Cisco unveils new router, switch for smart grid

Claims to help utilities deliver electric power from generation facilities to businesses and homes

Cisco has unveiled the first offerings in its new Connected Grid portfolio of smart grid communications offerings, which it claims to help utilities more efficiently deliver electric power from generation facilities to businesses and homes.

The company has introduced 2010 Connected Grid Router (CGR 2010) and 2520 Connected Grid Switch (CGS 2520) that are designed specifically for the smart grd communications infrastructure. Together, CGR 2010 and CGS 2520 form a secure communications infrastructure to capture and analyse information in near-real-time from multiple intelligent electronic devices in the substation.

According to Cisco, the new products are based on its IOS Software, an operating system that delivers multiple network services including support for supervisory control and data acquisition, or SCADA, protocols. They also extend network-based security and management policies to substations, supporting remote engineering access and proactive maintenance programs.

The new routers and switches include a set of network security features to help utilities comply with North American Electric Reliability / Critical Infrastructure Protection (NERC/CIP) standards. The products meet or exceed IEEE 1613 and IEC61850-3 standards for utility substation environments, including the ability to withstand a range of temperatures and extended protection against electrical surges and electromagnetic interference, the company claims.

Laura Ipsen, senior vice president and general manager of Cisco Smart Grid, said: Cisco's vision is to help utilities transform energy production, distribution and consumption using an end-to-end, IP-based communications infrastructure to more sustainably meet the world's future energy needs.

“Our Connected Grid portfolio represents the foundation of this innovative energy platform that will improve the electrical grid's efficiency and create exciting opportunities for utilities as well as new consumer energy services. With our substation automation solutions at the core, we look forward to helping utilities achieve their business and operational goals.

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