Which backhaul works best on a remote rig?▼
It depends on the location, which is why we rarely rely on just one. Low-earth-orbit satellite has changed what's possible on remote pads, LTE works well where coverage reaches the location, and traditional VSAT is still a dependable fallback in some areas. We combine two or more paths behind a firewall that fails over automatically and gives priority to drilling data and reports. We'll also look at your existing provider contracts before recommending anything, so you don't pay twice for overlapping service.
Will you touch our drilling control system or top drive controls?▼
No. Those systems belong to your rig electricians and the equipment manufacturers, and changes inside them need to go through those people. What we do is secure the boundary around them: the PCs that collect and forward drilling data, the switches they connect to, who can reach them remotely and how that access is logged. When a boundary change affects the control side, we plan it together with your electricians and the vendor so nothing surprises the driller in the middle of a tour.
How do you handle IT when a rig moves?▼
We plan for it. Each rig gets a documented, backed-up configuration, labeled cabling and a standard physical layout in the comms cabinet, so rig-up crews can reconnect it without guessing. Our engineers watch for the rig to come back online and verify each segment, the backhaul links and the drilling data feed remotely. If something doesn't come up, we troubleshoot with the crew on location, or direct a vetted local technician when hands-on work is needed.
Can crews have internet access without risking the rig network?▼
Yes, and they should. Crew Wi-Fi goes on its own segment with its own bandwidth limits, completely separate from drilling data, the rig office and the company-man trailer. If a crew member's phone or laptop is infected, it can't reach anything on the business side. We can also set fair-use limits so streaming on the crew side doesn't starve the uplink the operator's real-time center depends on. Crews get decent internet, and the rig keeps its priorities straight.
Our equipment vendors need remote access to rig computers. Is that a problem?▼
Vendor access is normal and often necessary. The problem is unmanaged access: a remote tool left running, a shared password, no record of who connected or what changed. We replace that with a brokered path where the vendor signs in with MFA, your team approves the session, and the activity is logged. Access ends when the session ends. You keep the support relationship with your vendors and get control and an audit trail you can show operators.
Do you support drilling contractors outside our home basin?▼
Yes. Rigs move between basins, and most of our work happens remotely, including network monitoring, device management, security, email and help desk. For hands-on jobs on a rig or at a yard, we send our own technician when the site is near one of our offices, or direct a vetted local technician while our engineer works the issue with them in real time. The standard rig kit is what makes that practical, since every rig is built the same way.
Do you provide Drilling Contractors IT Services in Houston and nearby areas?▼
Yes. LayerLogix is based in the Greater Houston area and delivers drilling contractors IT services to businesses across Houston and the surrounding communities, including The Woodlands, Spring, Katy, Sugar Land, Conroe, Cypress, and Pearland. For most Houston-area clients we can be on-site the same day when something needs hands-on attention, and our help desk is available during business hours, with after-hours emergency support. Call 713-571-2390 to check coverage for your specific address.
What does Drilling Contractors IT Services cost for a Houston business?▼
Pricing depends on your size and what you need, so we do not publish a one-size-fits-all number — but Houston businesses generally pay a flat, predictable monthly fee rather than surprise hourly bills. We start with a free, no-obligation assessment of your current setup, then give you a clear quote in plain English with no hidden costs. That way you know exactly what you are getting and what it costs before you commit.