The order was for RuggedCom’s industry leading RuggedRouter and RuggedSwitch communications networking devices which are specifically designed to operate reliably in harsh electric utility substation environments. The units will be used to create secure communications networks for use in substation automation and Smart Grid applications. Expected shipments are to be installed in approximately 300 substations with the possibility for additional substations in the future.
“For this order, we leveraged our domain expertise in the electric power sector and our market leadership in providing reliable and secure communications networks for deployment in electric utility substations,” explained Marzio Pozzuoli, CEO of RuggedCom. “This is a new customer and we worked with them to get it right. Our customers are upgrading their substations with intelligent electronic devices and high-speed communications networks; a key step towards achieving a Smart Grid.”
RuggedCom worked closely with the customer to ensure that the solution provided would meet their specific requirements. Two key selling points were RuggedCom’s industry leading RuggedRated product performance, which ensures reliable operation in electrically harsh substation environments and the extensive cyber security features embedded in the products, which enable compliance with NERC CIP cyber security requirements for critical infrastructure in electric utilities.
RuggedRated products meet or exceed a wide range of electric utility industry standards (such as IEC61850, IEEE1613); provide a high level of immunity to electromagnetic interference and heavy electrical surges; feature a wide operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C (no fans); have high mean-time-between-failures (MTBFs) and reliability characteristics; and include extensive cyber security features.
Technology solutions include Ethernet switches, network routers, wireless devices, serial servers, media converters, software and professional services. Products are designed for use in harsh environments such as those found in electrical power substations and Smart Grids, intelligent transportation systems, industrial process control and military applications.
The company says it achieves its goals by serving the market for rugged communications in the utility, industrial, ITS and military industries. Every RuggedCom product offers a 5 year warranty and features power supplies that offer multivoltage inputs, based on customer requirements, and zero packet loss technology under conditions of high Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI). It also prides itself on its RS232/422/485 to Ethernet conversion technology that supports Goose messaging. Goose packets are the control packets that enable engineers to remotely control the power grid, receive monitoring updates and have better general control of the system.
Africa is quickly adopting the IEC61850 compliance standards due to the international standardisation and successful implementations in the United States. Namibia is the first of the African countries to implement a functional IEC61850 compliant infrastructure.
RuggedCom has recently released the new RuggedBackbone RX5000, a multilayer hot swappable managed Ethernet switch. The device is still IEC61850 rated, IEC61000-6-2, IEEE 1613, exceeds IEC 61850-3, and yet it is also hot swappable with different blades. A wide selection of PSU blades, serial blades (DB9 or RJ45), Layer 3 routing blade, 10/100/1000 MB fibre cards or Ethernet RJ45 blades can be supplied.
Units offer EoVDSL ports to enable standard Ethernet at 40 MBs on a single telephone cable stretching a distance up to 4 km. This is generally the preferred option when fibre is not feasible and there is no line of site for wireless.
According to RuggedCom wireless as defined by IEEE802.11 a/b/g is generally used for shorter distances if high reliability is required. In September 2009, the company purchased US based WiNetworks to enable it to refine and offer IEEE802.16e RuggedMax Solutions.
RuggedMax is a line of subscriber devices for fixed and mobile applications with an open end-to-end architecture to provide full interoperability with several third party manufacturers and various ASN gateways. One of the recent additions to RuggedMax is a range of products which allows for full operation without the use of an ASN gateway, thereby increasing robustness and reducing costs and complexity (ideally suited for private network users).
RuggedCom now offers the full range of wireless communication. Starting from a GSM interface running through to the WiMAX range to ensure all mission critical communication requirements are catered for.
Locally, H3iSquared has been awarded distribution for RuggedCom in Africa based on the company’s high level of support and willingness to assist clients or end users in any way they require.
For more information contact Doron Kowensky, H3iSquared, +27 (0)11 454 6025, doron@h3isquared.com, www.h3isqured.com
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