Versatile Communication solution enables AMI

When deploying new technologies, it is often difficult to foresee all of the downstream impacts. Take digital cameras for example. Once people started buying them, they also had to consider their home computer’s ability to store the photos, and possibly a need for a better printer to share hard copies. These downstream variables are common with technology updates, yet they are often overlooked.

The same is true for utility companies deploying new technology to enable an intelligent grid. In addition to devices on the grid, they must consider the technology required to transport the increased data volumes, how to store and protect the data, as well as the downstream affects the new technology will have on other operational support functions.

This is why it's crucial to work with experienced experts who can bring holistic solutions to the table, either singly or with partners. For a Western U.S. utility company implementing smart meters onto its grid, Verizon filled the role of a solutions provider with the ability to provide a comprehensive approach.

New technology supports the grid and field workers

The company is using radio frequency (RF) transmission to send information from smart meters on the customer premises to their data gathering point. They had considered numerous T1 lines to carry the information from the meter collection points to their data centers, but that brought up issues of scalability and cost.

And to add another variable to the mix, they also needed to support mobile data applications to field workers. They needed a solution to support both smart meters and mobile workers in a cost-efficient manner, and with the needed performance parameters.

Updating not one, but two areas of its business with improved technology brings significant advantages, but only after details for support are fully addressed. Verizon was ready with a solution. To transmit information between smart meters and the data center, we implemented an end-to-end, secure private network featuring wireless access to Private IP with multi-protocol label switching, or MPLS. This solution also provided a virtual private network connection to the data center for wireless mobile data applications such as GPS data, mapping and work orders.

The right network infrastructure is the key. The ability to separate traffic on the MPLS network allows the company to keep mobile field application traffic virtually distinct from meter data. In addition, the network offers advanced network assessment and reporting that provide visibility into network performance, further enhancing management and control. The network's scalability helps the company to avoid the excessive costs associated with multiple T1 lines. Ultimately, it adds up to the ability to manage the bandwidth, data and security needs within a single, efficient network.

Now, the company is better equipped to realize the benefits of smart metering - and its customers will appreciate the reliability and performance they expect from their utility. At the same time, workers in the field can be confident in their ability to transmit and receive the information they need to do their jobs with utmost efficiency - using both our reliable wireless service and the flexible, private network.

A bright future

The company is in the midst of rolling out more than two million smart meters, which will position them well for the future smart grid development. The new advanced metering infrastructure will provide users the ability to perform demand response, and that supports a more sustainable energy model.

Individually, no one company has all of the answers, just as no technology stands alone. By leveraging service provider expertise, the utility brings in not only reliable, efficient communications networks, integrating wireless and wireline, but also years of experience building and managing critical infrastructure that serves millions of customers. In addition it reduces the risks of technological obsolescence, shifting the burden of implementing the latest technology to the provider, where it is a core business imperative.

Going forward, as new devices on the grid increase data volume, the company can take advantage of our data management expertise for help with data archival, retention and retrieval strategies. The company not only has more options and capabilities in fulfilling its mission, it has the infrastructure to allow continued development of a bright energy future.

Learn more about our Energy & Utility solutions at verizonbusiness.com/solutions/utility and b2b.vzw.com/industrysolutions/utilities.html