Field area network for power utilities

Extend the reach of communications using LTE, IP/MPLS and FTTx to enable new business models

Utilities need to extend the reach of communications deep into the distribution grid to enable distributed renewables and storage integration, distribution automation, substation automation, advanced metering infrastructure and platform for new business models

Nokia offers the flexibility to choose from a broad spectrum of technologies, including LTE, DSL, and FTTx. Nokia has the experience to integrate the technology that best meets the utility’s business drivers, and can ensure that the FAN interoperates seamlessly with Wide Area Networks (WAN), Local Area Networks (LAN) and Neighborhood Area Networks (NAN) to serve varying applications with differing requirements.

Combined with Nokia's award-winning IP/MPLS and industry-leading microwave and fiber optic WAN solutions, it achieves highly reliable, highly secure, ubiquitous and cost-effective smart grid communications for distributed renewables and storage integration, distribution automation, substation automation, and advanced metering infrastructure. It also provides the required communications foundation for a utility to deploy their Internet of Things (IoT) strategy and new services for new business models.

Professional Services

Nokia provides consulting, solution deployment and integration services:

To help utilities select the right FAN technology
To deploy multiple technologies and multiple vendor products
To ensure interoperability of different network segments and technologies

This reduces the utility’s risk during project implementation and protects their investment in Smart Grid.

Wind farms

A comprehensive cloud-based private LTE network solution with integrated security – Nokia Digital Automation Cloud, has been designed for large wind farms. This ensures pervasive connectivity for workers and for wind turbine operations and maintenance. To learn more visit our renewable energy site.

Download the white paper

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Nokia Converged Field Area Network (FAN)

See why a new approach is needed for your smart grid

Incorporate renewable energy

Monitor and control renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines
Incorporate new energy sources while maintaining power quality and stability

Reduce operational expenses

Remote monitoring of asset performance and operation for improved predictive maintenance, efficient dispatch of repair technicians and more accurate end-of-life calculations
Detect and manage both network and non-technical losses
Homogeneous solution that integrates distribution automation, substation automation and AMI over a common FAN

Reduce outages and manage power quality

Enable real-time monitoring of grid power delivery and quality with real-time response by implementing highly reliable two-way communications
Granular visibility and control of energy flow and quality in distribution grid
Rapid notification and informed response to outages

Mitigate security risks

Encryption keeps data secure, and prevents sensitive information being accessible by unauthorized parties
Strong authentication keeps rogue devices and users off the network
Firewalls control access

Nokia’s Field Area Network solution for power utilities is customized to suit specific business needs. This reliable, secure and scalable solution includes:

Private LTE

Nokia is the leader in bringing industrial-grade private wireless using Long-Term Evolution (LTE) to the utility industry. It provides robust and highly scalable broadband connectivity for both grid and mobile workforce applications.

Microwave transmission

Nokia Wavence microwave radio portfolio is designed for non-stop operation in critical infrastructures. It’s a proven solution for the most critical grid applications – teleprotection and designed for 5G transport.

Fiber (FTTH)

Nokia powers the most powerful and reliable fiber networks in the world. Our market-leading solutions create an infrastructure for smart grid operations and broadband services your customers will love.

Network Services Platform (NSP)

Provide your operations team a more efficient way to automate, optimize and assure network services. Leverage the platform that more than 900 network operators use to simplify their operations.

7705 Service Aggregation Router

The Nokia 7705 Service Aggregation Router–Hm (SAR-Hm) extends IP/MPLS services over LTE. With it, utilities are able to support field device communications wirelessly using proven IP/MPLS services in the FAN.

Professional services

Maximize the value from your technology investments and simplify the transition with Nokia design, build and managed services.

Guidehouse logo

"Nokia ranked as leader in industrial IoT Networking Solutions"

Guidehouse Insights Leaderboard Grid - Industrial IoT Networking Solutions Vendors (2Q 2021)

Download the executive summary

"Nokia's addition of secure LTE and WiFi wireless connectivity into their existing 7705 Service Router product line dramatically increases the ability to integrate and centralize management of our end-to-end service connectivity for utility operations to meet our mission critical requirements."

John Hughes / Director, Network Engineering and Operations, Ameren Services

"Adding LTE and other wireless capabilities to the proven 7705 platform provides compelling new choices for utilities looking to extend the reach of their connectivity to modernize grid operations."

Melvin Sam Charuvilayil / Supervisor, IT Network Planning & Engineering, Kansas City Power and Light

"A holistic, network-centric strategy will benefit utilities which recognize how the industry is changing. A converged FAN approach leveraging IP/MPLS and LTE offers a future-proof, ubiquitous network with the capacity to handle new energy services, transactive energy models, DER integration and better customer engagement -- in addition to more traditional smart grid and smart city applications. As described in our white paper, Communications in the Energy Cloud, Navigant Research has dubbed this holistic networking strategy the 'Energy Superhighway."

Richelle Elberg / Principal Analyst, Energy, at Navigant Research