far less than one hundred). A further type of drawback is that known subsea fiber optical connectors can be highly sensitive to misalignments (e.g. a rotational misalignment, an angular misalignment, or a radial misalignment) and to pollution from debris and marine particles, and thus are often rated with strict operational limits. A known subsea fiber optical connector is, for example, the "SEACON HydraLight Wet-Mate Connector". Moreover, every time a fiber optic connector is mated / de-mated, there can be an inherent risk that the communication channel becomes substantially deteriorated, this risk being amplified by the subsea environment. Thus, a user of known subsea optical connectors is required not only to keep track of the number of times a fiber optic cable connector is mated / de-mated with a subsystem, but also to take into account the risk of deteriorating a communication channel.

[0008] Known difficulties of implementing a communication network between topsides and a plurality of subsea system instances may lead an offshore operator to avoid using a subsea system that could be advantageous to use. Additional known difficulties in implementing a communication network may be appreciated in view of the following description. The invention will now be disclosed and has for its object to remedy or to reduce at least one of the drawbacks of the known prior art, or at least provide a useful alternative to the known prior art. The object is achieved through features, which are specified in the description below and in the claims that follow. The invention is defined by the independent patent claims, and the dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for routing communications, the device being configured to be used within a subsea environment. The device comprises:

[0010] - a first connector for connecting a first fiber optic cable to the device;

[0011] - at least one first group of antennas for exchanging near-field communications within the subsea environment; and

[0012] - a first electronic circuit for connecting the first connector with the at least one first group of antennas.

[0013] The first electronic circuit is configured to:

[0014] - multiplex at least one incoming signal into an outgoing multiplexed signal and transmit the outgoing multiplexed signal to the first connector, each of the at least one incoming signal being received from the subsea environment through a respective first group of antennas; and

[0015] - receive an incoming multiplexed signal from the first connector, demultiplex the incoming multiplexed signal into at least one outgoing signal, and transmit each of the at least one outgoing signal to the subsea environment through a respective first group of antennas.

[0016] Thus, an advantageous device may be achieved for routing communications, the device being usable in a subsea environment, such as being used in a communication network between topsides and one or more subsea systems. The device may be a valuable networking asset for any offshore operator communicating with multiple subsea systems from topsides. In one advantage, the device may allow supporting one or more communication channels, formed by the outgoing and incoming multiplexed signals, through a fiber optic cable medium while enabling an efficient and safe manner of connecting a subsea system to a respective communication channel. The use of the at least one first group of antennas for near-field communications may be highly advantageous in avoiding misalignment risks when connecting subsea systems to the device.

[0017] In another advantage, the device can be a substantial contribution to reducing an overall number of fiber optic cables in use while increasing the number of communication channels, which can provide an efficient use of the fiber optic cables.

[0018] In a further advantage, the device can be used in existing infrastructure, such as in the context of an infrastructure in which the first fiber optic cable is already provided in place between topsides and a subsea location. The device can therefore avoid putting further requirements on an offshore operator, such as requiring a new, dedicated fiber optic cable just so that the device can be used.

[0019] In an advantage, the at least one first group of antennas may allow providing an interaction of the hot plugging type, in which the connection and disconnection of subsea systems with / from the device can be done without requiring the device to be stopped, shut down, or rebooted. Thus, an operational quality may be achieved in which two or more subsea systems do not interfere with each other due to being connected to the same device, the device providing independence of communication to each of the subsea systems connected to it.

[0020] In another advantage, the device can be set at an intended subsea location without requiring a strict, before-hand plan establishing exactly which subsea systems will be later connected to the device. Thus, the device may be moved to different subsea locations as an offshore endeavor changes over time.

[0021] In a further advantage, the device can be made with a low number of components and be provided in a small size and weight, which can be further advantageous in achieving an easy integration of the device with existing infrastructure. Optionally, the first electronic circuit either comprises:

[0022] - a first bi-directional multiplexer for multiplexing the at least one incoming signal into the outgoing multiplexed signal and demultiplexing the incoming multiplexed signal into the at least one outgoing signal, or comprises:

[0023] - a first multiplexer for multiplexing the at least one incoming signal into the outgoing multiplexed signal; and

[0024] - a first demultiplexer for demultiplexing the incoming multiplexed signal into the at least one outgoing signal.

[0025] Optionally, the first electronic circuit comprises a first switcher for switching between the outgoing multiplexed signal and the incoming multiplexed signal, the first switcher being connected to the first connector.

[0026] Optionally, any of the configurations to multiplex at least one incoming signal into an outgoing multiplexed signal and demultiplex the incoming multiplexed signal into at least one outgoing signal is adapted to implement any of the following multiplexing methods: wavelength-division multiplexing; time-division multiplexing; code-division multiplexing; and polarization-division multiplexing.

[0027] Optionally, each of the at least one first group of antennas comprises:

[0028] - at least one first antenna for receiving near-field communications through the subsea environment; and

[0029] - at least one second antenna for transmitting near-field communications through the subsea environment.

[0030] Optionally, the first connector is configured to connect an additional first fiber optic cable to the device such that a first two-way communication is provided in one way by the first optic cable and in another way by the additional first fiber optic cable. Optionally, the device comprises a second connector for connecting a second fiber optic cable to the device, and the first electronic circuit comprises a fiber-optic splitter for passing signals directly between the first connector and the second connector. Thus, the device can provide a scalable solution for taking full advantage of the capacity of the first fiber optic cable for supporting a number of communication channels formed by the outgoing and incoming multiplexed signals.

[0031] Optionally, the second connector is configured to connect an additional second fiber optic cable to the device such that a second two-way communication is provided in one way by the second optic cable and in another way by the additional second fiber optic cable.

[0032] Optionally, the device comprises at least one battery for storing and / or supplying electric power. Thus, the device can store and / or supply electric power in the at least one battery, which can be advantageous for various purposes, such as but not limited to providing buffered transfers of electric power within the device, and / or providing a resilient device for withstanding temporary losses of power.

[0033] In one embodiment, one or more of the at least one first group of antennas comprises a third antenna for wirelessly exchanging electric power with the subsea environment. For example, the third antenna may be configured to receive and / or transfer electric power to / from the subsea environment. Thus, the one or more of the at least one first group of antennas can be used for providing a complete connection port for both powering and exchanging communications with a subsea system. In practice, it can be advantageous that a single interface may be used by a subsea system for both transferring power and exchanging communications, which provides a way of extending a network for communicating with and powering subsea systems that is simple and with a low complexity.

[0034] In another embodiment, the device comprises a third connector for connecting an electric power cable to the device, and one or more of the at least one first group of antennas comprises a third antenna for wirelessly transferring electric power, received from the third connector, to the subsea environment. Thus, the one or more of the at least one first group of antennas in this device embodiment can be used for providing a complete connection port for both powering and exchanging communications with a subsea system. In practice, it can be advantageous that a single interface may be used by a subsea system for both transferring power and exchanging communications, which provides a way of extending a network for communicating with and powering subsea systems that is simple and with a low complexity.

[0035] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an adapter for exchanging communications between a device according to the first aspect and a subsea system, the adapter being configured to be used within a subsea environment. The adapter comprises:

[0036] - a fourth connector for connecting the subsea system to the adapter;

[0037] - a second group of antennas for exchanging near-field communications within the subsea environment; and

[0038] - a second electronic circuit configured to convert communication signals between the fourth connector and the second group of antennas.

[0039] Thus, an advantageous adapter may be achieved for exchanging communications between a device as described above and a subsea system. In one advantage, the fourth connector and the second electronic circuit can be configured to operate with a subsea system that has already been selected to be used, which achieves a versatile adapter.

[0040] Optionally, the second group of antennas comprises:

[0041] - a fourth antenna for receiving near-field communications through the subsea environment; and

[0042] - a fifth antenna for transmitting near-field communications through the subsea environment.

[0043] Optionally, the adapter comprises a sixth antenna for exchanging electric power wirelessly.

[0044] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for communicating with at least one subsea system. The system comprises: a device as described in the first aspect; and a network gateway device. The network gateway device comprises: - a fifth connector for connecting the first fiber optic cable to the network gateway device;

[0045] - at least one sixth connector, each of the at least one sixth connector being configured to connect a processing unit to the network gateway device; and

[0046] - a third electronic circuit for exchanging communications between the fifth connector and the at least one sixth connector.

[0047] The second electronic circuit is configured to:

[0048] - receive an incoming multiplexed signal from the first fiber optic cable, demultiplex the incoming multiplexed signal into the at least one outgoing signal, and transmit each of the at least one outgoing signal to a respective sixth connector; and

[0049] - multiplex at least one incoming signal into an outgoing multiplexed signal and transmit the outgoing multiplexed signal to the first fiber optic cable, each of the at least one incoming signal being received from a respective sixth connector.

[0050] Thus, an advantageous system may be achieved for communicating with at least one subsea system. The system may be highly adaptable to many offshore operations possibly involving several processing units connected to the network gateway device. The system may achieve a hot-plugging usability both at subsea and topsides positions: subsea systems may be connected, disconnected, and changed over time with respect to the connection with the device at a subsea position; and processing units may be connected, disconnected, and changed over time with respect to the connection with network gateway device at a topsides position.

[0051] Optionally, each of at least one sixth connector is configured to connect the processing unit to the network gateway device.

[0052] Optionally, the connection of the processing unit to the network gateway device is wired or wireless.

[0053] Optionally, the system comprises at least one adapter as described in second aspect of the invention. Thus, a subsea system may be provided with an adapter and it is possible to establish a communication link with one of the at least one device as described in the first aspect above, the communication link being highly advantageous in that it requires no pairing (e.g. in comparison with a Bluetooth protocol implementation), having no data tampering, and being functionally similar to a cable splice.

[0054] Further benefits and advantages will become apparent after a careful reading of the detailed description with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] Brief description of the drawings

[0056] In the drawings:

[0057] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram view of a first device embodiment;

[0058] Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a second device embodiment;

[0059] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram view of an assembly formed by a subsea system and an adapter embodiment; and

[0060] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram view of a system embodiment in use during an offshore operation.

[0061] The drawings are shown in a schematic and simplified manner, and features may be left out if they are not necessary for an explanation. Identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar features in the drawings. The various features shown in the drawings may not necessarily be drawn to scale.

[0062] Fig. 1 - first device embodiment

[0063] Turning now to Fig. 1, it shows a first embodiment of a device 100 for routing communications. The device 100 includes: a first connector 101 for connecting a first fiber optic cable 600 to the device 100; two first groups of antennas 130, 140 for exchanging near-field communications within the subsea environment 900; and a first electronic circuit 110 for connecting the first connector 101 with the two first groups of antennas 130, 140.

[0064] The device 100 is shown in use within a subsea environment 900. For example, the device

[0065] 100 is positioned under a waterline of a body of water at 300 meters of depth. The device 100 may include a body or a housing configured to be sufficiently robust to withstand a hydrostatic pressure within the subsea environment 900. The first fiber optic cable 600 is arranged to extend between the subsea position of the device 100 and a position on topsides.

[0066] In this first embodiment of the device 100, each of the first groups of the antennas 130, 140 includes two antennas 131, 132, 141, 142: a first antenna 131, 141 for receiving nearfield communications through the subsea environment 900; and a second antenna 132, 142 for transmitting near-field communications through the subsea environment 900. Thus, the two first groups of antennas 130, 140 are configured to exchange near-field communications within the subsea environment 900.

[0067] Also, in this first embodiment of the device 100, the first electronic circuit 110 includes a first multiplexer 111 for multiplexing at least one incoming signal into an outgoing multiplexed signal, each of the at least one incoming signal being received from the subsea environment 900 through a respective first group of antennas 130, 140. In the device 100 shown in Fig. 1, one incoming signal may be received from a first antenna 131 of one of the two first groups of antennas 130, 140, and another incoming signal may be received from a first antenna 141 of another of the two first groups of antennas 130, 140. The first electronic circuit 110 is further configured to transmit the outgoing multiplexed signal to the first fiber optic cable 600.

[0068] Additionally, the first electronic circuit 110 includes a first demultiplexer 112 for demultiplexing an incoming multiplexed signal into the at least one outgoing signal. The first electronic circuit 110 is further configured to receive the incoming multiplexed signal from the first fiber optic cable 600, and to transmit each of the at least one outgoing signal to the subsea environment 900 through a respective first group of antennas 130, 140. In the device 100 shown in Fig. 1, one outgoing signal may be transmitted to a second antenna 132 of one of the two first groups of antennas 130, 140, and another outgoing signal may be transmitted to a second antenna 142 of another of the two first groups of antennas 130,

[0069] 140.

[0070] For illustrative purposes, Fig. 1 is shown in a schematic and simplified manner, and it will be appreciated that the first electronic circuit 110 may be provided including components not shown in Fig. 1, such as but not limited to a first switcher connected to the first connector 101, the first switcher being configured to switch between the outgoing multiplexed signal and the incoming multiplexed signal using a known switching method. The device 100 may include a battery for storing and / or supplying electric power, which can be advantageous for various purposes, such as but not limited to providing buffered transfers of electric power within the device 100, and / or providing a resilient device 100 for withstanding temporary losses of power but in any case maintain the first electronic circuit 110 functioning while the battery continues to be charged.

[0071] Fig. 2 - second device embodiment

[0072] Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of a device 100 for routing communications. The device 100 embodiment shown in Fig. 2 is similar to the device 100 embodiment shown in Fig. 1 except for a few features, such as but not limited to those explained in the following paragraphs.

[0073] The device 100 in Fig. 2 is shown in use within a subsea environment 900. For example, the device 100 is positioned on a seabed at 700 meters of depth. The device 100 includes a box-shaped housing for enclosing components of the device 100, the housing being configured to withstand a hydrostatic pressure within the subsea environment 900. In Fig. 2, two faces of the housing are observable: a top face and a lateral face.

[0074] Looking at the top housing face seen in the middle and top portions of Fig. 2, it is observable that the device 100 includes four first groups of antennas 130, 140, 150, 160 for exchanging near-field communications within the subsea environment 900. For illustrative purposes, the four first groups of antennas 130, 140, 150, 160 are arranged in a rectangular disposition.

[0075] Each of the four first groups of antennas 130, 140, 150, 160 includes three antennas positioned within the housing of the device 100 and at least in proximity with a respective rectangular window formed on the top face of the housing of the device 100. Similarly to the device 100 in Fig. 1, each of the four first groups of antennas 130, 140, 150, 160 of the device 100 in Fig. 2 includes: a first antenna 131, 141, 151, 161 for receiving near-field communications through the subsea environment 900; and a second antenna 132, 142, 152, 162 for transmitting near-field communications through the subsea environment 900.

[0076] Additionally, each of the four first groups of antennas 130, 140, 150, 160 includes a third antenna 133, 143, 153, 163 for wirelessly exchanging electric power with the subsea environment 900. For example, at least one of the third antennas 133, 143, 153, 163 may be used for transferring electric power to the subsea environment 900, the electric power being received, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, from the third connector 103.

[0077] Advantageously, each of the third antennas 133, 143, 153, 163 can be configured to wirelessly transfer an intended amount of power, such as 150 W or 250 W, and / or to be part of a voltage step-up or step-down conversion, such as 12 V or 48 V. Such configuration(s) may be achieved by providing the third antenna 133, 143, 153, 163 with a size, a number of coil turns, or other antenna parameters chosen to achieve the intended configuration. Thus, the third antennas 133, 143, 153, 163 may be provided such that no additional power sources are required to power a subsea system 510 (see Fig. 3), which can be highly advantageous for minimizing the complexity of power networks provided subsea.

[0078] Looking at the lateral housing face seen in the bottom portion of Fig. 2, it is observable that the device 100 includes three connectors: a first connector 101 for connecting a first fiber optic cable 600 to the device 100; a second connector 102 for connecting a second fiber optic cable 600' to the device 100; and a third connector 103 for connecting a power cable 700 to the device 100.

[0079] A two-way communication through the first connector 101 can be achieved in many ways. In one embodiment, the first fiber optic cable 600 can be solely used for the two-way communication. In another embodiment, the first connector 101 may be configured to connect an additional first fiber optic cable to the device 100 such that the two-way communication through the first connector 101 is achieved. The two-way communication can be provided in one way by the first optic cable 600 and in another way by the additional first fiber optic cable.

[0080] A two-way communication through the second connector 102 can be achieved in many ways. In one embodiment, the second fiber optic cable 600' can be solely used for the two- way communication. In another embodiment, the second connector 102 can be configured to connect an additional second fiber optic cable to the device 100 such that the two-way communication is provided in one way by the second optic cable 600' and in another way by the additional second fiber optic cable.

[0081] It will be appreciated that the device 100 shown in Fig. 2 includes a first electronic circuit 110 embodiment (not shown in Fig. 2) for connecting the first connector 101 with the four first groups of antennas 130, 140, 150, 160.

[0082] The first fiber optic cable 600 shown in Fig. 2 is arranged to extend between the subsea position of the device 100 and a position on topsides, which is a similar arrangement to the one described for Fig. 1. The second fiber optic cable 600' is arranged to extend between the device 100 shown in Fig. 2 and another device 100'. It will be appreciated that the first electronic circuit 110 includes a fiber-optic splitter for passing signals directly between the first connector 101 and the second connector 102. Thus, it is possible to compose a sequence of devices 100, 100', which can be highly advantageous for adapting the number of available first groups of antennas 130, 140, 150, 160 to the intended subsea systems. Alternatively, the number of available first groups of antennas 130, 140, 150, 160 can be adapted by providing a replacement device with an adapted number of available first groups of antennas, although this adaptation requires knowing the intended number of available first groups of antennas 130, 140, 150, 160 ahead of time, which is often impossible during the lifetime of an offshore operation. For illustrative purposes, Fig. 2 shows a device 100 embodiment, but many other embodiment variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given the present disclosure as whole. For example, it will be appreciated that the device 100 may include at least one battery for storing and / or supplying electric power. In some embodiments, the at least one battery may be used for storing power received through the third connector 103. In some other embodiments, the at least one battery may be used for storing power received through at least one third antenna 133, 143, 153, 163.

[0083] It will be appreciated that a device 100 embodiment may be provided similarly to the one shown in Fig. 2 but without any of: the third connector 103 (and the power cable 700 connected to the third connector 103); and / or the second connector 102 (and the second fiber optic cable 600' connected to the second connector 102). In some embodiments, the device 100 may neither include a third connector 103 or at least one battery, but may be configured so that at least one third antenna 133, 143, 153, 163 is used for receiving electric power from the subsea environment 900 which may then be supplied to the first electronic circuit 110 (not shown in Fig. 2) and / or transferred to any other third antennas 133, 143, 153, 163.

[0084] Figure 3 - assembly of a subsea system with an adapter embodiment

[0085] Fig. 3 shows an assembly to be used within a subsea environment 900, the assembly being formed by a subsea system 510 and an adapter 200 embodiment for exchanging communications between a device 100, 100' (not shown in Fig. 3) and the subsea system 510.

[0086] The adapter 200 includes a housing for enclosing components of the adapter 200, the housing being configured to withstand a hydrostatic pressure within the subsea environment 900. Also, the adapter 200 includes: a fourth connector 201 for connecting the subsea system 510 to the adapter 200; a second group of antennas 230 for exchanging near-field communications within the subsea environment 900; and a second electronic circuit 210 configured to convert communication signals between the fourth connector 201 and the second group of antennas 230.

[0087] As an example, an Ethernet cable 511 is illustrated connecting the subsea system 510 with the fourth connector 201, and it will be appreciated that the second electronic circuit 210 is configured to convert signals between the Ethernet cable 511 and the second group of antennas 230. It will also be appreciated that many known types of wired or wireless connection may be provided between the fourth connector 201 and the subsea system 510.

[0088] In the adapter 200 shown in Fig. 3, the second group of antennas 230 includes two antennas: a fourth antenna 231 for receiving near-field communications through the subsea environment 900; and a fifth antenna 232 for transmitting near-field communications through the subsea environment 900. Also, the adapter 200 may include a sixth antenna (not shown) for exchanging electric power wirelessly. For example, the sixth antenna may be used for receiving and / or transmitting electric power wirelessly from / to a device.

[0089] The assembly shown in Fig. 3 can be advantageously formed prior to moving the subsea system 510 to a subsea position of use. For example, the subsea system 510 may be connected with the adapter 200 onshore, be stored in a warehouse, be moved offshore and only then be moved to the subsea position of use. Alternatively, the fourth connector 201 may be configured to be connected at a subsea position (aka. a wet-mateable connector) and the assembly shown in Fig. 3 can be formed after both the subsea system 510 and the adapter 200 have been moved to a subsea position.

[0090] Figure 4 - system embodiment

[0091] Fig. 4 shows a system 400 embodiment in use during an offshore installation. Some parts of the system 400 are positioned subsea (see bottom portion of Fig. 3) and other parts are positioned topsides (see top portion of Fig. 3).

[0092] Looking at the parts of the system 400 positioned subsea, the system 400 includes several device 100, 100' embodiments. For the sake of simplicity, only two devices 100, 100' are illustrated in Fig. 4. All the devices 100, 100' of the system 400 embodiment in Fig. 4 are connected in sequence as follows: a first fiber optic cable 600 is arranged to connect one device 100 with topsides; a second fiber optic cable 600' is arranged to connect the one device 100 with another device 100'; a third fiber optic cable 600'' is arranged to connect the another device 100' with a further device not shown in Fig. 4; and so on. Additionally, for the sake of illustrative simplicity, the another device 100' is illustrated in a simplified manner without revealing the components therein.

[0093] The device 100 connected to topsides is shown in a situation in which an assembly, similar to the one described with reference to Fig. 3, is connected to the device 100 through an adapter 200 embodiment such that the subsea system 510 may exchange near-field communications with the device 100. It will be appreciated that the adapter 200 may be wirelessly attached to the device 100 by a known attachment means, such as by providing permanent magnets for keeping the contact between the adapter 200 and the device 100.

[0094] Looking at the parts of the system 400 positioned above the waterline, the system 400 includes a network gateway device 300 configured to be used as an entry and exit point of a network at the topsides, the network gateway device 300 connecting the topsides network with the subsea system 510 and allowing data to flow between them.

[0095] The network gateway device 300 includes: a fifth connector 301 for connecting the first fiber optic cable 600 to the network gateway device 300; three sixth connectors 330, 340, 350, each of the at least one sixth connector 330, 340, 350 being configured to connect three processing units 500, 500', 500” to the network gateway device 300; and a third electronic circuit 310 for exchanging communications between the fifth connector 301 and the three sixth connectors 330, 340, 350.

[0096] The three processing units 500, 500', 500” are illustrated in a simplified manner, although these can be provided in many known ways, such as but not limited to a laptop / desktop computer, a server, a cloud server, or an embedded device. Each of the sixth connectors 330, 340, 350 can be configured to provide a known wired or wireless connection with a processing unit 500, 500', 500”, such as but not limited to an ethernet cable or a WIFI wireless connection.

[0097] The second electronic circuit 310 of the network gateway device 300 is configured to receive an incoming multiplexed signal from the first fiber optic cable 600, demultiplex the incoming multiplexed signal into the at least one outgoing signal, and transmit each of the at least one outgoing signal to a respective sixth connector 330, 340, 350. In the network gateway device 300 shown in Fig. 4, one outgoing signal may be transmitted to a first sixth connector 330, another outgoing signal may be transmitted to a second sixth connector 340, and a further outgoing signal may be transmitted to a third sixth connector 350 (see top portion of the network gateway device 300 in Fig. 4).

[0098] The second electronic circuit 310 is also configured to multiplex at least one incoming signal into an outgoing multiplexed signal and transmit the outgoing multiplexed signal to the first fiber optic cable 600, each of the at least one incoming signal being received from a respective sixth connector 330, 340, 350. In the network gateway device 300 shown in Fig. 4, one incoming signal may be received from the first sixth connector 330, another incoming signal may be received from the second sixth connector 340, and a further incoming signal may be received from the third sixth connector 350.

[0099] Thus, the network gateway device 300 may function in reciprocity with the device 100 that is positioned subsea and connected to topsides through the first fiber optic cable 600.

[0100] The terms used in this description and claims are interpreted according to their ordinary meaning the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise. Notwithstanding, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. These terms are not interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or integers. Furthermore, the indefinite article "a" or "an" is interpreted openly as introducing at least one instance of an entity, unless explicitly stated otherwise. An entity introduced by an indefinite article is not excluded from being interpreted as a plurality of the entity.

[0101] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilized for realizing the invention in diverse forms thereof.

[0102] While the invention has been described in conjunction with the embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

C l a i m s1. A device (100, 100') for routing communications, the device (100, 100') being configured to be used within a subsea environment (900), wherein the device (100, 100') comprises:- a first connector (101, 101') for connecting a first fiber optic cable (600) to the device (100, 100');- at least one first group of antennas (130, 140, 150, 160) for exchanging near-field communications within the subsea environment (900); and- a first electronic circuit (110) for connecting the first connector (101, 101') with the at least one first group of antennas (130, 140, 150, 160), and wherein the first electronic circuit (110) is configured to:- multiplex at least one incoming signal into an outgoing multiplexed signal and transmit the outgoing multiplexed signal to the first connector (101, 101'), each of the at least one incoming signal being received from the subsea environment (900) through a respective first group of antennas (130, 140, 150, 160); and- receive an incoming multiplexed signal from the first connector (101, 101'), demultiplex the incoming multiplexed signal into at least one outgoing signal, and transmit each of the at least one outgoing signal to the subsea environment (900) through a respective first group of antennas (130, 140, 150, 160).

2. The device (100, 100') according to claim 1, wherein the first electronic circuit (110) either comprises:- a first bi-directional multiplexer for multiplexing the at least one incoming signal into the outgoing multiplexed signal and demultiplexing the incoming multiplexed signal into the at least one outgoing signal, or comprises:- a first multiplexer (111) for multiplexing the at least one incoming signal into the outgoing multiplexed signal; and- a first demultiplexer (112) for demultiplexing the incoming multiplexed signal into the at least one outgoing signal.

3. The device (100, 100') according to any one of the claims 1 to 2, wherein the first electronic circuit (110) comprises a first switcher for switching between the outgoing multiplexed signal and the incoming multiplexed signal, the first switcher being connected to the first connector (101, 101').

4. The device (100, 100') according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein any of the configurations to multiplex at least one incoming signal into an outgoing multiplexed signal and demultiplex the incoming multiplexed signal into at least one outgoing signal is adapted to implement any of the following multiplexing methods:- wavelength-division multiplexing;- time-division multiplexing;- code-division multiplexing; and- polarization-division multiplexing.

5. The device (100, 100') according to any one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the at least one first group of antennas (130, 140, 150, 160) comprises:- at least one first antenna (131, 141, 151, 161) for receiving near-field communications through the subsea environment (900); and- at least one second antenna (132, 142, 152, 162) for transmitting near-field communications through the subsea environment (900).

6. The device (100, 100') according to any one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the first connector (101, 101') is configured to connect an additional first fiber optic cable to the device (100, 100') such that a first two-way communication is provided in one way by the first optic cable (600) and in another way by the additional first fiber optic cable.

7. The device (100, 100') according to any one of the claims 1 to 6, wherein the device (100, 100') comprises a second connector (102, 102') for connecting a second fiber optic cable (600', 600'') to the device (100, 100'), and wherein the first electronic circuit (110) comprises at least one fiber-optic splitter for passing signals directly between the first connector (101, 101') and the second connector (102, 102').

8. The device (100, 100') according to claim 7, wherein the second connector (102, 102') is configured to connect an additional second fiber optic cable to the device (100, 100') such that a second two-way communication is provided in one way by the second optic cable (600', 600'') and in another way by the additional second fiber optic cable.

9. The device (100, 100') according to any one of the claims 1 to 8, where in the device (100, 100') comprises at least one battery for storing and / or supplying electric power.

10. The device (100, 100') according to any one of the claims 1 to 9, wherein one or more of the at least one first group of antennas (130, 140, 150, 160) comprises a third antenna (133, 143, 153, 163) for wirelessly exchanging electric power with the subsea environment (900).

11. The device (100, 100') according to any one of the claims 1 to 9, wherein the device (100, 100') comprises a third connector (103) for connecting an electric power cable (700) to the device (100, 100'), and wherein one or more of the at least one first group of antennas (130, 140, 150, 160) comprises a third antenna (133, 143, 153, 163) for wirelessly transferring electric power, received from the third connector (103), to the subsea environment (900).

12. An adapter (200) for exchanging communications between a device (100, 100') according to any one of the claims 1 to 11 and a subsea system (510), the adapter (200) being configured to be used within a subsea environment (900), wherein the adapter (200) comprises:- a fourth connector (201) for connecting the subsea system (510) to the adapter (200);- a second group of antennas (230) for exchanging near-field communications within the subsea environment (900); and- a second electronic circuit (210) configured to convert communication signals between the fourth connector (201) and the second group of antennas (230).

13. The adapter (200) according to claim 12, wherein the second group of antennas(230) comprises:- a fourth antenna (231) for receiving near-field communications through the subsea environment (900); and- a fifth antenna (232) for transmitting near-field communications through the subsea environment (900).

14. The adapter (200) according to any one of the claims 12 to 13, wherein the adapter (200) comprises a sixth antenna for exchanging electric power wirelessly.

15. A system (400) for communicating with at least one subsea system (510), the system (400) comprising:- a device (100, 100') as described in any of the claims 1 to 11; and- a network gateway device (300), wherein the network gateway device (300) comprises:- a fifth connector (301) for connecting the first fiber optic cable (600) to the network gateway device (300);- at least one sixth connector (330, 340, 350), each of the at least one sixth connector (330, 340, 350) being configured to connect a processing unit (500, 500', 500'') to the network gateway device (300); and- a third electronic circuit (310) for exchanging communications between the fifth connector (301) and the at least one sixth connector (330, 340, 350), wherein the second electronic circuit (310) is configured to:- receive an incoming multiplexed signal from the first fiber optic cable (600), demultiplex the incoming multiplexed signal into the at least one outgoing signal, and transmit each of the at least one outgoing signal to a respective sixth connector (330, 340, 350); and- multiplex at least one incoming signal into an outgoing multiplexed signal and transmit the outgoing multiplexed signal to the first fiber optic cable (600), each of the at least one incoming signal being received from a respective sixth connector (330, 340, 350).

16. The system (400) according to claim 15, wherein each of at least one sixth connector (330, 340, 350) is configured to connect the processing unit (500, 500', 500”) to the network gateway device (300).

17. The system (400) according to claim 16, wherein the connection of the processing unit (500, 500', 500”) to the network gateway device (300) is wired or wireless.

18. The system (400) according to any one of the claims 15 to 16, wherein the system (400) comprises at least one adapter (200) as described in any of the claims 12 to

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