A traditional point of view about the energy sector was focused on a generation, transmission and distribution in a lineal way, where the communication was concentrated on the substation. The substations devices shared the information with the control center “in-situ” using serial protocols. With these protocols, the information was limited and it was insecure.
With the “Smart Grid” concept evolution, the energy generation is not restricted by specific generation centers. A huge radial infrastructure requires an advanced communication infrastructure. This concept includes not only the latest Ethernet protocols; also the redundant protocols become indispensable.
This technology implies an important technology leap for the industry, due to the transmission of a huge amount of data, in many cases in real time, is required.
To implement these new technologies the industry requires an easy and flexible system that is able to adapt to its all requirements.
The protocols gateways provide an easy way to adapt the existing devices to the new technologies.