Cisco and Itron create a smart grid

It seems that the power systems will soon be a truly integrated whole, which a couple of people can easily control by pressing a couple of buttons. The fact is that the well-known companies Cisco and Itron formed a joint venture that is developing new types of energy systems. Within the framework of cooperation, a specific IP model will be developed that will be applicable for networks such as SmartGrid. As a result, a “smart” system will allow more efficient use of energy sources and the networks themselves.

Interestingly, IPv6 will be used to control such systems, which will automatically distribute electricity, plus connect disconnected SmartGrid network components, both wired and wireless. The advantage of such a system is that it will be scalable, that is, with an increase in the load, new modules will be connected, and there will be no such jumps, as is now observed at peak hours.

The United States National Institute of Technology is also involved in the project, which fully endorses the creation of such a system and supports developers. In fact, the scalable “smart” power systems with IPv6 protocol support will be a real gift for energy companies and end users. IP-technology will be developed by Cisco, and the implementation of this technology in power systems, in particular, OpenWay meters, will be carried out by Itron. As a result of cooperation between companies, turnkey energy systems should appear, which can easily be deployed and operated.

It is worth noting that more than 150 million electricity meters are currently operating in North America, of which only 26 million are smart. This is already a good indicator when compared, for example, with the CIS. How many of us have ever seen smart meters or dealt with SmartGrid?