Utility Telecom Technology - What’s in Your Portfolio

A couple weeks ago, I posted about spectrum options for utilities' telecommunications networks. Today I want to talk about technologies utilities have to choose from to build those networks. Spectrum and technologies go hand in hand and have to be considered together (unless you're doing a wired solution, which I also talk about in here).

Years ago, most communications solutions utilities had as options were proprietary solutions using narrow channel spectrum or wired copper circuits. I am happy that things have progressed significantly in the 30 years I've been an engineer. There are now many technologies, some standard, some proprietary, utilities have in their portfolio as they consider how to build or migrate their networks.

These technologies typically fit into wired, and wireless: narrowband, wideband, and broadband. And, in my mind of great importance, there are standard technologies that utilities can deploy. In one of my previous roles as a utility engineer, we used a proprietary technology and the manufacturer eventually went out of business forcing the utility I worked for at the time to do a forklift replacement. No one wants to be forced into a system replacement. I had been a proponent of standards before that happened, but there weren't standards in the spectrum band we had access to. I became an even bigger proponent of standards when that happened.

Today, utilities have access to a number of wireless technology standards. For narrowband technologies there are a number of standard technologies that typically support both voice and limited amounts of data.

Wideband technologies are typically proprietary although there is IEEE 802.16 - 2017 which is an open standard. With limited manufacturers, however, it hasn't reached its full potential.

Broadband technologies, LTE and 5G, are global standards with many, many manufacturers both for commercial devices and utility specific devices.

It's great to see the progression in technology and spectrum alternatives utilities have in their portfolios. As a utility explores their network migrations, having an understanding of spectrum and technology alternatives is critical. Most of the available technologies are highlighted in the slides attached. There is A LOT of detail behind each of these solutions which is not brought out here in a few short slides. Feel free to message me if you'd like additional information .