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January 24, 2012
FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES HIGHLIGHTS WIRELESS DATA RADIO APPLICATIONS FOR THE SMART GRID AT DISTRUBTECH 2012
FreeWave to speak, exhibit and showcase its latest technologies for smart grid and utilities at annual conference
SAN ANTONIO, DISTRIBUTECH (Booth # 247) Jan. 24, 2012 – FreeWave Technologies, (http://www.freewave.com), manufacturer of the most reliable, high-performance spread spectrum and licensed radios for critical data transmission, will showcase its technologies for a variety of communication applications in the Smart Grid at DistribuTECH Conference and Exposition (http://www.distributech.com/index.html). Smart Grid applications that FreeWave solutions enable include transformer monitoring, AMI backhaul, substation automation, demand response, capacitor bank control monitoring, fault detection and isolation, Volt / VAR optimization and distribution automation. FreeWave, one of the conference’s car giveaway sponsors and exhibitors, will have several of its products on display and available for demonstration at booth 247. Additionally, FreeWave expert, Dan Steele will present, “Addressing the Water Utility SCADA Network Problem: What’s In Your Radio Communication Tool Box?” in the water utility track on January 25 at 1:30 p.m. CST.
“We have hit the ground running with our efforts in the Smart Grid and utility markets for 2012,” said Ashish Sharma, chief marketing officer at FreeWave Technologies. “DistribuTECH is a great opportunity to showcase the technologies we can offer customers in these markets. What separates us from more traditional wired communication solutions is a significant cost saving in both installation and over the lifetime of use, while maintaining secure and dependable data transmission. Wireless is becoming recognized as a sustainable option for Smart Grid applications in particular, and FreeWave’s radios have a legacy of offering the greatest reliability and flexibility in the industry.”
FreeWave’s industrial radios are trusted by top government and defense contractors to operate in extremely remote locations with high RF noise, making them a viable option for many Smart Grid applications, such as transformer monitoring. By monitoring critical data, including pressure, temperature and oil levels on a real-time basis, a utility is better equipped to mitigate transformer issues before failure. With an effective system in place, a utility can dramatically decrease the incidents that cause power outages, costly damages and dangerous explosions. The ability to automate and monitor key processes in the Smart Grid helps ensure efficient and effective delivery of power, while offering a cost-effective solution to the utilities.
Please be sure to visit FreeWave’s booth (#247) to learn more about its latest technologies in the Smart Grid and for a chance to enter the DistribuTECH car giveaway. FreeWave will have several product lines on display, including the FGR2-PE, FGR2, I/O Expansion, LRS 455, MM2 and HT Plus series of radios. Also, if you would like to learn more about industrial radios within the water industry, please be sure to attend Dan Steele’s presentation on Wednesday, Jan. 25 in Room 215.
“At DistribuTECH, we will share our excitement about FreeWave’s latest technology developments for the Smart Grid and other utilities,” said Sharma. “These markets continue to offer many opportunities for wireless data radios. Our ability to automate a variety of applications contributes to our focus on establishing FreeWave as a top communication solution in the Smart Grid.”
About FreeWave Technologies
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies manufactures the most reliable, high performing, lowest power consumption, spread spectrum and licensed radios for mission-critical data transmission. Through engineering excellence and a relentless commitment to best-in-class manufacturing, FreeWave customers enjoy superior radio up-time, range and the lowest cost of ownership available. Based in Boulder, Colorado, FreeWave designs and manufactures radios that are the leading choice for oil and gas, utility, military and numerous other industrial applications. Organizations that count on radio data communications for operational success – where failure and down-time are not an option – trust FreeWave for custom network design, system engineering and customer support that are unparalleled in the market. For additional information, contact FreeWave directly at 866.399.4930 or at newsinfo@freewave.com. Visit the company’s website at www.freewave.com.
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Press Contact:
Christin Jeffers
Catapult PR-IR
303-581-7760 ext. 19
January 19, 2012
CURT GOLDMAN OF FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES TO PRESENT AT THE IEEE PES INNOVATIVE SMART GRID TECHNOLOGIES 2012
Utility market manager to present on secure wireless data communications for distribution automation in the Smart Grid and the need for security and reliability
WHO: Curt Goldman
Market Manager – Utilities
FreeWave Technologies, Inc.
Curt Goldman is the market manager of utilities at FreeWave Technologies and leads FreeWave’s partnership with Rockwell Automation. He is responsible for directing activities in the energy markets for the company including water and electric power. Before FreeWave, Goldman was the regional accounts manager for Two Technologies, Inc. He has more than 25 years experience building and managing direct and indirect sales channels in the technology sector. Goldman has a Bachelor of Science degree from Shippensburg University and also has a Master of Business Administration degree from La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA.
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies is a world leader in the innovative design/manufacture of license-free spread spectrum, licensed band radios and wireless data solutions that are trusted for mission critical applications around the world (www.freewave.com).
WHAT: “Secure Wireless Data Communications for Distribution Automation in the Smart Grid”
For many utilities operators, making their electric grid smarter is an increasingly important task with the goal of creating a system that is optimized for efficient delivery of electricity. Automation has been the primary driver and many electric utilities have already implemented SCADA systems for control over transmission-level equipment. At the distribution automation layer, many critical functions and actions are automated, such as the monitoring of critical feeders, fault detection, isolation and restoration to reduce the duration and impact of outages, supporting the shifting of loads between sources to help avoid or alleviate overload conditions or controlling capacitor banks. There is no single technology that satisfies all of the requirements of system managers, especially for SCADA systems as complex as those for the Smart Grid. The recent increase in copper theft, often impacting data communication lines, makes wireless data communication solutions an attractive alternative to copper and fiber.
WHERE: IEEE PES Innovative Smart Grid Technologies (ISGT) 2012
Washington Marriott Wadman Park (DC)
2660 Woodley Road NW
Washington, District Of Columbia 20008 USA
WHEN: Communication for Smart Grid Paper Session
Tuesday, Jan. 17
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. EST
CONTACT: For more information on FreeWave, or to set up an interview with Mr. Goldman, please contact Christin Jeffers at Catapult PR-IR (303) 581-7760, ext. 19 or cjeffers@catapultpr-ir.com
December 14, 2011
COMISION FEDERAL DE ELECTRICIDAD (CFE) TAPS FREEWAVE FOR A LARGE SMART GRID PROJECT IN MEXICO
The only utility power company in Mexico uses FreeWave wireless data radios for monitoring and control of critical electric power applications
BOULDER, Colo., Dec. 14, 2011 — FreeWave Technologies, (http://www.freewave.com), manufacturer of the most reliable, high-performance spread spectrum and licensed radios for critical data transmission, was chosen by Comision Federal de Electricidad (CFE) (http://www.cfe.gob.mx) for wireless data radio applications such as power consumption and substation monitoring, as well as control and monitoring of power networks.
CFE is the only electric power utility company in México. It generates, transmits and distributes power and energy to nearly 100 million customers and is one of the largest utility organizations in the world with approximately 100,000 employees around the country. It currently is using FreeWave’s FGR2-PE, FGR115-RC and HTPlus wireless data radios in nine of the 16 divisions throughout Mexico.
“Before implementing FreeWave radios, CFE was experiencing difficulties due to distance and maintaining line of site in its communication networks,” said Federico Ibarra Otero, engineer at Ampere, FreeWave’s reseller partner in Mexico. “There were some locations where the monitoring devices were remotely located and required repeaters. FreeWave offered a solution that tackled both the distance and line of sight issues and we have achieved more consistent, reliable and modern links since implementation.”
FreeWave radios are used for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) applications to monitor and control switch gears, reclosers and power meters. Some of the networks are installed in heavily populated cities, such as Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara, where the RF noise and line of sight can potentially cause major issues with wireless communications. However, with FreeWave’s excellent network design and flexibility, the radios achieve optimal communication, even with skyscrapers, tree coverage and high RF noise levels. With CFE being the only energy provider of power for the entire country, FreeWave radios also were relied upon for data transmission in a wide range of geographical areas, spanning from the big cities to remote locations in the mountains and desert. Additionally, each FreeWave radio is 100 percent tested for RF performance — from -40° C to +75° C — to ensure reliability in a variety of weather conditions.
“We are very satisfied with FreeWave’s Ethernet models, the FGR2-PE and HTPlus, as they let us manage serial and Ethernet devices at the same time,” said Mario Granados Villareal, engineer at CFE. “This allows us to incorporate all the data coming from the radios to the LAN networks, which not only saves time, but allows our entire communications network to operate seamlessly.”
The FGR2-PE offers users a second, switched Ethernet port as well as two serial ports that give customers the ability to transition from serial to Ethernet data communication without having to replace their wireless communication hardware down the road, as well as operate both serial and Ethernet communication independently and simultaneously on the same platform. The FreeWave HTPlus Ethernet radio is ideal for customers who need an industrial grade high-speed Ethernet radio that operates in harsh environments and noisy RF conditions. It delivers data at a rate of up to 867 Kbps and is an ideal radio for SCADA backhaul networks.
“We are proud to have been chosen by CFE for this significant project. The success with CFE confirms that our wireless solutions are making progress across the globe in the smart grid market,” said Ashish Sharma, chief marketing officer at FreeWave Technologies. “Our industrial radios provide enhanced capabilities for smart grid applications, such as distribution automation (DA), AMI back haul, distribution management (DMS), substation automation (SSA), load management (LM), demand response (DR), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), and energy management (EMS). Our feature rich radio solutions coupled with top-notch customer support will bring new efficiencies to CFE’s network.”
About FreeWave Technologies
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies manufactures the most reliable, high performing, lowest power consumption, spread spectrum and licensed radios for mission-critical data transmission. Through engineering excellence and a relentless commitment to best-in-class manufacturing, FreeWave customers enjoy superior radio up-time, range and the lowest cost of ownership available. Based in Boulder, Colorado, FreeWave designs and manufactures radios that are the leading choice for oil and gas, utility, military and numerous other industrial applications. Organizations that count on radio data communications for operational success – where failure and down-time are not an option – trust FreeWave for custom network design, system engineering and customer support that are unparalleled in the market. For additional information, contact FreeWave directly at 866.399.4930 or at newsinfo@freewave.com. Visit the company’s website at www.freewave.com.
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Press Contact:
Christin Jeffers
Catapult PR-IR
303-581-7760 ext. 19
November 29, 2011
FreeWave Technologies Receives 2011 Smart Grid Excellence Award
FGR2-PE Honored for Exceptional Innovation
BOULDER, Colo., Nov. 29, 2011 — FreeWave Technologies, (www.freewave.com) announced today that its FGR2-PE wireless data radio has received a 2011 Smart Grid Excellence Award from SmartGrid.TMCnet.com, a TMC and Crossfire Media sponsored technology media Website.
“FreeWave is honored to accept the 2011 Smart Grid Excellence Award,” said Ashish Sharma, chief marketing officer at FreeWave Technologies. “At FreeWave, customers are our top priority. We strive to provide the most reliable, cost effective wireless data radios for our Smart Grid customers. By utilizing the FGR2-PE for smart grid applications, our customers achieve seamless data communications that can help streamline operations. It is a great achievement for our product to be recognized by SmartGrid.TMCnet.com.”
FGR2-PE is a data radio ideal for Smart Grid applications including, distribution automation (DA), AMI back haul, distribution management (DMS), substation automation (SSA), load management (LM), demand response (DR), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), and energy management (EMS). It offers both industrial serial and Ethernet wireless connectivity using license-free spread spectrum for data communication over long distances. The FGR2-PE is compatible with other FreeWave FGR plus family radios and offers users a second, switched Ethernet port as well as two serial ports to meet the demands of customers’ wireless automation requirements. The ports enable a transition from serial to Ethernet data communication a without having to replace wireless communication hardware later on, or operate both serial and Ethernet communication independently and simultaneously on the same platform.
“The solutions that have been recognized with the Smart Grid Excellence Award reflect the diverse range of innovation driving this market. Congratulations to FreeWave which best exemplified the best of smart grid technologies in 2011,” said stated Carl Ford, co-founder and community developer, Crossfire.
“I am pleased to acknowledge FreeWave for its contribution to the advancement of Smart Grid technologies by bestowing our Second Annual Smart Grid Excellence Award to them,” said Rich Tehrani, CEO, TMC. “Congratulations and I look forward to more innovation in 2012.”
Winners are published on SmartGrid.TMCnet.com and included in its E-newsletter.
For more information, please visit www.tmcnet.com.
About FreeWave Technologies
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies manufactures the most reliable, high performance, lowest power consumption, spread spectrum and licensed radios for mission-critical data transmission. Through engineering excellence and a relentless commitment to best-in-class manufacturing, FreeWave customers enjoy superior network up-time, range and the lowest cost of ownership in its class. Based in Boulder, Colorado, FreeWave designs and manufactures radios that are the leading choice for oil and gas, utility, military and numerous other industrial applications. Organizations that count on radio data communications for operational trust FreeWave for custom network design, system engineering and customer support that is unparalleled in the market. For additional information, contact FreeWave directly at 866.399.4930 or at newsinfo@freewave.com. Visit the company’s website at (www.freewave.com).
About Smart Grid
Smart Grid is the leading website dedicated to the rapidly developing technologies that enable and harness Smart Grids, with particular emphasis on applications, products and software for improving residential, business, institutional and facilities’ power consumption.
This Website offers information and analysis for anyone interested in researching, purchasing and applying smart grid technologies. It includes Smart Grid industry news and expert analysis by Carl Ford, Crossfire Media. Visitors will find free resources including Online Communities, blogs, feature articles, videos and more. SmartGrid.TMCnet.com is sponsored by TMC, an integrated, global media company helping clients in print, in person and online, and Crossfire Media, an integrated marketing company with a core focus on future trends in technology. Please visit http://smart-grid.tmcnet.com
About TMC
TMC is a global, integrated media company that helps clients build communities in print, in person, and online. TMC publishes the Customer Interaction Solutions, INTERNET TELEPHONY, Next Gen Mobility, InfoTECH Spotlight and Cloud Computing magazines. TMCnet.com, which is read by two million unique visitors each month, is the leading source of news and articles for the communications and technology industries. TMC is the producer of ITEXPO, the world’s leading B2B communications event. In addition, TMC runs multiple industry events. Visit TMC Events for a complete listing and further information.
For more information about TMC, visit www.tmcnet.com.
About Crossfire Media:
Crossfire Media is an integrated marketing company with a core focus on future trends in technology. We service communities of interest with conferences, tradeshows, webinars and newsletters. Crossfire Media services also include providing insight to technology companies and associations to assist in the development of business and technical strategy as well as the development and implementation of effective communications and marketing strategy.
Media Contacts:
Company Contact:
Christin Jeffers
Catapult PR-IR
303-581-7760 ext. 19
TMC Contact:
Jan Pierret
Marketing Manager
203-852-6800, ext. 228
October 31, 2011
BRET DIANICH FROM FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES TO PRESENT AT MINNESOTA POWER SYSTEMS CONFERENCE
FreeWave expert will discuss wireless communication technologies for distribution automation
WHO: Bret Dianich
Business Development Executive, Western Region and Renewable Energy
FreeWave Technologies, Inc.
Dianich joined FreeWave in 2010 as a business development executive for the Western region and renewable energy. Dianich is responsible for business development for solar and wind energy markets, such as utility-scale concentrated solar power, concentrated photovoltaic, wind turbines and wind farms.
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies is a world leader in the innovative design/manufacture of license-free spread spectrum, licensed band radios and wireless data solutions that are trusted for mission critical applications around the world (www.freewave.com).
WHAT: “Wireless Communication Technologies for Distribution Automation: Smart Grid Layers and Players”
Much has been written about the Smart Grid including a myriad of definitions and points of view. Communications has and always will allocate proper distribution of power needed. There are numerous communications players (technologies) that can be deployed across the smart grid applications layers. The “best fit” technology for any one layer or overall system depends on objectives for the system. Decision makers also should factor in the risk profile of the company and their communications requirements will start to take shape.
This presentation is intended to provide a point of view focused solely on the application layers, how they impact the Distribution Layer and support the communications technologies at each layer. Dianich also will provide attendees with specific criteria to consider when selecting a communication technology.
WHERE: 47TH Annual Minnesota Power Systems Conference
Earle Brown Heritage Center
6155 Earle Brown Drive
Minneapolis, MN 55430
WHEN: Distribution Automation/Communication – Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2011 from 9:15 a.m.-10 a.m.
CONTACT: For more information on FreeWave, or to set up an interview with Mr. Dianich, please contact:
Christin Jeffers
Catapult PR-IR
(303) 581-7760, ext. 19 or
cjeffers@catapultpr-ir.com
April 20, 2011
FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES TO SHOWCASE AND DISCUSS WIRELESS DATA SOLUTIONS AT AUTOMATION & POWER WORLD
FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES TO SHOWCASE AND DISCUSS WIRELESS DATA SOLUTIONS AT AUTOMATION & POWER WORLD
FreeWave to demonstrate how combined solutions allow customers to use wireless data radios for effective distribution automation in the Smart Grid
ORLANDO, Fla., ABB AUTOMATION & POWER WORLD, (Booth #55), April 19, 2011 — FreeWave Technologies, (http://www.freewave.com), manufacturer of the most reliable, high-performance spread spectrum and licensed radios for critical data transmission, will showcase its portfolio of wireless data radio solutions, including its IO Sensor Module and FGR2-PE, for a multitude of Smart Grid applications at this year’s ABB Automation and Power World (http://www.abb.com/A&Pworld).
FreeWave will be demonstrating its IO Sensor Module and FGR2 Series radios in the conference’s Technology and Solutions Center (Booth #55 & #56). FreeWave’s IO Sensor Module combines measurement and communications in one package to measure voltage, current and temperature at a three-phase sensor. The power line data is then sent to the utility for monitoring and management. FreeWave’s FGR2 Series wireless radios offer superior noise filtering and interference handling, are capable of accurately transmitting data up to 60 miles, and offer the lowest power consumption in the industry.
“FreeWave’s IO Sensor Module and FGR2 Series radios offer customers developing Smart Grid networks the most robust and reliable solution available,” explained Curt Goldman, business development executive at FreeWave Technologies. “Our technologies are proven to deliver critical data transmission for distribution automation applications in the Smart Grid marketplace.”
In addition, Goldman also will be presenting a paper on “Wireless Communications for Distribution Automation” as part of the conference agenda. During his presentation, Goldman will review how FreeWave Technologies’ radio transceivers are used in the Smart Grid for remote monitoring and control without any hardwiring in the infrastructure.
Goldman’s talk will take place on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. as part of the conference proceedings. A copy of his presentation and paper can be obtained by contacting Catapult PR-IR at 303-581-7760.
About FreeWave Technologies
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies manufactures the most reliable, high performing, lowest power consumption, spread spectrum and licensed radios for mission-critical data transmission. Through engineering excellence and a relentless commitment to best-in-class manufacturing, FreeWave customers enjoy superior radio up-time, range and the lowest cost of ownership available. Based in Boulder, Colorado, FreeWave designs and manufactures radios that are the leading choice for oil and gas, utility, military and numerous other industrial applications. Organizations that count on radio data communications for operational success – where failure and down-time are not an option – trust FreeWave for custom network design, system engineering and customer support that are unparalleled in the market. For additional information, contact FreeWave directly at 866.399.4930 or at newsinfo@freewave.com. Visit the company’s website at www.freewave.com.
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Press Contact:
Christin Jeffers
Catapult PR-IR
303-581-7760 ext. 19
cjeffers@catapultpr-ir.com
February 23, 2011
FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES’ COLIN LIPPINCOTT TO PRESENT AT THE 2011 WINTER SMART GRID VIRTUAL SUMMIT
FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES’ COLIN LIPPINCOTT TO PRESENT AT THE 2011 WINTER SMART GRID VIRTUAL SUMMIT
Company expert will present on the communication technology alternatives for designing the Smart Grid
WHO: Colin Lippincott
General Manager, Energy Markets
FreeWave Technologies, Inc.
(www.freewave.com)
Colin Lippincott has been with FreeWave Technologies, Inc. for eight years. In his current position as general manager of energy markets, he works primarily with solar, wind and Smart Grid technologies to advance remote automation, condition monitoring, positioning and SCADA success with affordable wireless systems and unmatched reliability. Prior to FreeWave, he served in various management and operations roles with several companies since graduating from the University of Colorado with a Masters in Business Administration.
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies is a world leader in the innovative design/manufacture of license-free spread spectrum, licensed band radios and wireless data solutions that are trusted for mission critical applications around the world (www.freewave.com).
WHAT: Technical Presentation: “Designing the Smart Grid: Technology Alternatives and Case Studies”
Many Smart Grid utility operators are finding the need for newer, more efficient forms of communication to effectively deploy distribution automation. There are, of course, a variety of options for implementing communications and some emerging solutions as well, such as recently available wireless data radios. This presentation will highlight real-life, case study examples of wireless technology installations for distribution automation that can save time, money and increase efficiency of system management while meeting a “best fit” requirement to the objectives of the organization. Attendees will learn about the different solutions available for critical data monitoring and discover the advantages of using wireless communication systems.
Lippincott will be one of three speakers during this presentation time slot. Each speaker will present for 20 minutes, reserving 15 minutes after the final presenter for Q&A with the audience.
WHERE: Smart Grid Virtual Summit – Winter 2011
Online at (http://www.smartgrid-vsummit.com)
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 24 from 1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. EST
CONTACT: For more information on FreeWave Technologies, or to set up an interview with Mr. Lippincott, please contact:
Christin Jeffers
Catapult PR-IR
(303) 581-7760, ext. 19
cjeffers@catapultpr-ir.com
February 14, 2011
FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES’ COLIN LIPPINCOTT TO MODERATE PANEL AT COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONALS’ 11th ANNUAL FUTURE OF COMMUNICATIONS EVENT
FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES’ COLIN LIPPINCOTT TO MODERATE PANEL AT COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONALS’ 11th ANNUAL FUTURE OF COMMUNICATIONS EVENT
WHO: Colin Lippincott
General Manager, Energy Markets
FreeWave Technologies, Inc.
(www.freewave.com)
Colin Lippincott has been with FreeWave Technologies, Inc. for eight years. In his current position, general manager of energy markets, he leads FreeWave practice in smart grid, traditional electric power and utility scale power generation in both solar and wind to advance remote automation, condition-based monitoring, positioning and SCADA success with industrially hardened, affordable wireless systems and unmatched reliability. Prior to FreeWave, he served in various management and operations roles with several companies since graduating from the University of Colorado with a Masters in Business Administration.
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies is a world leader in the innovative design/manufacture of license-free spread spectrum, licensed band radios and wireless data solutions that are trusted for mission critical applications around the world (www.freewave.com).
WHAT: Keynote and Executive Panel Discussion
Lippincott will lead an executive panel of experts, many of whom have leveraged their telecom backgrounds to impact the smart grid revolution. Panelists will discuss machine-to-machine (M2M) communications and how the smart grid of tomorrow can utilize the technology and lessons learned from the telecom industry. It will focus on the Smart Society, a collaboration of M2M communications giving everyday devices the ability to share important data points and make intelligent decisions.
Panelists will discuss how industries are utilizing existing networks via numerous forms, to process data, draw conclusions, control devices and build impactful applications. In addition, they will share how some of the most dominate leaders of M2M communications are companies working in the Smart Energy space. Panelists will cover what the future holds for the smart grid technology transformation and how the wireless and telecom ecosystem will play a role.
WHERE: Communication Technology Professionals (CTP) 11th Annual Future of Communications Event
The Brown Palace Hotel
321 17th Street
Denver, CO 80202
WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 15 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
CONTACT: For more information on FreeWave Technologies, or to set up an interview with Mr. Lippincott, please contact:
Christin Jeffers
Catapult PR-IR
(303) 581-7760, ext. 19
cjeffers@catapultpr-ir.com
February 2, 2011
Protecting the smart grid with wireless data communications
Protecting the smart grid with wireless data communications
By Matthias van Doorn, Product Manager for Ethernet and Licensed Radio Systems at FreeWave Technologies
Direct link to published article on Smart Grid News: http://www.smartgridnews.com/artman/publish/Technologies_Security/Protecting-the-smart-grid-with-wireless-data-communications-3447.html
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As the need for reliable, real-time data communication in mission-critical SCADA systems continues to increase, electric power utilities are looking for new and better ways to improve the reliability and security of their communication infrastructure.
The smart grid is a part of the critical infrastructure that is composed of all the services and assets that make civilized life possible. It also includes our water supply, heating, electricity, telecommunication, oil and gas, transportation systems, airports, harbors, financial services (banking), public health services, public safety and many other items.
The one common link between all the components of the infrastructure is computers. With the introduction of computer technology, the proliferation of networks has enabled data exchange between computers and given birth to the Internet. Now, mankind is experiencing the dawn of a new, virtual environment aptly named “cyberspace.”
The evolution of cyberspace has also made it both more attractive and more vulnerable to exploitation. There has been an increase in attacks, stealing, corruption, harm and destruction to our systems.
A class of wireless data transmission radios exists that is proven to be both cost-effective and secure. These long-range radios offer a high throughput, both upstream and downstream. As far as communication technologies, distribution automation is a time-sensitive application. A lot of the equipment requires very low latency – meaning the time it takes for control signals or packets to travel across the link and cause the intended action. These wireless radios especially have high throughput and very fast latency – so they are more suitable for automation for SCADA applications.
Threats on the smart grid today
Two of the most common security threats to the smart grid today are Denial of Service (DoS) and intrusion.
DoS is an attempt to make a computer resource or network unavailable to its intended users. DoS could be as simple as jamming an electric or electromagnetic signal or as sophisticated as saturating a system or network with communication and data traffic intended to overwhelm and avoid legitimate data to get through and be processed.
Penetrating and intruding into a network or computer resource requires a different level of sophistication. Consequences can range from simply spying or stealing information to corrupting data or maliciously and intentionally causing harm or destruction by taking over network and/or computers and control systems.
Wired vs wireless
Unlike traditional wire-line data communication, which typically uses copper or fiber-optic cable between communication endpoints, wireless data communication is based on electromagnetic waves using radio frequencies (RF) propagating through open space, literally the air. This gives wireless some unique advantages, as communication endpoints don’t need to be tied down to a fixed location and dependent upon a physical cable. In addition, running cable, conduit or even digging trenches can be a time-consuming, expensive and sometimes dangerous proposition.
The flexibility of wireless data communication comes at a price though. Electromagnetic waves are non-discriminatory when it comes to access. A wired connection requires physical access to the cable. Wireless connections can be made anywhere along the path on which the electromagnetic waves propagate. Consequently, security (as in secure access) becomes much more important for wireless data communication.
Wireless resiliency
The electric grid has been recognized as a prime strategic target for attacks since back in World War II, when allied bombing raids on power plants, substations and electric transmission lines attempted to reduce the industrial capacity and output of the enemy by depriving them of the much-needed electricity to run those factories.
In 1941 Hedy Lamarr, an Austria-born actress, together with George Antheil, co-patented a “secret communication system” where coordinated, rapid changes in radio frequencies “hop” in the radio spectrum, thus evading detection and the potential of interference.
Lamar’s idea was ahead of its time and not implemented in the U.S. until 1962. It is now the basis for modern Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) wireless communication systems. FHSS wireless systems are very resilient when it comes to impairments such as interference (deliberate or coincidental) and “jamming,” making DoS attacks on FHSS systems difficult if not completely impossible.
However, a resilient wireless system needs more than a rugged transmission system. Access control is one of the most important security features to prevent unauthorized access and intrusion. It is the equivalent of the security guard at the main door of an office building who makes sure only people with the correct badge can enter. In addition, encryption provides an extra layer of protection and maintains the privacy of the actual data between the sender and recipient. These are just a few basic features that can help with creating a resilient wireless data communication system for critical infrastructure.
Any chain is only as strong as its weakest link. If we don’t start building and properly implementing adequate protections for our wireless data communication networks, (especially for our critical infrastructure, with the goal of making them more resilient) malicious hackers will keep exploiting, attacking and ultimately destroying our way of life.
Matthias van Doorn is the product manager for ethernet and licensed radio systems at FreeWave Technologies Inc. He has more than 15 years experience in the telecommunications industry and previously has worked for CalAmp Corp., ADC Telecommunications, Digi International and Siemens.
FreeWave Technologies Chosen by OG&E for its Smart Grid Project
FreeWave Technologies Chosen by OG&E for its Smart Grid Project
FreeWave Technologies manufacturer of the most reliable, high-performance spread spectrum and licensed radio solutions for mission critical data transmission, today announced it has been selected by OG&E for its comprehensive smart grid deployment. As part of this project, OG&E will utilize FreeWave’s FGR2-PE wireless radio solution for the distribution automation component of the smart grid network. FreeWave’s solution will provide secure and reliable connectivity for OG&E’s electricity distribution system enabling less frequent outages, as well as reducing the duration of the outages.
OG&E, a subsidiary of OGE Energy Corp, serves more than 782,000 customers in a service territory spanning 30,000 square miles in Oklahoma and western Arkansas.
“Our new grid communication capabilities will allow us to enhance energy distribution services to our customers,” said Ken Grant, Managing Director of OG&E’s smart grid program. “FreeWave’s solutions will play a critical role in enabling seamless data communications within our distribution grid.”
“We are proud to partner with OG&E for this state-of-the-art smart grid deployment. The new network will bring significant operational efficiencies to OG&E’s electricity distribution system,” said Ashish Sharma, chief marketing officer of FreeWave. “Our radio solutions are customized for smart grid applications with capabilities that can help reduce operating costs and improve our customers’ total cost of ownership. Our feature-rich FGR2-PE solution enables reliable connectivity in harsh weather conditions and helps deliver advanced data services for a variety of mission critical applications.”
FreeWave and reseller partner, RFIP, worked closely together to design the best solution set for OG&E. Brandon Clark, CEO of RFIP, said, “We had choices in products and companies to propose to OG&E. FreeWave came out on top in product superiority and an unmatched commitment to customer service.”
About FreeWave Technologies
Founded in 1993, FreeWave Technologies manufactures the most reliable, high performance, lowest power consumption, spread spectrum and licensed radios for mission-critical data transmission. Through engineering excellence and a relentless commitment to best-in-class manufacturing, FreeWave customers enjoy superior network up-time, range and the lowest cost of ownership in its class. Based in Boulder, Colorado, FreeWave designs and manufactures radios that are the leading choice for oil and gas, utility, military and numerous other industrial applications. Organizations that count on radio data communications for operational trust FreeWave for custom network design, system engineering and customer support that is unparalleled in the market.
About RFIP
RFIP, founded in 2005, is headquartered in Oklahoma City, OK. The company builds or supports significant communications systems coast-to-coast, including the largest municipally owned public safety wifi system.
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