Kapsch BusinessCom and RuggedCom partner to deliver a WiMAX network for smart
grid applications in Austria
RuggedCom's RuggedMAX(TM) network will serve a mix of internal utility communications, business and consumer services for Austria's second largest electric and gas distribution utility
CONCORD, ON,
The network will be based on RuggedCom's RuggedMAX(TM) family of utility grade WiMAX compliant broadband wireless products. The RuggedMAX(TM) family of products is used to extend IP/Ethernet networks cost effectively over long distances through the use of wireless technology. RuggedMAX(TM) equipment has been designed to provide a level of ruggedness and reliability required for communications networks deployed in harsh environments, such as those typically found in electric utility substations, and is fully standards based, compliant with the WiMAX 802.16e Wave 2 (MIMO) standard.
"We are very excited about our partnership with RuggedCom" said DI Gerhard Schrott, Head of Network Solutions at Kapsch BusinessCom. "Unlike many of our service provider customers, the electric power company wanted to use power substations as a base station site. We were looking for a partner capable of deploying a solution that was open standards based but also could meet the environmental requirements of an electric power application. RuggedMAX(TM) proved to be the ideal choice for this network."
"We see an increasing number of electric utilities around the world looking at using WiMAX for multiple applications as part of their Smart Grid solution," said Elik Jaeger, VP RuggedWIRELESS. "We believe that a reliable utility grade communications infrastructure is critical to creating a reliable Smart Grid implementation. Our award winning, field proven, substation hardened communications technology coupled with our experience with over 700 utilities around the world allows us to offer a comprehensive communications solution of both wireline and wireless products capable of being the communications backbone of any Smart Grid. We call our Smart Grid communications offering RuggedGRID(TM)."
The network roll out began in November of 2009 and will cover some 300 base station sites over the next three years.
For more information about RuggedMAX(TM) and RuggedGRID(TM), please visit www.RuggedCom.com.
About RuggedMAX(TM) -------------------
RuggedMAX(TM) is a high-performance, long range, and secure family of products fully compliant with the WiMAX 802.16e Wave 2 (MIMO) mobile broadband wireless standard. RuggedMAX(TM) is designed to extend IP networks over large distances to fixed and mobile users. The product family includes a variety of base stations and subscriber stations with differing output power, form factors and frequency options for use in licensed or license exempt bands.
The RuggedMAX(TM) product family has gone through extensive end to end network interoperability testing to support multiple different ASN gateway platforms and 3rd party subscriber devices in order to give customers flexibility by leveraging the full WiMAX ecosystem. RuggedMAX(TM) with its compact form factor and flexible configuration is ideal for use in mission-critical private networks.
About RuggedCom Inc. --------------------
RuggedCom is a leading provider of rugged communications networking solutions designed for mission-critical applications in harsh environments. RuggedCom's technology solutions include Ethernet switches, network routers, wireless devices, serial servers, media converters, software and professional services. RuggedCom's products are designed for use in harsh environments such as those found in electric power substations and "Smart Grids", intelligent transportation systems, industrial process control and military applications. For further information, please visit www.RuggedCom.com.
About Kapsch BusinessCom AG ---------------------------
Kapsch BusinessCom AG - a company of the Kapsch Group - has over 870 employees, sales of more than EUR 180 million in
The total solution portfolio includes the business fields of Business Protection, Collaboration - i.e. the collaboration of teams - Network Excellence, IT Performance, Out-tasking and Multimedia Solutions. It also includes the necessary basic infrastructure for all these solutions. The portfolio is rounded off with numerous Kapsch services, such as tailor-made financing and service options as well as consulting and project management for complex projects.
Kapsch BusinessCom focuses on vendor independence and partnership with leading global providers of technology, such as Cisco, Microsoft, Aastra, Nortel (Avaya), HP and many others, with whom Kapsch implements integrated solutions for more than 15,000 customers.
With a local presence and around another 300 employees in the
For further information: For media or industry analyst support, please contact: Jamie Blakeley, Marketing Communications Coordinator, RuggedCom Inc., (905) 856-5288, (888) 264-0006 toll free
Share this article