This new feature leverages insights from ongoing market research and partner collaboration, delivering significant technological improvements. It directly addresses industry needs by enabling secure private network communication for mission-critical infrastructure, reducing network infrastructure costs, and enhancing meter reading reliability, especially in hard-to-reach locations.
The 450 MHz band is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing network deployments and compatible device availability. Key developments in the past year include network deployments in Germany, Poland, and Ireland, along with trials in Malaysia. Additionally, spectrum allocation is progressing in Saudi Arabia, and consultations are ongoing in South Africa.
400 MHz networks are serving as both primary carriers and backup solutions. The growing need for secure and dedicated connectivity in critical infrastructure sectors, such as utilities, is driving the adoption of these private networks. It offers predictability, stability, and control due to dedicated deployment based on user-specific requirements.
This multi-band solution provides utilities with tangible advantages:
- Cost control and security: Private networks in the 450 MHz band (such as B31 and B72) empower utilities to manage their own network infrastructure, reducing reliance on commercial providers and enhancing security for mission-critical data.
- Reduced network infrastructure costs: The lower frequency of 450 MHz enables larger cell sizes. This translates to fewer towers required to achieve the same coverage area, which leads to significant cost savings in network operation and communication.
- Improved meter reading reliability: Lower frequencies penetrate buildings more effectively compared to higher frequencies. This ensures consistent and reliable communication even for meters located in hard-to-reach locations with obstacles like walls and ceilings.
The multi-band communication solution offers flexible deployment across diverse regions. Iskraemeco’s proven track record of successful deployments in the Netherlands and Poland (utilizing LTE-M and LTE technology respectively) and a pilot project in Austria (leveraging LTE-M technology) demonstrates this adaptability. The Polish project featuring IE.5 meters showcases the key technical improvements relevant to 450 MHz networks:
- Enhanced measurement in the neutral conductor: This feature was developed to improve the accuracy in detecting upstream tampering and identifying earth faults.
- Specialized communication module for the 450 MHz frequency band: Tailored to align with utility private networks, this module is specifically designed for the 450 MHz frequency band.
- LWM2M protocol support: Incorporating this protocol into our smart meters aims to optimize the efficiency of meter network management.
The incorporation of these features is particularly relevant to clients seeking to develop the 450MHz network. The network enables utilities o maintain operational autonomy from commercial network providers and effectively manage an extensive network of devices.
Iskraemeco prioritizes close collaboration with partners, focusing on understanding and integrating their unique requirements into its product development. This approach ensures that Iskraemeco’s smart meters, e.g. IE.X offering 450 MHz capabilities, deliver solutions tailored to specific client needs.
Iskraemeco’s multi-band communication solution for smart meters helps utilities to leverage the benefits of 450 MHz networks. This translates to cost savings, enhanced security, and reliable meter reading, contributing to a more efficient and robust smart metering infrastructure.
