Case Study | Private IP-MPLS Fiber Networks Help Electric Utilities Achieve Greater Grid Reliability and Sustainability
In the face of growing demands for reliability and advanced information from the electrical grid, a North American utility company embarked on a transformative journey to enhance its network infrastructure. This initiative aimed to replace outdated leased lines with a robust private IP/MPLS fiber network, significantly improving operational efficiency and network reliability.
This case study explores the steps taken, the challenges faced, and the benefits reaped from this substantial upgrade.
Challenges | Aging Infrastructure Impacts Reliability
The utility company faced several critical challenges:
Demand for Reliability and Information
Customers increasingly demanded more reliable energy services and comprehensive information about their energy usage.
Aging Infrastructure
The utility relied on leased lines, many of which were based on outdated copper cables, becoming unreliable and prone to prolonged downtime.
Imminent Discontinuation of Leased Lines
The service provider had notified the utility that leased line services could be discontinued after June 2022, necessitating a swift and effective replacement solution.
Solution | Building a Private Fiber Network
The utility built its own IP/MPLS fiber network to address these challenges. This solution was designed to provide high-speed, reliable communication across its extensive service area.
Fiber Network Implementation
The project involved connecting approximately 420 substations and other critical locations with fiber. The utility leveraged its existing transmission lines for the fiber rollout, ensuring cost-efficiency by coordinating with other transmission line activities. The new fiber network provided a 100 Gigabit backbone, supporting high-bandwidth applications such as video surveillance for substation security.
IP/MPLS Technology
The utility adopted Nokia’s IP/MPLS technology for its network communications. This choice was driven by the need for deterministic quality of service (QoS), essential for latency-sensitive applications like teleprotection. The Nokia Service Router (SR) product portfolio offered compatibility with legacy and modern equipment, facilitating a smooth transition.
Results | Enhanced Reliability and Improved Security
Once the solutions were implemented, the utility quickly realized several benefits, including:
Enhanced Reliability
The new fiber network significantly improved communication reliability, reducing operational downtime and enhancing the utility’s ability to monitor and control the grid.
Improved Security
The new network could allow the utility to introduce video surveillance at substations, enhancing physical security.
Scalability and Future-Proofing
The network was designed to support future expansions, including deploying a private LTE network for field area networks (FAN), enabling advanced applications such as distribution automation and asset performance monitoring.
Lessons Learned and Future Directions
Throughout the project, the utility company emphasized the importance of partnership and collaboration with technology providers. Nokia’s support was crucial, especially in troubleshooting and training the utility team to manage the new network effectively.
The utility plans to leverage its enhanced network capabilities to introduce more advanced monitoring and predictive analytics, further improving service reliability and sustainability.
The transition to a private IP/MPLS fiber network marked a significant milestone for the utility company. It addressed critical infrastructure challenges and laid a solid foundation for future innovations. By modernizing its infrastructure with advanced IP/MPLS technology and building a private fiber network, this North American utility has positioned itself to deliver more reliable and secure services to its customers. The project’s success highlights the critical role of technology partnerships and strategic planning in achieving sustainable and efficient energy delivery.
Download the complete Nokia Case Study for more details on this project’s specifics and how advanced network solutions can benefit utilities.
About Infinity Technology Solutions
Infinity Technology Solutions specializes in broadband and critical communications infrastructure development. We help our channel partners create and deploy private wireless, microwave backhaul, IP/MPLS, and optical networking technologies.
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