Utility Communications

Integrated, hybrid and multi-level

solutions for network communications

Communication networks enabling todays and future

applications

The industry challenge more reliable, more efficient,

more secure and more flexible
There is a convergence occurring between the business
realities of the utility industry, the energy demands of modern
society, and the sustainability requirements of the environment
in which we live. This convergence is driving the development and implementation of a new type of power system.
This network, known as the smart or intelligent grid, uses
the same basic infrastructure we know today, but applies
advanced information and communication technologies and
many more sensors and actuators within the existing systems.
The result is a power grid that is more reliable, more efficient,
more secure and more flexible than the systems currently
in operation. These characteristics in turn will support the
integration of renewable energy sources and all other types
of future generation units into the systems, thus supporting
reducing environmental impacts of power supply and in particular CO2 emissions while improving the efficiency of power
delivery systems.

Integrated and hybrid communications networks

For a stepwise introduction of such smart grids, an integrated
and hybrid communication network architecture allowing
multi-service provisioning is the key.
The foundations for a more reliable and secure network for
the harsh utility environment are utility-grade products and robust system design. Redundancy is achieved by sophisticated
hardware protection and path diversity, such as transmission
of mission-critical protection signaling through fiber optic and
power line carrier systems.
The transmission view
In the examples shown on opposite side, control, protection
and voice signals are interfaced with typical systems deployed
in the utilitys transmission environment. This includes Power
Line Carrier (PLC), optical network solutions (e.g. SDH),
teleprotection systems, as well as wireless systems to enable
communication between remote stations and towards centralized or decentralized control centers.

2 Utility communications | Utility communications solutions

ABBs solutions ensure the seamless integration of the existing infrastructure, upgradeability to cope with future bandwidth requirements, and at the same time, enable packet
switched service provisioning over a wide range of media.
Combined with enhanced network management features,
ABB integrates a future proven communications infrastructure
for mission-critical applications and other legacy and new
services in utilities.
The distribution view
Distribution automation up to the consumer level is vital to
efficiently deliver sustainable, economic and secure electricity
supplies today and in future.
ABB offers a suite of wireless and fixed distribution communication solutions for the reliable deployment of intelligent
devices at lower voltage levels. Depending on the geographic
coverage and specific application needs, ABB can supply
systems such as dedicated V/UHF radio, optical/electrical
network solutions (e.g. pilot wire xDSL) and cellular modems,
as well as satellite solutions, which enable end-to-end connectivity from the device to the system.
In-plant communication
To support the increasing needs to operate the entire power
grid securely, in-plant communication solutions for substations, power plants and similar installations play a crucial role
within utility communications networks. ABB has developed
a portfolio comprising telephony solutions, paging systems,
video surveillance (CCTV), public address and access control
systems, which can be seamless integrated into the overall
communication infrastructure of a network.
Service ensuring a long-lasting network
There are two golden rules to ensure the health of your network. The first is to acquire a stable and expandable network
and the second is to ensure longevity with components and
services.
ABBs wide range of service activities includes project management and contracting for specific tasks, including turn-key
projects. Our broad service know-how is complemented with
system implementation services, such as network design,
end-to-end integration, validation and after-sales services,
including training and maintenance.

Regional
Control
Centers

Thermal
Power Plants

Solar Plants

FOX

Radio

Optical Network Solutions

- FOX Family
Utility hardened PDH/SDH,
FE and GbE platforms
enabling operational
(mission-critical), corporate
and public services over
dedicated or convergenced
Wide Area Networks (WAN)
and Local Area Network (LAN)

Radio

Radio

FOX

xDSL

Radio

Radio Solutions
- V/UHF Radio modems
- Cellular GPRS/UMTS Modems
- MW PtMP Radio Systems
- PMR Radio Solutions

Pilot Cable Communication

- xDSL solutions over copper
cables for Data, Protection
and Voice applications

xDSL

FOX

SAT

Radio

Radio
Radio

Satellite
- Ruggedized Satellite equipment for IP and/or serial
data communication

Radio

FOX

SAT

Radio

FOX
NSD

FOX

Radio Solutions
- MW PtMP Radio Systems

Power Line Carriers

- Universal Digital Power Line
Carrier ETL600 for Data,
Protection and Voice
- Line Trap DLTC
- Coupling Filter MCD80

TEL

InPC

TEL

..

Voice System Solutions

- SOPHO Family
Advanced hybrid PBX switching
systems supporting analogue,
digital and VoIP services
- DECT solutions

InPC

TEL

TEL

..
..

Radio

ETL

Radio

..

Radio

xDSL

xDSL

FOX

FOX

SAT

Optical Network Solutions

- FOX Family
Utility hardened PDH/SDH,
FE and GbE platforms
enabling operational
(mission-critical), corporate
and public services over
dedicated or convergenced
Wide Area Networks (WAN)
and Local Area Network (LAN)

NSD

FOX ETL

NSD

ETL FOX

NSD

NSD

InPC

TEL

..

InPC

TEL

..

ETL

ETL

NSD FOX

FOX

In-Plant Communications
- Video Surveillance (CCTV)
- Access Control Solutions
- Public Address Systems
- Local Radio Solutions

FOX

FOX NSD

InPC

.
.
..

TEL

InPC

TEL

TEL

InPC

TEL

..
..

InPC

Teleprotection Systems
- Standalone Teleprotection NSD570
- TEBIT integrated Teleprotection in FOX515
- OPTIF C37.94 interface for FOX515
- NSD600 integrated Teleprotection in ETL600

Radio

Typical in-plant communication solutions

FOX

Radio

FOX

FOX

FOX

..

FOX

FOX

Radio

Radio

SAT

SAT

MV Distribution
Networks

Control Centers

Distributed Generation

HV Substations

Typical distribution communication solutions

Railways

Power Plants

MV
Distribution
Network

HV Substations
(FACTS & SVC)

Off-shore Wind Farms

..

HVDC Interconnections

..

Oil & Gas

..

..

.. ..
..

On-shore Wind Farms

Typical transmission communication solutions

..
..

..

..
..

.. ..

..
..

..

..

.
.. .

The utility communications landscape

..
..

..

..
..

Utility communications solutions | Utility communications 3

ABB the full solution provider

Why utility communications from ABB?

Our vast experience in the electricity industry and complete

range of products and services available from a single source,
make ABB the natural partner for the stepwise introduction of
smart-grid infrastructure.

We are a full-solution provider.

We are a single-source provider of a complete range of products and services.
Our solutions give investment flexibility and security.
We work together with our customers to ensure that we provide the most financially viable solution.

Our solutions improve performance.

Our products and solutions help customers to improve their
operating performance, grid reliability and efficiency in a fastchanging environment.

Utility Communications
Access Card No.
5400 0415 8589 3735

For more information please contact:

ABB Switzerland Ltd.
Power Systems
Brown Boveri Strasse 6
5400 Baden, Switzerland
Phone: +41 58 589 37 35
or
+41 844 845 845 (Call Center)
Fax:
+41 58 585 16 88
E-Mail: utilitycommunications@ch.abb.com
www.abb.com/utilitycommunications

We deliver products and solutions for the stepwise

introduction of smart grids technologies.
Our solutions are at the heart of smart grid architecture.
We are the natural partner for the stepwise introduction of
smart grid infrastructure and technologies.

1KHA - 000 854 - SEN 1000 - 05.11 - Printed in Switzerland

ABB Switzerland Ltd. May 2011. The right to modifications or deviations due to technical progress is reserved.

We believe in a partnership approach solution.

We work as a trusted partner for our customers.