Utility communication

The Gateway Server and the Netcon GW502‑iM are designed for flexible and cyber‑secure data communication in today’s IP networks. Depending on the scale, either can be used as a gateway between substations and the central SCADA system – as the so‑called SCADA front end.

Both of these products run the reliable, resilient and secure Linux operating system. They come with built‑in VPN (virtual private network) and firewall functionality in order to secure the data traffic over the IP network and to the isolate the central SCADA network from it. In addition to pure IP routing, both can run the Netcon NFE communication software to handle conversions among a large number of standard and proprietary telecontrol protocols. Thus a large assortment of different vendors’ substation RTUs can be connected to the SCADA system. Crucial to the gateway role, both are easily duplicated for better fault tolerance.

The Netcon PDR 300 is Netcontrol’s new multipurpose radio modem for wireless serial‑data communication between remote sites and the master station.

Operating within separately licensed VHF/UHF frequency bands, the PDR 300 private data radio enables the remote monitoring and control of substations over a wide geographical area in a cost‑effective manner. This is thanks to its ability to forward messages to other radios in the network. Up to six such repeaters may be used between the radio first sending out the message and the last, most distant one along the path.

With the proper equipment and software, even the mobile 3G and 4G networks of commercial providers can be used to connect remote  stations and switching stations to the central SCADA system with no compromise in cyber security or reliability.