USAT and Sierra Wireless Connect Smart Grid Technologies

USAT and Sierra Wireless Connect Smart Grid Technologies

MCA CNS TeamMCA News, Sierra Wireless

USAT and Sierra Wireless Connect Smart Grid Technologies – Enabling the Efficient and Reliable Delivery of Utility Services

Re-imagining Power Grid Communications

Governments 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


Within our connectivity solutions, you will find intelligent AirLink® gateways, accompanied by management tools and services tailored for rugged environments where reliability and security are paramount. These cutting-edge solutions offer continuous connectivity, location-based services, and remote monitoring capabilities, empowering energy suppliers to efficiently manage infrastructure, instrumentation, and other critical equipment essential in smart grid applications.

AirLink RV50X


RV50X for Smart Grid Applications

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


RX55 for Smart Grid Applications

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


XR80 for Smart Grid Applications

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


Sierra Wireless cloud services offer a seamless and scalable approach to securely store, retrieve, analyze, and seamlessly integrate data, unlocking new value for smart grid applications. By leveraging these services, you can accelerate time-to-market, mitigate risks, and streamline deployment and maintenance costs through over-the-air monitoring and updates for cellular M2M devices.

Device Provisioning


USAT offers cost-saving packages through our DevProv+ suite, which bundles WWAN network device provisioning and support services with hardware purchases. DevProv+ aims to enhance IoT deployment efficiency and reduce the total cost of ownership by providing provisioning and support services for your network devices. With DevProv+, your devices are shipped 'Hot,' fully updated, configured, secured, tested, and connected to your carrier's network, ready for seamless installation immediately.

Advanced Professional Services


USAT's project-focused approach ensures peace of mind for critical stakeholders, guaranteeing a successful implementation. Our dedicated professional services team offers comprehensive assistance with various aspects, including system implementations, client training, proof of concept, engineering maintenance, system auditing, and RF site surveying. With our expertise and support, you can rely on a smooth and effective deployment, meeting your project goals and exceeding expectations.

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


USAT specializes in designing and deploying fixed and mobile wireless data connectivity solutions for local, regional, and national electric utilities nationwide — 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.

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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