News | March 9, 2011

Harris Corporation Adds DNP3 Protocol To Dedicated Data Radio For Enhanced Smart Grid Communications

Highlights:

  • Addition of communications protocol improves utilities process automation by linking remote data-collection devices on Harris OpenSky radio system.
  • Harris SG5300 data radio adds proven DNP3 protocol for expanded communication capabilities with Smart Grid devices.
  • SG5300 supports multiple protocols including SLIP, PPP, DNP3, TCP/IP and UDP/IP.

Melbourne, FL and Boston, MA - (IWCE 2011, Booth 4032) - Harris Corporation, an international communications and information technology company, has added Distributed Network Protocol 3 (DNP3) capabilities to its SG5300 data radio, enhancing the applicability of the radio and Harris' OpenSky wireless platform to today's Smart Grid networks.

"The addition of the DNP3 protocol to the Harris SG5300 means that the dedicated data radio can directly interface with the multitude of devices on today and tomorrow's electrical grids," said George Helm, vice president and general manager, Harris Public Safety and Professional Communications.

The Harris SG5300 is an affordable, high-capacity TDMA data radio that operates on a wide-area 800 or 900 MHz OpenSky voice and data wireless network, offering reliable wireless connectivity to any device or remote terminal unit on the grid. Due to the high capacity of the integrated OpenSky voice-and-data wireless networks, large numbers of SG5300 data devices typically can be supported without interference to other voice or data transmissions on the system. With OpenSky and the Harris SG5300, utility or transportation users can depend on one system to reliably serve both voice users and Smart Grid data traffic. In addition, the SG5300 which supports DNP over Ethernet, TCP/IP and UDP/IP, provides an excellent migration path from serial-based to IP-based (Internet Protocol) Smart Grid communications with added system security.

Harris OpenSky technology delivers digital voice and packet data communications using a high-performance IP network. OpenSky's high-quality digital voice trunking capabilities and packet data communications features directly address the needs of both utility and public safety users. Also, OpenSky networks are based on the widely accepted IS-732 protocol to support mobile applications with end-to-end TCP/IP or UDP/IP connectivity, simplifying application-to-network integration.

In public safety and professional communications, Harris is a leading supplier of assured communications® systems and equipment for public safety, federal, utility, commercial and transportation markets — with products ranging from the most advanced IP voice and data networks, to industry leading multiband, multimode radios, to public safety-grade broadband video and data solutions. Harris has more than 80 years of experience in public safety and professional communications and supports over 500 systems around the world.

SOURCE: Harris Corporation