USAT and Sierra Wireless Connect Smart Grid Technologies – Enabling the Efficient and Reliable Delivery of Utility Services
Re-imagining Power Grid CommunicationsGovernments and utility companies worldwide are embarking on a journey towards a low-carbon economy, redefining the landscape of power generation and consumption. The traditional power grid is undergoing a groundbreaking revolution, paving the way for the seamless integration of renewable energy sources, addressing escalating energy demands, optimizing power efficiency and reliability, and ushering in innovative services to achieve ambitious environmental goals.
A major catalyst of this transformation is that energy providers and distributors are dedicating resources to embrace wireless Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, redefining the very fabric of the power grid.
By leveraging interconnected machine-to-machine (M2M) solutions, they can:
- Optimize electricity generation and distribution, serving a more extensive customer base with enhanced efficiency and reduced carbon impact.
- Mitigate peak consumption by intelligently managing demand loads.
- Enhance operational efficiency through advanced diagnostics and monitoring.
- Minimize operational and maintenance expenditures.
- Gain unparalleled visibility into grid operations, facilitating informed decision-making and strategic planning.
In the past, utilities and connected solution vendors faced the challenge of establishing and managing their communication infrastructures, and they had to rely on traditional wired telephone lines or radio communications, which restricted their connectivity options and locations for equipment deployment. Thanks to the widespread coverage of cellular networks and highly dependable wireless applications, utilities can connect devices across various locations like never before, all at a reduced cost.
USAT and Sierra Wireless have decades of expertise in crafting intelligent wireless solutions that facilitate the transition to smart grids. With deployments across America, we provide cutting-edge cellular M2M technologies, including robust gateways, routers, and modems designed for extended durability. Our comprehensive suite includes cloud platforms, expert application development guidance, and more.
Creating Connectivity and Flexibility With Unified Network Management
An internationally renowned smart energy and water solutions organization leverages Sierra Wireless devices with 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE cellular capabilities for its globally deployed Smart Grid solutions. With their solution, utilities can employ a blend of cellular and RF mesh communications for their smart grids, all within a unified network management system.
Sierra Wireless delivers established and dependable cellular connectivity solutions that cater to their diverse customer base worldwide, alongside comprehensive global support. Furthermore, the availability of pre-certified cellular devices allows the company to swiftly expand into new markets and networks with unparalleled efficiency.
"With the support of Sierra Wireless and Verizon, we can deliver a 4G LTE solution that is cost-effective and provides longer-term investment protection by utilizing the latest wireless technology platform. With the industry's broadest portfolio of software, communications, and measurement technology, we have the ability to adapt our solutions to utilities' unique needs. All to enable our customers to operate more efficiently and create a more resourceful world." - VP of Global Solutions Marketing for a global smart energy company
Technology Overview
Smart Grid Connectivity
In the present era, the smart grid comprises an extensive spectrum of technologies, encompassing:
- Electrical Vehicles (Charging stations)
- Smart Metering (Residential, Commercial, and Industrial)
- Transmission and Distribution (Load management, Demand Response)
- Energy Generation (Distributed Generation Sources, Renewable Energy)
USAT and Sierra Wireless have been aiding utilities and energy clients construct efficient, exceptionally dependable smart grid solutions for nearly three decades.
Our comprehensive device-to-cloud IoT solutions encompass the following:
Networking Solutions, Routers, and Gateways
AirLink RV50X
The AirLink® RV50X is designed to provide LTE broadband connectivity to essential remote fixed assets making it an excellent option for industrial-grade applications in smart grid infrastructure. It offers real-time remote connectivity for SCADA, distribution management systems, and metering.
At the same time, its low power consumption allows it to operate efficiently on battery or solar power, minimizing infrastructure costs. It also enables the implementation of edge computing applications through the ALEOS Application Framework (AAF), further enhancing its versatility.
AirLink RX55
By ensuring reliable connections for critical infrastructure, remote assets, and vehicles, the AirLink® RX55 is ideal for smart grid applications. It delivers extensive coverage and exceptional private networking with support for diverse bands like B71 and CBRS, while software-defined routing capabilities and edge intelligence help to streamline networking and application development.
The ruggedized design allows the RX55 to thrive in harsh conditions, presenting advanced networking and container support for secure intelligence at the edge across public and private networks.
AirLink XR80
The AirLink® XR80 is tailored for fixed applications and ideal for supporting smart grid technology. The combination of dual-5G cellular radio and 5x4 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi 6 offers adaptable configurations to meet specific networking needs. Top-of-the-line security features ensure complete device-to-cloud protection and safeguard the network environment from potential threats.
Additionally, it enhances cost-effectiveness through ALMS Out-of-Band management, streamlining operations, and reducing the total cost of ownership. With its cartridge-based design, the XR80 is scalable, helping to secure its place as an advanced solution for evolving smart grid applications.
Cloud and Connectivity Services
Device Provisioning
Advanced Professional Services
Working with USAT and Sierra Wireless
By working top Sierra Wireless partners like USAT for your smart grid solutions, you also gain:
- Benefit from unmatched energy industry expertise: Partner with a seasoned team well-versed in handling extensive wireless deployments for utilities across the globe.
- Streamline integration and deployment: Accelerate the launch of new services by leveraging open, established, and pre-certified cellular IoT technologies.
- Reliable and resilient solutions: AirLink ruggedized gateways are engineered for extended product life-cycles, thriving in challenging industrial settings. Rigorously tested to military standards, they ensure secure and dependable wireless connectivity even in extreme temperatures, humidity, and vibration.
- Accelerated market entry: Collaborate with a trusted partner boasting extensive, enduring partnerships with leading wireless carriers, streamlining network certification and integration across global markets.
About USAT
Our team not only helps you select, provision, and activate devices, we make sure they work in practical applications and real-life situations.
As a Premiere Resale Partner of Sierra Wireless, USAT is uniquely equipped to provide secure communications solutions for various utility applications 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.
Better 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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