Two Way Data and Telecommunication Network for Smart Drid.

JPSCo has being implementing a number of projects, each utilizing different Last Mile communication media type, to facilitate two-way communication with the Intelligent End/Edge Devices. These telecommunication media types are usually proposed by the suppliers of the Systems been piloted and are usually a proprietary and vendor specific system. Compatibility, ease of design, interoperability, security, ease of interfacing, interference, and ease of installation are some of the issues arising due to these proprietary solutions. How do we get the information back from the edge/end devices to the JPS Wide Area Communication network (Core)? What additional equipment do we have to use or what modification do we have to do to facilitate integration? Can the different media type interoperate? Do we have an adequate Telecommunication infrastructure to facilitate the successful implementation of the projects and systems being implemented?

The adoption of Open Standards and Protocols for the Network

The current JPSCo Telecommunication Network is constituted of computing and telecommunication resources for the transmission of information between distant locations and between End devices and Applications. The Core telecommunication network is supported by an underlying TDM and SONET radio and fiber infrastructure. Given its predominance and ubiquity, the Internet technology protocol (IP) is a key enabling networking technology (transmission, routing and network management) that is being implemented by JPSCo.. The following communication media and devices currently constitutes the JPSCos Data communication and Telecommunication network are: Digital Microwave radios UHF radios VHF radios Fiber Optic cables Cellular GPRS and GSM-third party service Powerline Communication Wireless Fidelity (Wi.Fi)-third party service Routers, Switches, Serial Servers, Servers, Media Converters, others These communication media supports various Mission critical applications inclusive of voice, data (internet and intranet), CIS, SCADA, DA, AMI (residential and commercial), others. It is therefore necessary that JPS should try to remove the restrictions that proprietary, non-standard interfaces and protocols impose on it. This would provide for the flexibility of purchasing and integrating equipment and Intelligent End Devices (IEDs) from different vendors ensuring that interoperability is possible due to accepted, matured and international standards adoption.

The security and performance of the communication system; the standards and protocols supporting the Applications and the IEDs, will facilitate the real time sharing of data between users and end devices, and between end devices themselves (inter-devices).