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Safeguarding the future of communication technology in smart metering

17-Sep-2015 11:23:00

blogpost_safeguardsLandis+Gyr is extending its smart grid solution Gridstream with G3 PLC communication technology. The new technology enables faster and more reliable communication in a smart grid infrastructure and flexible connectivity with new intelligent applications. With an installed base of over 50 million metering points in Europe, PLC is the most commonly used communication technology for smart metering. G3 is an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)-based PLC technology, a modulation format used in many of the latest wireless and telecommunications standards.

“We have long and extensive experience with PLC-based smart metering solutions. For us, it is a natural next step to continue the development of our solution portfolio with this latest technology,” says Peter Koller, Head of Product Management Smart Energy Solutions for Landis+Gyr.

G3 PLC enables faster and more cost-efficient data transfer over existing power lines: higher volumes of data can be transmitted over electricity networks using G3, either in the low-frequency CENELEC A band (up to 95 KHz) or if desired, in the high-frequency band (150-500kHz). As the technology is highly resistant to disturbances and capable of automatically adapting to changes in network conditions, it is very stable and reliable. The embedded IPv6 support allows a practically limitless number of endpoints to be addressed. It also enables direct communication with devices, supporting the development of the Internet of Things and new innovations to improve energy efficiency. IPv6 compatibility ensures that Landis+Gyr’s solutions are future-proof and can be upgraded as technology evolves.

G3 PLC - Smart Communications for the future

“The field of communication technologies evolves at a fast pace, providing great opportunities for the development of smart grids and smart homes. We want to stay in the forefront of this change, which requires continuous development of our portfolio, including comprehensive field testing, pilot programs and certification procedures before bringing the new technology to the market, as we are doing now with our Gridstream portfolio based on G3 technology,” Koller continues.

Landis+Gyr is introducing a G3 PLC-enabled smart metering solution, which includes G3 PLC-based metering devices, data concentrators and software systems. Recently, Landis+Gyr was awarded a G3 PLC Alliance certification for its smart residential electricity meter E450 that proves its robust PLC performance, conformance to G3 specifications and interoperability with other G3 PLC-certified devices. With the introduction of the latest releases of Gridstream HES and Gridstream AIM smart metering software systems, the company now offers a G3 PLC-based smart-metering solution for piloting purposes. A number of utilities across Europe have already committed to Landis+Gyr’s G3 PLC technology and several field installations are currently underway. In early 2016, the Gridstream end-to-end solution with full G3 PLC compatibility will go on general release to all utilities across EMEA.

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