SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) systems are universally employed for operational management and communications at all levels of utility infrastructure. Management of distributed components through RTUs (Remote transmission Units) requires real time connectivity through a reliable, low latency network, at increasingly high data throughput levels. Fortunately, the industry is steadily moving to IP-based communications standards that offer the speed, security and reliability required for these mission critical applications.

As part of its Smart Grid offering, Technology Partners is able to offer a complete distributed communications solution for SCADA communications.

award winning GridCom architecture delivers world-class, municipal scale wireless infrastructure with the required reliability, capacity and overage. Frequently used for AMR/AMI applications that require connectivity across a utility's service area, these networks create a multi-use wireless WAN, part of which can be specifically reserved for mission critical SCADA applications. In a typical deployment, the SCADA applications operate on a totally independent sub-net throughout the wired and wireless infrastructure, with security policies and QoS parameters that represent the critical nature of the applications.

To complete the communications solution, Technology Partners has developed a specific GridConnect module for the final connection to the RTUs. This module offers advanced, military grade security via its built-in VPN, and enhanced reliability with eight-hour battery backup to compliment the battery backup in the award winning GridCom network. Provision for backup GPRS can also be incorporated into GridConnect for added mission critical assurance.