Smart grid spending increasing

"Utilities are investing in the rollout of a broad assortment of new applications and spending is driving new services from a wide range of vendors and consultants," said Collins. "The complexity of the new hardware, applications, and the expansive array of suppliers vying to deliver services continues to ensure that systems integrators benefit with a significant share of the spending."

The study also found that 2012 was a period of transition for smart grid investments. During the year, many utility providers decreased their spending on smart meters and began putting more funding into networks, transmissions and distribution systems. Advanced metering solutions also played a prominent role in the 2012 smart grid investment market.

Streamlining network deployment
Serial to Ethernet terminal servers can go a long way toward enabling cost-effective network deployment within smart grid systems. Terminal server systems can overcome the interoperability gap that exists between serial and Ethernet systems, an important need since many utility technologies use serial-based connectivity options to ensure consistent connectivity. While Ethernet is able to provide the reliability necessary in most cases, the signal type varies between the two and terminal servers are necessary to translate the Ethernet-based data to the serial system and vice-versa.

Perle offers a range of cost effective serial-to-Ethernet converters to help meet NERC-CIP compliance for the protection of critical cyberassets in substations. The IOLAN SDS HV/LDC Terminal Server is designed to meet harsh environments associated with Power Substations with attributes such as support for substation AC and DC voltage ranges, extended operating temperatures and meeting emission, immunity and safety approvals associated with substation IT equipment.