The Advantages and Limitations of Cellular Communications for Utility SCADA Systems

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Improving SCADA Communications with Cellular Networking


Cellular routers play a critical role in SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) communication systems by providing reliable and secure wireless connectivity to remote assets, such as sensors, meters, and other devices.

In SCADA systems, data is collected from remote devices and sent to a central location for analysis and control. In many cases, these remote assets are located in areas that are difficult to reach or in harsh environments where wired connectivity is not feasible. This is where cellular routers come into play.

Cellular routers provide wireless connectivity using cellular networks, such as 4G or 5G. They act as a bridge between the remote devices and the central SCADA system, allowing data to be transmitted securely and in real-time.

Cellular routers can also be used to establish a VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection between the remote devices and the central SCADA system. This ensures that the data transmitted between the devices and the central system is encrypted and protected from unauthorized access.

Moreover, cellular routers can be equipped with advanced features such as failover capabilities, which ensures that the SCADA system stays connected to the remote devices even if the primary cellular network is down. This helps to minimize downtime and ensure that critical data is always available.

Overall, cellular routers are an essential component of modern SCADA communication systems as they provide reliable and secure wireless connectivity to remote assets, helping to ensure efficient and effective monitoring and control of critical infrastructure.

However, like any technology, it also has its limitations. In this article, we will explore the benefits and challenges of cellular communications for utilities within SCADA-based applications. We'll also explore ways to overcome those challenges to ensure the highest efficiency levels possible.


Advantages of Cellular Communications


Wide Coverage Area


One of the main advantages of cellular communication is its ability to provide a wide coverage area, which can be useful in remote or rural areas where other communication options may be limited. Cellular communication can also be used in urban areas where many obstacles can affect the signal strength of other communication options.

Cost-Effective


Cellular communication is often more cost-effective than other communication options such as satellite or microwave, especially for small to medium-sized utility companies. Cellular communication can be more cost-effective in many cases than building and maintaining a dedicated communication infrastructure.

High Bandwidth


Cellular networks offer high bandwidth, essential for real-time data transmission and remote control of utility operations. This can be especially beneficial in utility SCADA systems where real-time data is critical for making informed decisions.

Scalability


Cellular networks are highly scalable, allowing utility companies to add or remove devices and users as needed without additional infrastructure. This can be especially useful for utility SCADA systems that require frequent updates and modifications.

Security


Cellular networks are highly secure, with encryption and authentication protocols built-in to protect data transmissions. This can be critical for utility SCADA systems, which may transmit sensitive data vulnerable to cyber-attacks.

Benefits and Advantages of Cellular Communications in SCADA Applications

Potential Limitations of Cellular Communications


Signal Strength


Cellular communication relies on a strong signal strength, which can be affected by a variety of factors such as location, weather, and obstructions. This can lead to signal drops or weak connections, which can impact the reliability of utility SCADA systems.

Bandwidth Limitations


While cellular networks offer high bandwidth, there may be limitations on how much data can be transmitted at any given time. This can be a problem for utility SCADA systems that require large amounts of data to be transmitted in real-time.

Latency


Cellular networks can experience latency, the delay between sending and receiving data. This can be a problem for utility SCADA systems that require real-time data transmission and remote control.

Regulatory Restrictions


Cellular communication may be subject to regulatory restrictions that limit its use for utility SCADA systems. This can vary by location and may impact the ability of utility companies to use cellular communication as a primary or backup communication option.

Network Congestion


Cellular networks can experience congestion during peak usage times, impacting the reliability and speed of data transmissions. This can be a problem for utility SCADA systems that require real-time data transmission and remote control.

Challenges and Limitations of Cellular Communications in SCADA Applications

Ways to Overcome The Limitations


Improve Signal Strength


To overcome this limitation, utility companies can use high-gain antennas that operate over long distances to improve signal strength in areas with weak signals. Additionally, choosing one or more cellular providers with the best coverage in the area can also help improve signal strength. Antennas like Poynting’s LPDA are particularly great at boosting LTE signal strength over long distances.

Manage Bandwidth Limitations


To manage these limitations, utility companies can use data compression techniques to reduce the amount of data that needs to be transmitted, prioritize critical data transmissions over non-critical ones, and optimize the SCADA system's data transmission protocols. Many of the routers, management platforms, and custom engineering services USAT offers can help address this issue easily.

Reduce Latency


To reduce latency, utility companies can use low-latency cellular networks* or prioritize data transmissions to reduce delays. They can also use edge computing technologies to process data closer to the SCADA devices, reducing the amount of data that needs to be transmitted over the cellular network. Less congested LoRaWAN-based communications are also a viable option that USAT can provide guidance on as well for low-power low-data applications.

Ensure Regulatory Compliance


To ensure regulatory compliance, utility companies should work with cellular providers that comply with local regulations and obtain any necessary licenses and permits. They should also consider using alternative communication options as backup communication options in case of regulatory restrictions, like those mentioned in the previous recommendation; gated networks, private LTE, or microwave backhaul.

Address Network Congestion


To address this limitation, utility companies can use traffic management techniques to reduce network congestion during peak usage times, such as offloading non-critical data transmissions to non-peak hours. They can also use alternative communication options, such as microwave backhaul, as backup communication options in case of network congestion. If wired lines are available, then they can build their own Private LTE network for fixed installations, or utilize gated data plans that prioritize their traffic and add additional security.

Cellular Communications for SCADA Applications

*Low Latency with 5G


One example of a low-latency cellular network is 5G (fifth-generation) cellular technology. 5G is designed to offer significantly lower latency than previous cellular technologies, with latency times as low as one millisecond. This makes it well-suited for applications that require real-time data transmission and remote control, such as utility SCADA systems. In addition, 5G's high bandwidth and improved network reliability can help overcome some of the other limitations of cellular communication for utility SCADA systems. For fixed 5G communications for electric utilities, we typically recommend the AirLink XR80, and for mobile applications (non-SCADA), we typically recommend the AirLink XR90.

In Summary


Cellular communication offers many advantages for utility SCADA systems, including wide coverage area, high bandwidth, cost-effectiveness, scalability, and security. However, it also has its limitations (all of which can be overcome), including signal strength, latency, bandwidth limitations, network congestion, and regulatory restrictions. Utility companies should carefully consider these factors when deciding whether to use cellular communication for their SCADA systems and should explore additional redundant communication options as well to ensure reliable and secure operations.

About USAT


USAT specializes in designing and deploying fixed and mobile wireless data connectivity solutions for utilities of all kinds (oil, gas, electric, water, and wastewater) — complete with implementation, training, proof of concept (POC), system auditing, and on-site RF surveying services with optional engineering maintenance contracts.


Our team not only helps you select, provision, and activate devices, we make sure they work in practical applications and real-life situations.

For over 25 years, USAT has provided cellular networking solutions for public and private utilities across the USA. With our extensive catalog of world-class routers, gateways, and software designed for remote monitoring and management in even the harshest environments — you can count on us to get and keep you connected.

Reliable connectivity translates to less manual equipment maintenance, reduced downtime, and an overall increase in your business's ROI. Contact the experts at USAT to learn how our wireless networking solutions can help meet your organization's exacting needs.

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