As providers prepare for initiatives like the smart grid that demand more visibility and control, there’s growing interest in private LTE networks as an alternative to commercial mobile networks. In a private LTE scenario, the utility operator’s wireless traffic runs over a dedicated network built on spectrum allotted by the communications regulator. Private LTE also keeps sensitive information on the internal WAN, instead of using commercial infrastructure that cyber-attackers may be more likely to target.
Typically, the 450Mhz or 410Mhz spectrums are made available for private LTE. One characteristic of this spectrum is the benefit of better penetration and reach compared to the higher frequencies found in commercial LTE networks. Using LTE bands that are not normally accessible to the public ensures that sensitive information is kept separate from the public domain and provides an additional level of defence that will defeat all but the most determined cyber attackers.
Westermo and private LTE
The Activator zero-touch platform has been used to deploy large-scale utility networks for customers operating private LTE networks, in many instances scaling in excess of 10,000 sites.
Westermo customers are implementing private LTE for connectivity and control of applications including:
The Merlin series includes features designed to meet the proven needs of utilities:
The use of private LTE networks, like the 450 MHz spectrum, is growing as an alternative to commercial mobile networks.
View isolated and unmanned sites holistically with remote connectivity.
Feed data from remote locations into a large system, allowing visibility, manageability, and monitoring.
Provide connectivity for energy meters without needing to exchange equipment.
For decades we have offered products and solutions for remote access networking applications. Our extensive product range and deep understanding of applications ensure that we can offer the best solution for your needs.
Cellular connectivity enables the ability to monitor sites holistically.
Gain an overview of sites that were either once manned or relatively invisible.
Keeping your remote industrial networks and systems secure has never been more critical.
Cost effectively deploy and carry out maintenance of thousands of routers.
Protocol conversion enables one common stream of data to be transmitted or received to the top-end SCADA.
Migrate legacy serial devices from dial-up or leased line modem communications to serial over IP broadband.
Carl de Bruin
International sales
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