How Utilities Are Using Cellular Communications Today
Shared on March 06, 2013 written by Jesse Berst under Wireless Industry News
In the early days of the smart grid, most pioneers used purpose-built RF mesh networks for smart metering and distribution automation. In the past two years, however, cellular technology has emerged as a viable option. But when does cellular really make sense? I decided it was time for an update and so I've scheduled a Lessons from the Real World webinar with experts from Qualcomm and SAIC to learn what utilities are and aren't doing with cellular. (Click the link to reserve a spot and to submit questions in advance.) In researching the webinar, I've learned that cellular is finding a home -- several homes, actually. Here are three cellular deployment strategies that utilities are implementing today in their smart grid programs: Standalone solution. Utilities can now use cellular technology to link directly to meters, or directly to neighborhood concentrators. Consumers Energy is using the former strategy to deploy meters today, as is Texas-New Mexico Power. Targete...
Comments: 0 | Keywords: Cellular Communications
Pentagon Promises Massive Response To Increasing Cybersecurity Attacks
Shared on January 31, 2013 written by Smart Grid Security under Wireless Industry News
The Pentagon plans to add more than 4,000 people to its efforts to combat the growing number of cyberattacks in the country and to take the offensive against attacks from foreign countries. Increasing the Defense Department's Cyber Command by more than 4,000, well above today's level of 900, will be a challenge, a New York Times article quoted defense officials as saying. The department said officials know that recruiting, training and retaining that many qualified people will be a difficult chore. But, as William J. Lynn III, a former deputy defense secretary, said, "The threat is real and we need to react to it." The Pentagon is planning three different operations under the Cyber Command umbrella: forces that protect the computer systems of the electric grid and infrastructure, another that develops and conducts offensive attacks on adversaries considered threats and a force dedicated to protecting the Pentagon's own computer systems. The Times article said the expa...
Comments: 0 | Keywords: Cybersecurity Attacks, National Security
NetMotion Adds Android Support To Locality Solution
Shared on January 28, 2013 written by Donny Jackson under Wireless Industry News
NetMotion Wireless yesterday announced a new version of its Locality cellular-network performance management software that supports Android and Windows 8 devices, in addition to providing new LTE network-management functionality. Locality is designed to give enterprises visibility into the coverage and performance of commercial wireless carrier networks, which historically have represented a leap of faith for enterprise subscribers, according to Mark Pendolino, senior marketing communications manager for NetMotion Wireless. "There's no visibility into these networks, and they're very critical to operations," Pendolino said during an interview with Urgent Communications. "People are making large investments into the devices, adapter and applications to support those deployments, and it's basically just a huge blind spot for organizations that are trying to manage these connections." Enterprises can get a picture of the coverage and performance their users are receiving from a particu...
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Google & Yahoo Get Their Own Smart Grid
Shared on January 18, 2013 written by Lauren Hepler under Wireless Industry News
Silicon Valley is known for its sprawling tech campuses comprised of elaborate R&D workshops, thousands and thousands of tech gadgets and expansive dining options. Now think about the energy required to power those operations. Regional development think tank Joint Venture Silicon Valley certainly has, and is now launching a public-private partnership with Google, Yahoo, Intuit and Juniper Networks, among others, to develop a smart energy grid centered around Moffett Field. Under the initiative, an 8.25 square-mile zone that encompasses parts of North Mountain View and North Sunnyvale will become a shared testing ground for cutting edge clean tech solutions. Both of the peninsula cities and utilities providers in their jurisdiction will also participate. "We're trying to do two things," Joint Venture President & CEO Russell Hancock told me. "First, we're trying to reduce Silicon Valley's carbon footprint. The second is we're trying to promote Silicon Valley as th...
Comments: 0 | Keywords: Smart Grid Technology, Social Smart Grid
Smartphones Consuming More Data Than Tablets For The First Time
Shared on January 16, 2013 written by Anita Li under Wireless Industry News
For the first time, smartphones trump tablets when it comes to data consumption, a new study reveals. Conducted by mobile analytics firm Arieso, the report suggests that smartphone users now "consistently consume" more mobile data than tablet users despite the latter's market expansion. At the top of the list are iPhone 5 owners, the "hungriest" data consumers, who demand 50% more than iPhone 4S users and four times as much as iPhone 3G users. Overall, mobile data consumption is skyrocketing, pushed by "new devices and richer content," according to a release. "Extreme users are beginning to move to new LTE networks, but there is not let up on existing networks." Do you use up more data on your smartphone or tablet? Tell us in the comments below....
Comments: 0 | Keywords: Smartphones, Smartphones Data Consumption