Press Release
G3-PLC technology fit for the roll-out: Extensive pilot test
completed successfully in the metropolitan cities of Berlin and
Hamburg
Aachen, Germany, 19 August 2015 – devolo, Vattenfall Metering and the two network
operators Stromnetz Berlin and Stromnetz Hamburg see positive results from their
joint pilot test. The four companies tested G3 Powerline technology for WAN (wide
area network) communication in the smart grid. For this test, five network areas in
the two cities were equipped with 1,000 G3-PLC modems from devolo. This was the
largest test of G3 Powerline technology to date. The use of the frequency band
between 150 and 500 kHz has proven itself to be a key advantage. The G3-PLC
modem 500k from devolo made an impressive showing in the crucial areas of
bandwidth and network coverage. The partners also decided to continue joint
development of the smart grid in the future.
Topics in this press release:
- Extensive pilot test: G3 Powerline communication for the smart grid
- Travelling through the network at 150 - 500 kHz
- Data transfer to every corner of the distribution network
- Testing the future together
- devolo at Metering Days 2015 in Fulda, Germany
Extensive pilot test: G3 Powerline communication for the smart grid
devolo AG's analysis of the joint pilot test, together with Vattenfall Metering GmbH and the
two network operators Stromnetz Berlin GmbH and Stromnetz Hamburg GmbH, is showing
positive results. The assessment focussed on data communication in a smart metering
scenario. A total of 1,000 devolo G3-PLC modems were used in five network clusters in the
Berlin and Hamburg distribution network. No other G3 PLC technology has undergone such
comprehensive, hands-on testing in Germany to date.
A realistic test of the G3-PLC network requires communication in accordance with BSI (the
German Federal Office for Information Security) specifications. A data generator in the G3PLC modem simulates the data traffic of an intelligent measurement system that features
TLS encryption and transmits these IP data via the mains. This makes it possible to assess
the performance of the G3-PLC network without using additional components, such as
smart meter gateways with final standardisation, smart meters or back-end systems (GWA
software).
Travelling through the network at 150 - 500 kHz
The objective of the pilot test was to examine the performance of G3-PLC modems under
extreme conditions. For this purpose, a maximised configuration was mapped out in the test
regions using intelligent measurement systems in order to generate the largest amount of
network data traffic possible. G3-PLC modems met the stringent requirements for the
requisite bandwidth. The frequency band between 150 and 500 kHz proved to be ideal for
data transmission. Even once the maximised configuration was applied, there was sufficient
bandwidth available to ensure the stable and reliable transmission of the volume of data.
"Thanks to the high number of installed G3 modems in each network cluster, we were able
to gain valuable experience that we would not have obtained from smaller field tests. These
findings were incorporated into a firmware update that was immediately rolled out to the
installed G3-PLC modems via remote access. This allowed us to immediately review the
optimisations for their real-world suitability," explains Georg Offner, Head of SmartGrid
Product Management at devolo.
Data transfer to every corner of the distribution network
The devolo G3-PLC modem 500k also made a very impressive showing in meeting the
second important test criterion: network coverage. This criterion was tested extensively in
sprawling sections of Berlin. The meter data were reliably transferred without any issues—
from the unit meters on the top storey of a Berlin high-rise, along streets lined with houses,
all the way to an underground transformer station. Repeaters were not needed in any of the
network clusters.
"The G3-PLC modem 500k has no problem transmitting data through buildings. However,
stable WAN communication using wireless technologies would not have been possible due
to the solid construction of the office complexes and shopping centres," explains Dr.
Michael Koch, adding, "Through this extensive pilot test, devolo has demonstrated that G3PLC technology in the frequency band of 150 to 500 kHz has the requisite bandwidth for
smart metering. In addition, all of the metering points in the network cluster are accessible
without repeaters, which saves network operators both time and money."
Testing the future together
Now that several network clusters in Berlin and Hamburg have been equipped with G3
Powerline WAN communication technology and the successful testing of widespread
G3 PLC modem 500k use, the companies involved have decided to continue their close
collaboration in the future. "This extensive pilot test provided us with valuable experience
that will help us substantially with the upcoming roll-out. In the next test phase, we will focus
on the use of real-world smart meter gateways and build on our successful collaboration
with devolo," comments Jan-Philipp Blenk, Project Manager at Vattenfall Metering GmbH in
Hamburg.
devolo at Metering Days 2015 in Fulda, Germany
Learn more about the extensive pilot test in Hamburg and Berlin and devolo's product
portfolio. Visit us at Metering Days in Fulda, Germany from 22 to 23 September 2015. We
look forward to speaking with you in person. Please schedule an appointment by sending an
e-mail to smart@devolo.de.
This text and the latest product images are available in the press area of the devolo website
at http://www.devolo.de
PR contact
rtfm | public relations
devolo AG
Frank Mischkowski
Marcel Schüll
Flößaustr. 90
Charlottenburger Allee 60
90763 Fuerth, Germany
52068 Aachen, Germany
Phone: +49 911-97922-065
Phone: +49 241 18279-514
Fax: +49 911-97922-090
Fax: +49 241 18279-999
E-mail: fm@rtfm-pr.de
E-mail: presse@devolo.de
About devolo SmartGrid
The devolo SmartGrid business unit delivers smart grid solutions. As a Powerline pioneer,
devolo is a proven expert in the area of data communication over the electrical wiring.
devolo uses its expertise to develop and sell products for data communication and data
security over the mains and for smart control of decentralised power generators, electrical
consumers and accumulators. Thanks to products tested in the field, several production
locations and high-performance logistics, devolo SmartGrid is a strong partner for energy
providers and network operators.
About devolo
devolo AG is the leading European company on the market in Powerline communication
solutions. The company's core product is dLAN®, a technology that allows flexible networks
over existing wiring such as electrical and coaxial lines. Powerline solutions are employed in
private households as well as commercial environments and they lead the way in futureoriented energy data distribution. devolo invests its development resources into improving
dLAN® technology through its own patented solutions. The globally operating company has
been the world market leader in the Powerline segment since 2009. Numerous top-product
test reviews and awards, not to mention the over 25 million adapters sold, demonstrate
devolo's success. Through sustainable market practices, devolo upholds its responsibility to
customers, employees and the environment.