RAD is a global leader for telecom access solutions. As an industry pioneer for over 40 years, RAD reliably supplies worldwide communications service providers and critical infrastructure operators with best-of-breed Ethernet access devices, industrial IoT gateways, 5G xHaul, and Operational WAN solutions. Offering always-on connectivity from anywhere, along with data-driven, AI-powered actionable insights, RAD is distinguished for its supply-chain stability, which outsteps the market in delivery times. Founded in 1981, RAD serves as the anchor of the $1.6 billion RAD Group, an umbrella of independent companies that develop diverse networking and data communications solutions.
Contact

Contact Us

This information will be used according to our Privacy Policy

Scroll to top of page

You are here

RAD Survey Unveils Key Investment Drivers for Power Utility Communications

Equipment Obsolescence, Cyber Security and NERC-CIP Compliance are Top Priorities in the U.S.
Aug 16, 2016

RAD, the market-leading provider of Service Assured Networking solutions for critical infrastructure communications networks, has released the results of an extensive industry survey of major American electric utilities that was recently conducted on its behalf by the Newton Evans Research Company. The survey provides a clear indication of the current trends and operational technology (OT) priorities of power utility operators.

The respondents were asked to specify the factors driving their investments in substation communication upgrades. Most (81%) said that worn out and unsupported equipment is the key driver. Two-thirds (67%) also identified cyber security and NERC-CIP compliance as a key driver. Thirty-three (33%) predicted that leased line service sunset notifications by telcos would drive upgrades in the future.

While legacy TDM technology remains prevalent in uplinks that connect substations to the operational network, 32% of the utilities surveyed plan to migrate to packet switched networks (PSNs) within the next several years. Among power utilities already employing a PSN in their operational WAN, Ethernet is used three times more than any other technology.

“This landmark survey clearly indicates that legacy equipment obsolescence and migration to packet communications are major forces affecting this market,” states Ulik Broida, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at RAD. “While the majority of substation uplink connections today are TDM-based, there will be a growing use of packet-only connections rates of up to 10Gbps over the coming years,” he adds. “This is also evident from the importance that survey respondents placed on SCADA protocol conversion and SCADA firewall functions.”  “Cyber security and regulation compliance issues are also among the main factors that drive investments in substation communications and are considered the major challenges that have to be overcome in upgrading networks,” Broida concludes.

The full survey results are available in RAD’s new paper, Substation WAN Study, which is now available for download.

About RAD

RAD is a global leader in networking edge solutions. As an industry pioneer for over 40 years, RAD reliably supplies communications service providers and critical infrastructure operators in over 150 countries with best-of-breed Carrier Edge, industrial IoT, 5G xHaul, and critical operational network solutions.

RAD co-innovates solutions with customers, offering always-on connectivity from anywhere, In addition to data-driven, AI-powered, actionable insights at a glance. Founded in 1981, RAD serves as the anchor of the RAD Group, an umbrella of independent companies that develop diverse networking and telecom solutions.

Press Relations

Stay Up-to-date

Sign up to receive our newsletter

This information will be used according to our Privacy Policy

More Press Releases

What would you like to do?