Swissgrid deploys Nokia IP/MPLS, Optical communications network

NEW DELHI: Swiss electricity transmission system operator Swissgrid has deployed IP/MPLS and optical technology and services from Nokia in its new "Grid Control Network."

The new "Grid Control Network" provides monitoring and switching for the electricity transmission grid, resulting in better alignment of power supply and demand, enhanced security and an exceptional level of reliability.

The new communications network became operational in Switzerland earlier this year.

In a turnkey project, Nokia implemented two IP/MPLS -based networks, one an operational network and the other a business communications network. They are both overlaid on an encrypted Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) and Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplex (CWDM) network, also from Nokia.

The solution is supporting mission-critical operational services such as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, Teleprotection, video surveillance via closed-circuit TV (CCTV), site access control and intrusion detection. This will allow Swissgrid to maintain the highest level of reliability, safety and security across the entire grid.

The network is also enabling business communications between electricity substations and Swissgrid locations for tasks such as office local area network (LAN) and voice over IP (VoIP) in a highly secure way.

The "Grid Control Network" is being operated by Swissgrid from two mission-critical Grid Control Centers (data centers), which are interconnected through encrypted, redundant DWDM wavelength services.

Patrick Langelaan, head of Global Enterprise & Public Sector, Central Europe, Nokia, said: "Our leadership in IP/MPLS and in agile optical networking allows us to deliver a robust, resilient and intelligent network for Swissgrid that will drive new efficiencies in their transmission network and meet the highest level of availability and security, which is essential in supporting smart grid applications."