Wireless communications manufacturer, Proxicast’s LAN-Cell 2 3G cellular router is quickly becoming the preferable selection of 3G cellular
smart grid and advanced metering infrastructure, or “AMI,” communication.
With the constant deployment of
smart grid projects and initiatives throughout the United States, the use – and need – of high-speed 3G cellular networks is becoming the new gateway to create a less expensive installation and wireless network process.
Smart grids, while an extremely plausible ideology, is still in the evolutionary stages. Utilizing 3G cellular networks would equip specific smart grids with a faster and less costly system for utilities to deploy digital data networks to the specific grids.
With a proper cellular network, such as Proxicast’s LAN-Cell 2, which provides IP connectivity over the Ethernet and Wi-Fi, operators can wirelessly connect important grids – such as smart meters – directly to an electrical utility center.
However, the question still stands how this effects the development of smart grids?
According to Proxicast officials, the use of a wireless network can dramatically reduce the utility’s up-front deployment costs and time-frames and leverages the cellular carriers’ massive investments in network operations and maintenance to reduce the overall cost of ownership.
Why LAN-Cell 2 though?
The Proxicast LAN-Cell 2 Mobile 3G cellular router uses off-the-shelf 3G cellular modems to allow Ethernet-enabled smart grid and distribution automation devices from any vendor to be quickly, securely and reliably connected to the Internet. Offering fast, secure and affordable systems, the LAN-Cell 2 is accessible on any CDMA or GSM wireless data network, making the compatibility bountiful for users.
Additionally, the LAN-Cell 2 can also function as a neighborhood cellular back-haul gateway to large groups of devices by coupling the LAN-Cell with short-range wireless technologies, such as ZigBee, Bluetooth, Mesh, VHF/UHF or 900 MHz radios.
In regards to the
green market, the Proxicast wireless network is also being utilized for sustainable and renewable energy in many different green sectors.
“In addition to traditional electric utilities, we have a number of wind turbine, solar and alternative energy operators using the LAN-Cell 2 for real-time monitoring and control,” Jim Sabol, chief operating officer of Proxicast, said. “Many of these are in locations where it is hard to get a traditional wired internet connection.”