EnerStar Transforms Connectivity for Remote Workers with EnGenius Cloud and Starlink - USA and Canada

EnerStar Solutions is a prominent communications provider based in the USA and Canada that is well-known for offering dependable internet services across North America and Globally. Specializing in comprehensive energy and connectivity solutions, EnerStar customizes its offerings to meet the specific needs of remote and off-grid locations. Their extensive portfolio includes power generation, fluid management, and state-of-the-art connectivity options, positioning them at the forefront of technological innovation in the industry.

EnerStar Solutions’ dedication to advancing connectivity is showcased through their integration with Starlink, a high-speed satellite internet service developed by SpaceX. Starlink utilizes a constellation of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver seamless and robust communication capabilities, even in the most challenging environments. This technology ensures businesses in remote and underserved areas can maintain reliable internet access, enhancing operational efficiency and enabling continuous connectivity.

EnerStar’s implementation of Starlink is transformational for industries relying on remote operations, such as mining, oil and gas and renewable energy sectors, EnerStar is also active in providing communications for disaster recovery operation, temporary housing facilities and government programs. By providing high-speed internet in areas where traditional connectivity solutions fall short, EnerStar empowers these industries to utilize digital technologies to their full potential, from real-time data monitoring to advanced communication systems.

The company’s technological foundation is reinforced by a dedicated team of professionals passionate about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the communications industry. U.S. Communications Support Manager Andrew Watts and Chief Technology Officer Len Bleile highlight how partnering with EnGenius Technologies has revolutionized service delivery and customer satisfaction. This collaboration has enabled EnerStar to enhance their service offerings, ensuring customers receive the most advanced and reliable connectivity solutions available.







The Need

EnerStar Solutions provides portable living spaces for remote workers on oil rigs, offering essential connectivity for individuals operating in isolated and demanding environments. Andrew Watts, U.S. Communications Support Manager, detailed the process of setting up dependable, high-speed internet connectivity for the community and the rig, located miles away from traditional infrastructure to ensure the welfare of remote workers. These workers depend on reliable connectivity for work-related communications and personal activities such as video calls with family, access to entertainment, and other internet-dependent tasks essential for maintaining motivation and productivity.

EnerStar struggled to provide fast and reliable internet to its customers due to the growing demand for bandwidth and the need for effective network management. Customers often complained about slow internet speeds, and resolving connectivity issues was time-consuming, often requiring on-site visits.

The company also faced challenges with manual monitoring and managing network traffic. High-bandwidth activities like gaming and streaming frequently caused slowdowns, but identifying the source of these issues was complex and required extensive troubleshooting efforts. This reactive approach affected customer satisfaction and was unsustainable.

Using multiple LTE modems in remote locations added complexity and cost to network management. Each remote facility had its own LTE modem, leading to a complex network of devices that required significant time and resources to monitor and maintain. The absence of a centralized system for managing these modems led to delays in issue resolution and increased operational costs.

EnerStar’s challenges were significantly impacted by its coverage area. Operating across vast and remote regions made establishing a consistent and dependable network tough. The varied and expansive geography meant that each site had unique connectivity needs, adding to the complexities of delivering uniform service.

EnerStar’s technological setup utilized advanced satellite communication systems, LTE modems, and other wireless technologies to establish connectivity in isolated locations. However, the lack of integration among these technologies led to inefficiencies and reliability issues.

EnerStar was developing its Starlink offering, which aimed to revolutionize its connectivity solutions. By leveraging Starlink’s low Earth orbit satellites, EnerStar intended to provide high-speed internet with low latency capable of supporting both operational and personal use for remote workers. Starlink’s technology was expected to cover broader areas more effectively, reducing the reliance on multiple LTE modems and simplifying network management.







The Solution

The importance of these services cannot be overstated. Reliable connectivity is essential for streamlining operations and the well-being of remote workers, who depend on internet access to stay connected with their families and access critical information. In seeking EnGenius as a partner, EnerStar sought a solution that would seamlessly integrate with their new Starlink offering to enhance customer connectivity. They expected EnGenius’ advanced networking solutions to provide a centralized management system, allowing for more efficient monitoring and troubleshooting of network issues. This integration would significantly reduce operational costs and improve customer satisfaction by providing a more reliable and high-performing internet service.

EnerStar Solutions has partnered with Starlink as an authorized reseller to offer reliable high-speed broadband internet powered by Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. By leveraging Starlink’s satellite technology, EnerStar aims to address the limitations of traditional LTE networks and deliver superior internet performance in remote locations. As part of the transition to Starlink technology, EnerStar implemented a comprehensive setup that included EnGenius Cloud Routers, Switches, and Access Points to establish reliable and stable Wi-Fi for the offices and living quarters.

To ensure reliable and consistent internet connectivity for the workers, the company strategically utilizes the router’s SD-WAN capabilities to provide a robust backup for the Starlink connection. This setup ensures that the backup systems can maintain seamless connectivity even if the primary Starlink connection experiences issues. Every dwelling unit in the community is equipped with a switch and an access point, ensuring each living and working space has stable and high-speed internet access. Outdoor access points are deployed to extend coverage throughout the entire community, ensuring no area is left without connectivity.

EnerStar uses EnGenius Point-to-Point technology to establish a robust and reliable connection between the living quarters and the remote rig, even when they are miles apart. This technology is designed to work effectively in challenging terrains. When the community is relocated, it can easily reposition the antennas for the point-to-point connection, quickly restoring online connectivity and minimizing downtime.

To ensure reliable connectivity at remote sites, EnerStar employs EnGenius Cloud Routers. These routers are essential for maintaining redundancy for their Starlink connection. The setup involves connecting Starlink to port 1 and their ISP to port 2, while also establishing a WAN connection to Verizon’s LTE as an additional backup. This multi-layered approach guarantees that the site crew has seamless and dependable connectivity throughout their stay, regardless of potential disruptions to any single connection source.

By utilizing EnGenius’ advanced cloud-managed networking solutions, EnerStar has significantly improved its operational efficiency and service quality. The remote management capabilities provided by the cloud-managed network have been particularly valuable. They allow EnerStar to conduct remote diagnostics and speed tests, enabling swift identification and resolution of issues without the need for on-site technicians.

Andrew Watts has noted that the visibility into network usage has been a game-changer for EnerStar. This visibility allows them to identify bandwidth-intensive devices, such as gaming consoles quickly, that may be consuming excessive bandwidth and affecting overall network performance. With the ability to pinpoint the exact location and device causing the issue, EnerStar can take swift action by alerting the customer or remotely removing the device from the network.

The Result

Implementing EnGenius connectivity solutions resulted in immediate and significant improvements for EnerStar.

EnerStar has optimized its operations and enhanced customer service using EnGenius’ complete suite of networking equipment and the EnGenius Cloud across various industries. The success of this partnership emphasizes the importance of innovative technology for improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing customer satisfaction.

EnerStar Solutions continues to lead the industry with its integrated approach, combining advanced technology with unparalleled service delivery. Their use of EnGenius and Starlink demonstrates their commitment to innovation and excellence, ensuring that even the most remote and challenging locations can stay connected and operational. With a relentless focus on customer satisfaction and technological advancement, EnerStar Solutions is setting new standards in the communications and energy sectors. Enerstar is now using over 700 EnGenius Cloud-powered devices in over 20 sites and EnGenius is excited to continue to grow alongside them.

Looking ahead, EnerStar is well-prepared to address future challenges and maintain high-quality service for its customers. The integration of EnGenius solutions has established a strong foundation for ongoing innovation and improvement, ensuring that EnerStar remains at the forefront of the communications industry.

Have questions about our Cloud Solutions?

See all Case Studies