Clean Technology

Utilities Must Work Closely with Wireless Vendors on Smart Grid

At the UTC Telecom 2012 show, Aviat Networks was able to meet with utilities regarding their networking needs. Bottomline, utilities must work closely with their wireless backhaul and other solution providers in order to implement smart grid capabilities.

UTC Telecom 2012 is the annual show of the utilities industry in North America. New technologies and products were displayed to help the industry with its latest challenges. Also various utilities shared their experiences in implementing new networks to deliver leading edge smart grid capabilities.

The show was extremely well attended with a myriad of vendors including many consulting firms. The key message that I took away was the need for utilities to work very closely with their equipment vendors—especially wireless backhaul solution providers—and consultants to implement next generation networks capable of handling the multitude of applications associated with smart grid.

It was interesting to hear from AltaLink about the findings from its extensive lab testing and network implementation:
- How far do you drive MPLS into the network?
- How do you “tweak” the MPLS settings to accommodate microwave radios adapting in modulation?
- What kind of MTU sizes need to be passed and how well do vendor capacities relate to the particular MTU sizes?
BC Hydro talked to the two critical issues it is struggling with: end-to-end management and security across the entire network. Balance the needs/wants of the IT dept., the communications dept. and various internal administrative groups is a real task! Some people think that only the commercial mobile networks must deal with overzealous users demanding unlimited bandwidth to address their video/gaming/voice applications…what happens when all the utilities’ departments find out that there is bandwidth available?!

Aviat Networks’ Eclipse Packet Node radios and skilled network engineers can help you find the right solution for your smart grid implementation. Whether your utility is just starting to look at the issues or ready to buy the critical components of the network, Aviat Networks is able to help.

Randy Jenkins
Director of Business Development
Aviat Networks

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- Smart Grid Wireless Technology Comparison Chart (blog.aviatnetworks.com)
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- May 22, 2012
Aviat Networks Achieves “Green” Building Certification

LEED Gold Building Certification

The Aviat Networks headquarters building in Santa Clara, Calif., has received LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is an internationally recognized green building certification system developed by USGBC.

The Santa Clara building was designed with environmental responsibility in mind; following the five LEED credit categories for construction, décor and location:

1.    Site selection
Located close to Light Rail & Capitol Corridor Amtrak train service, the site is prime for reducing car-based commuting. Also, indoor secure bicycle storage, showers and changing rooms have been provided to promote cycling, which will can further reduce car-based commuting.

2.    Water efficiency
Aviat Networks installed water efficient fixtures that reduce water use by 40 percent compared to standard fixtures.

3.    Energy and atmosphere
We reduced heat island effect by installing cool roofing that has the ability to reflect visible, infrared and ultraviolet light, decreasing heat transfer to the building (i.e., high solar reflectance rating). Our advanced heating and cooling system has variable speed fans monitored by computer. We selected Energy Star rated equipment for the majority of office equipment and appliances. And all the building’s electricity comes from “green” energy sources (i.e., wind power).

4.    Materials and resources
During construction, waste was managed so that more than 95 percent of it was diverted from landfills through recycling and salvage efforts. Flooring is based on fast-growing renewable bamboo instead of non-renewable sources and the carpet is made from recycled content such as plastic bottles. Paints and coatings with low emission rates of volatile organic compounds and other air pollutants were used. And carpentry with composite wood products in doors and millwork was installed—saving some trees in the process.

Aviat Networks’ headquarters building in Santa Clara, Calif., has been certified LEED Gold as an environmentally friendly “green” building.

5.    Indoor environment
Low E glass windows and interior office-core windows can be left uncovered to allow for maximum natural lighting in the office area. Cube panels are lower and have windows to take advantage of the natural light. We also have a fitness center to promote employee health and wellness. Though this last category did not actually contribute official USGBC green credits to Aviat Networks’ LEED Gold certification, it demonstrates the company’s commitment to this process and contributes to overall employee well-being.

What’s the difference?
Do LEED buildings cost more? The answer is no. It is a design strategy that creates a building that will save energy and money over the long-term. It will also have limited effect on the environment and enhance working conditions.

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- January 13, 2012