AirLink® XR80 Fixed Utility Infrastructure

5G Fixed Utility Infrastructure

Jesse HallMCA News, Mobile Mark, Sierra Wireless

AirLink® XR80 Fixed Utility Infrastructure

INCREASING RENEWABLE POWER INTEGRATION, GRID SAFETY, AND GRID SECURITY
Senior Operations Engineer for Regional Electric Utility

Meet Kyle


Kyle is a Senior Operations Engineer for a large regional electric utility. Kyle has been tasked with leveraging 5G to improve utility operational efficiency, safety and security. Additionally, it falls to him to implement new network technologies that will speed up the integration of sources of renewable energy into the existing power grid.

The Challenge


Increase Grid Automation, Safety, and Security Wirelessly


Running wires or fiber optics to control grid automation components is expensive, especially in remote or otherwise difficult to access locations. Using reliable cellular connections lowers the cost of adding automation, significantly reduces the time to install automation, and increases system flexibility. With new 5G bandwidth and latency improvements, Kyle is looking to install wireless automation systems that meet corporate response and reliability requirements.

AirLink XR80 Highlights for Fixed Utility Infrastructure Applications

The Solution


Install XR80 5G Routers and Ultra-Wide Band LTMWG Antennas


The AirLink® XR80 cellular router from Sierra Wireless delivers Gigahertz communication speeds and extremely low latency and can detect and isolate faults in milliseconds. Leveraging the XR80’s edge compute capabilities and supercharged hardware further reduces response times. AirLink XR80 routers are easy to install and easy to monitor using AirLink Management Service (ALMS).

Rugged Features of AirLink XR80 for Fixed Utility Infrastructure

Each router is purpose built for rugged environments with IP64 rated aluminum die-cast housings that meet MIL-STD-810G standards. And with AirLink Connection Manager (ACM) the XR80 delivers end-to-end VPN security to protect the power grid. Every AirLink XR80 can be configured to run within a private network, further increasing the reliability of the wireless connections. And when paired with Mobile Mark ultra-wide band LTMWG944 series antennas receive excellent 5G LTE signal strength and optional robust Wi-Fi coverage.

Rugged 5G Antennas for Fixed Utility Infrastructure Projects

The Results


Simplified Installation, Lowered Costs, and Increased Flexibility


The utility can now easily expand the use of automation to increase grid reliability and safety. It improves the utility’s Feeder Automation (FA) systems simplifying integration of renewable energy into the grid. And with the flexibility of the AirLink XR80 routers and Ultra-Wide Band Antennas, Kyle can quickly add additional controls without the immense costs associated with adding communication cables or fiber.

5G Fixed Utility Infrastructure Infographic

The Team


Device Provisioning, Activation and Installation Services


For over 25 years USAT has provided expert IoT connectivity solutions to electric utilities. Our team provides outstanding support for every aspect of your mission-critical fixed and mobile connectivity projects. The solutions engineers we employ configure, provision, kit and ship your devices hot and ready for immediate use. And when you utilize our installation services, our technicians ensure your devices are functioning securely, reliably, and at peak performance.

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The Download


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If you'd like to reflect back on this solution or share it with colleagues, we've included a simple download of this article in a PDF format. Just click below to view it as a PDF and then click save.

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Recommended 5G Devices for Fixed Utility Infrastructure


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Airlink XR80 Router from Sierra Wireless

AirLink XR80

Mobile Mark LTMG944 (Black)
Mobile Mark LTMWG944
Airlink 8-in-1 5G Antenna 6001345

AirLink 10-in-1 Antenna

MRM3-2400/5500 Compact Surface Mount Antenna

Mobile Mark MRM3

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