Pilot Relaying communications: Will Ethernet/IP provide the dependability and security required?

Using packet-switched networks such as Ethernet/IP and MPLS to transport real time mission-critical applications is no longer a concept but a reality that is changing the communications landscape for both intra and inter-substation communications. TDM over IP technology presents a migration path whereby these packet-switched networks can be use for transport, while the end-user equipment need not be replaced. As proven by the case study above with Gulf Power, a packet-switched network can provide the dependability and security required by pilot relaying channel communications to protect high voltage transmission lines. Many other power utilities are already emulating Gulf Power and are deploying mission-critical applications over a converged network and doing it successfully. This emerging trend is allowing power utilities to build more efficient bandwidth rich and smarter networks for their mission-critical communications infrastructure while costing less, bridging the gap between traditional and modern substation communications and taking advantage of the benefits that packet-switch networks provide, achieving the best of both worlds.