The importance of accurate and up-to-date information as well as ever present control in modern utilities is well understood as these factors present an imperative in today’s smart delivery systems. Lack of reliable communication between different parts of a system inevitably causes poor diagnostics, increased maintenance costs and reduced reliability that leads into customers’ dissatisfaction and translates into a major disadvantage amongst competition in the industry.
A typical delivery system has distributed topology consisting of several layers, starting from system core and extending outwards, all the way to the end customers. These layers need to be able to communicate both with utility provider’s central premises as well as amongst themselves in order to have a robust, yet flexible delivery system.
A power utility system, for example, has electrical power plants in its core: the generated power is distributed through substations and down feeders to the power meters in customer’s premises.
Unlike centralized power plants, substations are scattered over wide areas and are often located in harsh environment lacking adequate infrastructure. Providing mission critical two-way digital data communication in such environment has proven to be a major challenge in the past.
The same applies for gas and water utilities that also need to address the ever demanding need for reliable communication between parts of the system both in the core and on the edges.
Read more:
Rapid, no-hassle deployment
Geneko GWR routers are designed for rapid in-field deployment. By relying on cellular networks rather than fixed wired lines, Geneko GWR routers can be deployed virtually on any location with cellular coverage, making it an ideal solution for connecting remote sites with inadequate infrastructure typical for utility systems edge. With cellular data connection being only a fraction of a price tag of traditional Telco leased line, Geneko GWR routers are price worthy solution for connecting numerous remote locations, requiring only SIM cards and data plan from cellular provider.
Reliability comes first
Geneko GWR routers feature dual SIM card support, increasing the reliability of data connection by providing a redundant cellular network service. Automatic failover from primary connection to a backup connection provides zero system downtime.
Field tested cellular network experience
Geneko GWR routers have proven their high performance operation and reliability in numerous cellular networks worldwide. Years of experience with numerous cellular providers led to advanced WAN parameters that can be set in few simple steps to optimize router performance on virtually any cellular network in the world.
VPN tunneling support
With GRE, IPsec and OpenVPN support, Geneko GWR routers serve as a powerful and secure alternative to fixed long distance point-to-point and point-to-multipoint connections, providing a scalable solution for secure data transfer over the cellular network and the Internet.
Legacy support
Serial-to-IP feature allows for connecting, control and acquiring data from any device with serial RS232 port. In addition, Geneko GWR routers support expansion of Modbus SCADA over the cellular networks through ModbusRTU-to-ModbusTCP feature.
Robust industrial design
While Geneko GWR routers guarantee robust and reliable operation in most applications, Geneko GWR-I industrial cellular router series provide a better suited solution in challenging operating conditions. With its rugged metal housing, extended operating temperature range (-25 to +70°C) and wider power supply voltage, these routers are true match for any harsh and hazardous environment.
Remote management
Geneko GWR routers can be managed locally and remotely:
-
Through GWR connection wizard
-
Via CLI (Command Line Interface) on serial console, telnet and SSH
-
Through HTTP based WEB interface
-
Via GWR Remote Management and Monitoring Software
Remote management is invaluable when deploying a wireless data solution in the field as it avoids expensive trips by field technicians to remote locations to configure or troubleshoot routers. GWR
Remote Management and Monitoring Software is an enterprise class application designed to provide central platform for management and monitoring of large number of remote GWR units. With the aid of GWR Remote Management and Monitoring Software, NOC (Network Operations Center) personnel are able to monitor all critical parameters of remote units, perform configuration, upgrade firmware, analyze system logs, create statistical reports and much more.
Multiple security mechanisms are implemented in order to prevent unauthorized access to central platform and remote units. One NOC professional can be authorized to monitor and control one or more groups of remote units. Those groups are created and assigned by the enterprise administrator. The system continuously monitors remote units and in case that one or more devices become unreachable, system alarms the administrator (group and/or enterprise). The administrator can select the desired type of alarm for those situations. Configuration and upgrade of remote units is now a very easy task thanks to GWR Remote Management and Monitoring System. Group administrator can deploy desired configuration file or new firmware version to multiple units or groups of units at the same time. Over the air upgrade and configuration certainly significantly eliminates the costs of system maintenance. Advanced reporting tools allow the administrator to create custom reports and graphics related to device availability, performance and exceptions. Analysis of those reports and graphics can result in optimization of the complete system.
Delivering an inexpensive network edge
The traditional approach in connecting various parts of a utility system relies on leased lines and wired infrastructure. With the expansion of IP networks across the world, most of the communication has now moved into the IP realm with new equipment being of "native IP" design and legacy devices being included by means of interface converters. The long distance communications are growing less dependent on expensive Telco leased lines as they now favour more aordable solutions based on VPNs and public Internet.
However, running fiber-optics or installing DSL and cable connections in order to provide IP connectivity and Internet access within a utility system is often costly and inconvenient. While the core components of the system usually communicate via fixed infrastructure, connections between core and the edge require more affordable solution.
Geneko GWR routers are designed as a robust solution designed to provide remote connectivity across cellular networks. Low transmission delays and very high data rates offered by existing cellular infrastructure eliminate the need for expensive wired infrastructure wherever cellular coverage is available. Geneko GWR routers coupled with cellular network form rugged and reliable connections between utility provider's fixed central network and all of its assets in the field.
Optimal answer for utility requirements
Geneko GWR router series provide secure real-time wireless communications suitable for mobile monitoring, control, supervision and management of:
-
Electric Power Utilities
-
Gas, Oil and Heating Utilities
-
Water Supply Utilities and Drainage Systems
Electrical power substations, scattered over wide areas lacking adequate infrastructure can be easily connected via cellular network by employing Geneko GWR routers as they provide the means for:
-
Connecting different regulators, controllers and reclosers
-
Connecting intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) for more efficient power rerouting
-
Connecting legacy equipment with serial and Modbus SCADA interfaces
-
Providing fault monitoring
-
Delivering weather and seismic data from remote locations
-
Providing remote access control and video surveillance
-
Providing Internet access for workers in the field
Gas, oil and heating utilities need reliable and flexible energy transportation infrastructure that requires large number of sensors along the pipelines and central intelligence at compressor and pump stations. Geneko GWR routers provide communication paths for these devices leading to:
-
Improved integrity and reliability of the pipeline system
-
Efficient utilization of existing capacity
-
Optimized fuel and energy delivery
-
Remote acquisition of temperature, pressure and all relevant data
-
Real time reporting and alarming in case of leakage, fire or environmental hazards
-
Improved security
Employing Geneko GWR routers in utility systems leads to improved performance, faster and more reliable diagnostics, real-time control, better security and reduced energy consumption.
Here you can download our latest brochure: