FOX615 Multiservice Platform

Model: FOX615 Multiservice Platform

FOX615 Multiservice Platform

Ready for the challenges of tomorrow

Hitachi Energy's FOX615 is an outstanding multi-service multiplexer which enables the extension of existing communication infrastructure, as well as the smooth migration to future technology.

Brochure


FOX615 integrates teleprotection interfaces for distance as well as for differential protection simultaneously within state-of-the-art SDH networks and MPLS-TP networks; ensuring an easy and flexible way to migrate technology in a utility network. With its latest IEC61850 interface the FOX615 also acts as a substation IED and enables GOOSE based protection applications of digital substations. Built on Hitachi Energy’s huge domain expertise, the utility-grade design of FOX615 is deployed in thousands of installations across the globe with guaranteed performance including those with electromagnetically polluted environments and across a broad range of temperatures. 

Safeguarding the electrical grid

Critical to grid operations is the protection of power lines, through teleprotection. Teleprotection systems were developed alongside the electrical grids themselves, and the operational communication networks used are mainly driven by those applications. In 1940, the average telephone user was just getting to grips with the rotary-dial telephone, while Hitachi Energy was deploying power-line communications: utilizing the electrical transmission infrastructure to carry teleprotection data and avoiding the need for a separate Pilot Line.

Public telecom networks have evolved at an amazing speed, this has been primarily driven by new applications (e.g. smartphones, YouTube, email) which results in a growing demand for increased bandwidth. Subsequently this has resulted in network solutions with a higher capacity for data transmission with a lower focus upon the quality of service. Teleprotection systems, in contrast, have always operated under the pressure of protecting critical infrastructure. Reliability and quality of service is paramount, resilience is required, while new technologies and techniques must prove themselves robust enough to match, or exceed, the existing equipment before they can safely be used in the electrical network.

To learn more about FOX615, download the new brochure and the datasheet BIGO1 - IEC 61850 proxy gateway interface unit.

 
 
 

Investment cycles in utilities are much longer than those in the public telecom sector.

Protection and control equipment in electrical substations, which is ultimately connected to utility communication equipment, is particularly long-lived. The ultimate goal of commissioning an all-Ethernet/IP network is still far away, particularly for Hitachi Energy, which link hundreds or even thousands of established substations.

A basic requirement of such a system would be longevity, with guaranteed performance as per established technologies. Unlike the full network refurbishments often seen in public telecommunications networks, utility networks evolve slowly, increasing in size and slowly migrating to new technologies in a step-by-step approach. This evolution means that high interoperability between existing and new installations as well as parallel operation of both is a must.

To learn more about FOX615, download the new brochure and the datasheet BIGO1 - IEC 61850 proxy gateway interface unit.

 

These days most offices grind to a halt in the face of a failed internet connection, but no industry compares to electrical transmission in being dependent on robust, resilient, and predictable communications. Only suppliers with an intimate knowledge of the industry can supply, and maintain, equipment capable of meeting that unique set of demands.

In addition to extremes of temperature, utility communications equipment is also exposed to magnetic and electrical fields, which are particularly severe during short-circuit events. In order to maintain the high levels of availability required, especially in emergency situations, utility communications equipment must offer a robust and reliable design that has proven capabilities for providing accurate functionality under extreme conditions. In dusty and remote environments, where regular maintenance cannot be guaranteed, fan-less designs are preferable.

Communication Networks compared

Communication Networks functionality explained SDH IP-MPLS MPLS-TP
Static channel routing ✔   ✔
End to end channel supervision ✔   ✔
Deterministic data channels ✔   ✔1
Bidirectional channels ✔ * ✔
Switchover < 50 ms ✔ * ✔
OAM based switchover ✔   ✔
Sophisticated GUI for channel configuration ✔   ✔
Easy configuration ✔   ✔
Network Management System ✔ ✔ ✔
 
 

Layered communication architectures ensure improved network security.

Packet-based networks use publicly documented protocols, and utilities are potential targets, so a comprehensive (and co-ordinated) security policy is essential across the entire network.

Depending on the application requirements, different measures need to be taken, starting from denial of service protection, protection against data modification using authentication, up to encryption of confidential data, and centralized user account management. This ensures a ‘defense in depth’ approach and is supported by the FOX615 platform. Additionally, the static approach of MPLS-TP, with much fewer protocols being potential targets for attacks, and the natively integrated SDH technology reduce potential attack surfaces.

To learn more about FOX615, download the new brochure and the datasheet BIGO1 - IEC 61850 proxy gateway interface unit.