Smart grids rely on communications

"Most attention in the smart city community has focused on the upper communication layers and applications - including IT and data management - that govern how a smart city operates and enables the collection and analysis of new data sources," said Eric Woods, research director with Navigant Research, according to the news source. "Without the underlying communication infrastructure, however, the smart city vision cannot be realized."

For any city or utility exploring smart grid potential, supporting it with adequate communications technology and the hardware to enable clear and swift communication between devices is critical. Smart meters help optimize distribution and control over energy, water and gas, but the communications hardware enables the demand response, management and optimization of the smart grid in general.

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.