This document discusses power utility challenges in migrating from legacy telecommunications networks to next-generation packet networks. It outlines the need to replace obsolete equipment while maintaining interoperability with existing infrastructure. It also addresses challenges around terminating analog/leased line services and introducing new packet-based services. RAD solutions are presented as addressing these challenges through hybrid TDM/packet networks, carrier-grade Ethernet, and evolutionary migration paths to facilitate a smooth transition while ensuring network reliability, security and future scalability.
4. Power Utilities Migration Solutions 4
Power Utilities Migration Challenges
• Legacy Equipment Obsolescence
– Support and spare parts for legacy installed base become a challenge
• Sycamore, Coastcom, Carrier Access, Nortel, Alcatel’s Mainstreet, Tellabs,
Nokia, JungleMux, Adtran and etc.
– Need to use the existing legacy backbone (SONET/SDH/PDH/sub-E1/T1…)
– New equipment should fully interop with existing devices, support
ongoing services
• Analog or TDM Leased Line Service Termination by Telcos
– SDH/SONET equipment and legacy services are being phased out
5. Power Utilities Migration Solutions 5
New Challenges
• Smart Applications and New Packet Services
– New digital control devices/IEDs, Syncrophasors, IoT (Internet of Things)
– Bandwidth growth, migration to IEC 61850
– UTelco services
• Security! Security! Security!
– US NERC CIP regulations
– Critical infrastructure
protection market –
$63.7B (2013) - $105.9B (2018)
MarketsandMarkets 9/2013
6. Power Utilities Migration Solutions 6
Full interop with existing equipment
Hybrid design for adding new packet services
Up to 100Gbps all packet with OTN/DWDM,
robust performance
New Carrier Ethernet 2.0, any voice, video, data
Secure-by-design: MACsec, IPSec, 802.1x
authentication, distributed SCADA firewall …
Addressing Migration Challenges –
RAD’s Service Assured Networking (SAN) Solutions
Challenges
Legacy equipment becomes obsolete
Legacy leased line service termination
Future ready equipment for packet
Non-disruptive new service additions
NERC-CIP compliance
SAN Capabilities
9. Power Utilities Migration Solutions 9
Interoperability Challenges Addressed
• N x 64 kbps path protection
• Rate adaptation for sub-64k services
• Differential protection control signaling using legacy interfaces (X.21, V.35, etc.)
• Clock distribution within network
• SCADA servers redundancy mechanism
• Variety of PHY
>> RAD’s SAN solutions address all these challenges…
11. Power Utilities Migration Solutions 11
Challenges to Utilities
• Service providers attempt to reduce OpEx by terminating legacy
services and leased lines, issue “End of Service” notices
• Utilities are offered to migrate to new PSN services, or pay premium
for legacy lines
• Utilities should assure:
– Continued support for all existing services (serial/voice/data)
– Cyber security (PSN is opening the door to malware threats)
– Future-proof design (capacity and scalability)
12. Power Utilities Migration Solutions 12
Smooth Migration to PSN Services with
SAN Solutions
FXS/FXO E&M
Substation “B”
Substation “C”F.O
PSN
Leased-
Lines
IPmux-1E
E&M
E&M
Substation “D”
F.O
FXS/FXO E&M
Substation “A”
F.O
F.O
Unlicensed
MW
E&M
E&M
IPmux-1E
E&M
E&M
IPmux-1E
New Substation
Control Center
SCADA
Controller Megaplex-4
Megaplex-4 Megaplex-4
14. Power Utilities Migration Solutions 14
Optimized Packet Technology –
Carrier Ethernet
• Carrier Ethernet is the packet equivalent to SONET/SDH because:
– It utilizes EVCs, which are similar to VTs and VCs
– It uses OAM for seamless troubleshooting, similar to SONET/SDH OAM
• Best security compared to PSN alternatives:
– Resistant to signaling attacks
– Built-in source authentication
– Integrated security
15. Power Utilities Migration Solutions 15
RAD’s 3-Tier ESP Protection:
Boost Your NERC-CIP Compliance Level*
* North American utilities
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RAD’s Evolutionary Path
Addressing Utility Communications Challenges
• Continued support for TDM
• Future ready, hybrid TDM and Ethernet design
• Ethernet over SONET/SDH and pseudowire for a smooth migration – Cross
Generation implementation
• Traffic Duplication for improved latency and increased resiliency
• Carrier-grade Ethernet for performance assurance of the operational network,
with better security, and timing distribution
Flexibility in choosing the migration path:
Co-existence of networks Phased migration
SDH
SONET
PSN
SDH
SONET
PSN
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Takeaways
• Complete Service Assured Networking solutions
– Replacing any legacy equipment with full service continuity
– Any application, new and old
– Addressing pain-points: reliability, migration, security
• Profound understanding of customer needs
– Over 30 years of ongoing teamwork
with customers and partners
– Global presence and local support
• Fine-tuned to be Your Network’s Edge
Learn more about RAD’s migration solutions for
power utilities here.