Delivers Utility Industry's First Multiservice Communications Platform With New Field Area Network Solution, Professional Services, Enhanced Substation Offerings, and Architecture
SAN JOSE, CA--(Marketwire - Jan 17, 2012) - Cisco (
As the electric grid becomes more intelligent and complex, utilities around the world want technology that can grow to address multiple operational needs over time, supports their unique market and organizational structures, and is designed so that different vendor systems can work together. They also need solutions that provide a high degree of security and allow them to utilize their existing installed base of technology as they modernize their electric grids.
Given these requirements, Cisco offers utilities and partners a comprehensive blueprint for smart grid deployments known as the Cisco GridBlocks™ Architecture. This provides a forward-looking view of integrating digital communications and the electrical grid, as well as specific deployment guidance for the various grid communications networks that exist today. It also provides a framework for utilities to design and deploy comprehensive management and security solutions across the entire grid.
The new Cisco offerings -- which include a complete field area network (FAN) solution delivered in conjunction with Itron, as well as expanded transmission and substation products -- are based on this architectural model and are designed to address key utility concerns around cost, reliability and scalability in their communications infrastructures. By delivering multiple applications over a single, intelligent and highly secure platform, electric utilities will benefit from lower total cost of ownership as well as derive value from new services and functional integration of networks.
The new Cisco Connected Grid services and integrated solutions help electric utilities in the planning, design and optimization phases of their grid modernization initiatives.
Key Highlights
Cisco GridBlocks Architecture
Field Area Network Solution
Transmission and Substation Solutions
Connected Grid Services
Supporting Quotes:
Laura Ipsen, senior vice president of Connected Energy Networks, Cisco: "The expansion of Cisco's smart grid offerings will enable utility customers to more effectively and efficiently transition to a highly intelligent energy infrastructure for the 21st century. Cisco has developed solutions that will help utilities save costs and derive more value out of their existing technology networks as they transition to more robust and scalable standards-based networks. This architectural approach to smart grid, enabled by industry alliances like the one between Cisco and Itron, can help utilities achieve long-term, strategic objectives while reducing operational expenses."
Philip Mezey, president & chief operating officer of Energy, Itron: "Together, Itron and Cisco are setting the stage for grid modernization. We have delivered on our joint vision to create a truly open, interoperable communications architecture to drive Smart Grid success for our utility customers and consumers. Through our extensive collaboration, we are helping utilities accelerate adoption and simplify deployment of smart grid solutions, reduce the total cost of ownership of these systems, and unleash innovation for smart grid applications and technologies in the marketplace."
Customer Quotes:
Adrian Clark, chief technology officer, Ausgrid: "Cisco Services has recently worked with Ausgrid to understand the requirements for electricity substations today and as we move towards a more complex and integrated future environment. Their work is assisting us to transform the electricity network into a smarter grid. We highly value their ongoing partnership and commitment to our company and the industry."
Gary Murphy, chief project officer, Smart Metering Program, BC Hydro: "The Smart Metering Program will help keep rates in British Columbia low by delivering $1.6 billion in savings to our customers over the 20 years. The Cisco-Itron alliance was a game changer for the industry. The ability to leverage our infrastructure with Itron's smart grid solution and Cisco's Connected Grid networking and security capabilities is a great stepping stone into smart grid. We will be able to leverage it for years to come."
Miss Lu Hong, director of automation department, State Grid Corporation of China: "State Grid Corporation of China is leading the world by deploying full IEC 61850 Digital Substation architectures. For such large scale implementation the management of IED configuration and its communication network is very complex and time consuming. Cisco's Visualization and Design tool enables our engineers to streamline substation network discovery, design, modeling and testing processes. It also helps validate and keep track of configuration changes, which meet our operational needs very well."
Supporting Resources:
Tags / Keywords:
Cisco, Smart Grid, Sustainability, Environment, Connected Grid, Substation Automation, Utilities
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Contact Information:
Press Contact:
Jennifer Greeson Dunn
Cisco
202-354-2968
jegreeso@cisco.com