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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.
Media Contact:
Terri Douglas
Catapult PR-IR
303-581-7760, ext. 18 (office)
303-808-6820 (cell)
May 24, 2010
FREEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES’ FGR2-PE NOW AVAILABLE FOR ALTERNATIVE ENERGY APPLICATIONS
License-free spread spectrum radio combines both serial and Ethernet connectivity and offers reliable communication over long distances
WINDPOWER 2010, Booth #2428, May 24, 2010 — FreeWave Technologies, (http://www.freewave.com), manufacturer of best-in-class spread spectrum and licensed radios for critical data transmission, today announced the availability of the FGR2-PE for applications in alternative energy markets. The recent addition to FreeWave’s FGRplus family of radios has already been successfully used for applications in Smart Grid markets. It offers two ports each of active serial and Ethernet wireless connectors using license-free spread spectrum for long distance data communication. The FGR2-PE also is very well suited for SCADA applications in other markets such as water/wastewater and oil and gas.
“The FGR2-PE is the next generation solution for critical data transmission in all industrial markets, especially those with applications in Smart Grid, wind and solar power,” said Colin Lippincott, general manager of renewable energy markets at FreeWave. “Having both serial and Ethernet ports allows users to transition from serial to Ethernet data communication without having to replace RTUs, and get additional ports with additional functionality all at the same time.”
Key features and benefits of the FGR2-PE include:
- Transition to IP-based communications without replacing other hardware such as RTUs.
- Compatibility with other FreeWave FGRplus family radios.
- Two Ethernet ports and two serial ports immediately activated and at NO ADDITIONAL COST.
- Best-in-class wireless serial or Ethernet communication over long distances and in difficult RF environments all in addressable, secure IP.
- Low power consumption, which makes it suitable for remote installations and leads to significant cost savings.
- An industrial-grade, small and rugged enclosure that offers mounting and installation versatility.
- Integrated security options (e.g. AES encryption) and proprietary spread spectrum technology.
The FGR2-PE radios are available immediately for shipment. Additional information is available online at http://www.freewave.com/products/product-274.html or by contacting FreeWave at 866-923-9948.
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 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.
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Press Contact:
Christin Jeffers
Catapult PR-IR
303.581.7760, ext. 19
February 17, 2010
FREEWAVE INTRODUCES NEXT GENERATION LICENSE-FREE SPREAD SPECTRUM RADIO FOR LONG-RANGE WIRELESS DATA COMMUNICATION
New FGR2-PE combines both serial and Ethernet wireless connectivity for key Smart Grid applications such as distribution automation
BOULDER, Colo., Feb. 16, 2010 — FreeWave Technologies, (http://www.freewave.com), manufacturer of the most reliable, high-performance spread spectrum and licensed radios for critical data transmission, today announced the release of the new FGR2-PE, a data radio ideal for Smart Grid and renewable energy, that offers industrial serial and Ethernet wireless connectivity using license-free spread spectrum for data communication over long distances. In addition, the FGR2-PE is well suited for similar SCADA applications in other vertical markets such as oil and gas or water/wastewater.
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 future-proof combination of two serial ports and two switched Ethernet ports offers customers the ability to transition from serial to Ethernet data communication without having to replace their wireless communication hardware down the road, or operate both serial and Ethernet communication independently and simultaneously on the same platform. This cost-effective flexibility of the FGR2-PE product also reduces the need for additional hardware.
“The FGR2-PE is an ideal platform for the wireless transmission of critical data and offers the same proven reliability and quality that our customers have come to know and expect in our radios,” said Matthias van Doorn, product manager Ethernet and licensed radio systems at FreeWave. “In particular, our utility customers appreciate its industry-leading RF performance as well as the versatility and flexibility of the new FGR2-PE to support distribution automation, alternative energy applications like wind and solar power, and many other telemetry and SCADA applications within the Smart Grid.”
Additional key benefits of the FGR2-PE include:
- Improved noise rejection and other radio performance enhancements to help maintain reliable wireless serial or Ethernet communication even over long distances or in congested RF environments.
- An industrial-grade, small and rugged enclosure that offers mounting and installation versatility, including a DIN rail mounting option, with all connectors conveniently located on one side of the enclosure.
- Integrated security options (e.g. AES encryption) and proprietary spread spectrum technology so customers can rely on the FGR2-PE to provide secure wireless data communication links to operate mission-critical network functions.
The FGR2-PE radios are available now. Additional information is available online at http://www.freewave.com/products/product-274.html or by contacting FreeWave at 866-923-9948.
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 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.
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Press Contact:
Christin Jeffers
Catapult PR-IR
303.581.7760, ext. 14
