Itron and Tropos to Jointly Develop Smart Grid Communications Products

April 8, 2010
Itron Inc. and Tropos Networks will jointly develop products for the utility market including an integrated network solution.

Itron Inc. and Tropos Networks will jointly develop products for the utility market including an integrated network solution. The joint solution will allow utilities to extend their smart grid foundation into a comprehensive, privately owned broadband network for utility applications. This aligns with the larger goal of the partnership, which is to simplify utility smart grid deployment and management while laying the foundation for additional smart grid applications.

As utilities begin their smart grid deployments, systems like these will enable a class of network that integrates easily with a wide variety of smart grid devices, while offering the unique extensibility, reliability, longevity and system availability necessary for smart grids to become reality. The solution is already successfully being used by several utilities.

Both companies’ products are standards-based and designed for ease of integration with third-party vendors and customization. The joint products leverage technologies from both companies including an OpenWay Cell Relay and Tropos’ mesh router and wireless management software, providing a tightly integrated multi-functional solution. The cell relay, acting as a router between OpenWay CENTRON smart meters and the OpenWay Collection Engine in the utility’s back office, transports usage data between the meter and the utility operations centers. In addition, Tropos routers support multiple distribution area network applications and end points including distribution automation, substation security and mobile utility worker applications. The joint products will be exclusively available through Itron and Itron sales channels.

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