Swissgrid deploys Nokia IP/MPLS, optical communications systems to manage electrical grid

Swiss electricity transmission system operator Swissgrid has deployed IP/MPLS and optical communications hardware from Nokia in its new "Grid Control Network." As its name implies, the network enables Swissgrid to monitor and switch its electricity transmission grid as needs warrant in a secure and reliable manner.

The company's transmission grid runs 6,700 km and connects 140 substations. The Grid Control Network additionally interconnects power plants, data centers, and offices.

Nokia says it performed turnkey implementation of two IP/MPLS -based networks, one an operational network and the other a business communications network. Both are overlaid on an encrypted DWDM and CWDM network. The networks leverage Nokia's 7705 Service Aggregation Router and 7750 Service Router portfolio, as well as the company's 1830 Photonic Service Switch.

The operational network supports Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, teleprotection, video surveillance via closed-circuit TV, site access control, and intrusion detection. The business communications network enables communications between electricity substations and Swissgrid locations for office LAN and voice over IP (VoIP) requirements.

Swissgrid operates the Grid Control Network from a pair of Grid Control Centers (data centers) connected via encrypted, redundant DWDM wavelength services. When fully deployed in partner sites outside of Switzerland in 2016, the new infrastructure will help enable exchange of electricity between Swissgrid's network in Switzerland and sites in Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Italy, and France.

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