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SpeedNet Radio

SpeedNet™ Radios

Real-time information and power exchange between components of the Smart Grid requires high-speed, fully integrated, two-way communication. S&C’s SpeedNet™ Radios can make it happen.

SpeedNet Radios vastly improve the performance of private-network utility radio systems by combining secure long-range communication, high-volume data transmission, and flexible mesh networking to provide benchmark performance for automation and control applications.

Features

Reliable Transmission

SpeedNet radios form a peer-to-peer mesh. SpeedNet Radios automatically build routing tables that define message paths; if a node is lost, a new path will be quickly established. Operating in the unlicensed 902-928 MHz band, typical range with an omnidirectional antenna is 2 to 5 miles in mesh mode, and over 6 miles in point-to-multipoint mode. If needed, SpeedNet Repeater Radios can be installed to increase transmission range and provide alternate nodes for message routing.

Powerful Security

SpeedNet Radio frequency-hopping spread-spectrum transmissions are inherently difficult to intercept and jam. Its 10-ms dwell time on a frequency is 60 times faster than other systems, making each transmission a very small target for jamming, and much less susceptible to interference. Address filtering denies network access to unauthorized radios, and 128-bit encryption protects mission-critical data.

High Speed

With their exceptional data throughput, SpeedNet Radios greatly improve the restoration speed of S&C’s IntelliTeam® SG Automatic Restoration System — the universal Smart Grid solution that provides unmatched interoperability. SpeedNet Radios improve SCADA refresh rates too.

Quality of Service

SpeedNet Radios further offer assignable message priority, making them suitable for backhaul applications in an Advanced Metering Infrastructure. When installed in S&C IntelliRupter® PulseClosers, Scada-Mate® Switches, Scada-Mate CX™ Switches, Remote Supervisory Pad-Mounted Gear, and/or Vista® Underground Distribution Switchgear throughout the distribution system, SpeedNet Radios can readily relay information received from the low-power AMI radios.

Communications Support

S&C’s experienced staff has the expertise to perform the necessary up-front topographical analysis and on-site testing of the communication infrastructure. And S&C’s can provide installation and commissioning of the equipment, as well as ongoing maintenance.

Unmatched Standard Features

  • Unlicensed 902- to 928-MHz operating band
  • Rapid frequency hops—10-ms average dwell time
  • Mesh network uses IP addresses
  • Fast data transmission rate — up to 650 kbps
  • Line-of-sight single-node range up to 25 miles; SpeedNet Repeater Radios increase range and provide alternate nodes for message routing
  • Secure 128-bit AES data encryption
  • Serial and Ethernet data inputs
  • Simple Network Management Protocol interface can be programmed to automate data collection
  • Over-the-air configuration and software updates
  • Received signal strength indication statistics are available in real time and from data logs
  • Battery back-up with remote battery testing on repeater and gateway models

Versions

SpeedNet Radios are offered in four versions:

SpeedNet Radio

SpeedNet Radio

For installation in a user-furnished enclosure, it requires a 12-Vdc power source. The antenna can be a whip mounted on the enclosure, or a remotely mounted omni-directional or Yagi antenna can be used.

SpeedNet Streetlight-Mounted Repeater Radio

SpeedNet Streetlight-Mounted Repeater Radio

In a cast-aluminum weatherproof enclosure that mounts on a streetlight arm. Extends communication range and expands network area. Can be powered from a photocell socket or 110-240 Vac, 50 or 60 Hz; includes battery back-up. A whip antenna is mounted on the bottom of the enclosure.

SpeedNet Utility-Pole-Mounted Repeater Radio

SpeedNet Utility-Pole-Mounted Repeater Radio

In a padlockable plastic weatherproof enclosure that mounts directly on a utility pole. Extends communication range and expands network area. Powered from 110-240 Vac, 50 or 60 Hz; includes battery back-up. Antenna can be a whip mounted on the enclosure, or a remotely mounted omni-directional antenna can be used.

SpeedGate™ Radio Interface System

SpeedGate™ Radio Interface System

SpeedGate™ Radio Interface System. In a padlockable plastic weatherproof enclosure that mounts directly on a utility pole. Includes provision for a gateway communication device, permitting data exchange with a different communication system. Powered from 110-240 Vac, 50 or 60 Hz; includes battery back-up. Antenna can be a whip mounted on the enclosure, or a remotely mounted omni-directional or Yagi antenna can be used.

SpeedNet Radios cannot communicate directly with other types of radios because of differences in frequency selection, spread-spectrum frequency hopping patterns, channel use, and network management algorithms. A SpeedGate Radio Interface System, with an appropriate gateway communication device, is required in such instances.