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An integrated, two-way communications and networking platform is essential to the Smart Grid. The space is getting crowded as vendors see the handwriting (and stimulus money) on the wall. Those competing include major players in the wireless, cellular, and networking worlds. As you’ll read in this section, some vendors are partnering up to fuse complementary technologies that offer a bigger piece of the total solution.
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Cisco announced two new offerings Monday, a security architecture and a substation solution. SGN Chief Analyst Jesse Berst shares some insights on what that means for Cisco, utilities and other communications providers.
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As electric utilities weigh the pros and cons of communications technologies, choosing a common communications architecture for all applications can eliminate device duplication and increase capability. Ambient VP Donald Pollock argues in today's guest column that IP-based communication will become the norm because it provides that common architecture.
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A BRIDGE Energy survey of more than 20,000 utility employees has some troubling findings. Even though most utilities get that they need to improve their customer service strategies, most are finding significant obstacles in the way. Click to see where the problem areas are.
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During Hurricane Sandy, even utilities with only partially complete smart grid implementations improved and streamlined outage management. Smart grid technology gave utilities greater visibility into affected areas with two-way communications. As this Silver Spring Networks white paper details, with real-time insight, the smart grid automated key processes, easily locating and rerouting power around trouble spots, reducing unnecessary truck rolls and saving costs.
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An Australian research center has raised a red flag over widespread and increasing use of cloud services with the message that it will be the cause of a "massive surge" in energy consumption. And it's not the data centers - it's the wireless networks connected to them.
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ABB has launched what it describes as the world's first low-voltage circuit breaker with energy management functions, which could potentially produce significant energy savings. Looks like breakers aren't just for protecting circuits anymore.
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A new set of specifications for broadband over powerline communications has been approved by the Smart Grid Interoperability Panel and added to its Catalog of Standards. Developed by IEEE, it is intended to support a strong, interoperable and secure smart grid.
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The stall in smart grid initiatives by investor-owned utilities has smart grid vendors looking to North America's municipals and cooperative utilities. One example: Silver Spring Networks on Monday announced a pre-packaged smart grid solution optimized for munis and co-ops. Click to learn more about it.
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Click for the slide deck used during SGN's March 14, 2013 webinar on cellular communications trends in smart grid deployments, presented with Qualcomm and SAIC.
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In the early days of the smart grid, most pioneers used purpose-built RF mesh networks for smart metering and distribution automation. In the past two years, however, cellular technology has emerged as a viable option. Click to find out why, and to learn about three cellular deployment strategies utilities are implementing in their smart grid programs today.
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Precision time solutions company Symmetricom has developed a smart grid clock capable of handling the microsecond timing needed for smart grid substation operations. A company VP walked us through what the device does and why he believes it's an important addition to the technologies needed to make intelligent electric grids work.
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Paper reports and web portals were the first consumer engagement battlegrounds. Now, in a move that mirrors the world at large, the action is shifting to the mobile front. At DistribuTECH this week, Missouri-based Aclara upped the ante by introducing a mobile "platform."
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Silver Spring Networks has always been a thought leader. And like so many smart grid companies, SSN is making several announcements at this year's DistribuTECH conference. We thought it would be helpful to pull back the covers to reveal where SSN's thoughts may lead us next.
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If you need a pep talk on why a smart grid is a good idea, listen to what the folks at Chattanooga, Tennessee municipal utility EPB say about theirs. As one official said "It's paying off handsomely."
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Last year Itron strengthened its communications portfolio by acquiring SmartSynch and its cellular know-how. Now rival Aclara is answering back with a similar acquisition.
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