Press release
devolo SmartGrid is stepping up security in data transmission
in the SEnCom research project
Aachen, Germany, March 26, 2015 – The intelligent energy network demands
comprehensive data communication where security plays a central role. devolo AG,
as the leading developer and manufacturer of products for data communication and
data security in the smart grid, is putting the issue of data security in focus with the
project "System security of energy supply networks through the integration of
information and communication technology" (SEnCom). The goal of the project is to
define the standards and technologies for secure and reliable network operation in a
variety of power engineering components from the areas of status monitoring,
control and regulation. devolo AG is developing the technology of the future along
with a strong partner network of universities of technology, including the Institute for
High Voltage Technology at RWTH Aachen University, RheinMain University of
Applied Sciences and Bremen University of Applied Sciences and the industry
partner, the P3 Group. The project has a runtime of two years and is supported with
approximately 1.5 million euros by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs
and Energy as part of the funding announcement "Zukunftsfähige Stromnetze"
(future-proof power grids).
The topics of this press release:
-
Security as a central challenge in the smart grid
-
In focus: Security at the distribution network level
-
Strong partners for maximum protection
-
Win/win strategy for project partners
Security as a central challenge in the smart grid
Trouble-free data communication is essential for operating the intelligent energy network.
The many decentralised feed points in the smart grid can cause heavy load fluctuations if
the individual generators are not co-ordinated in relation to consumption in real time.
At the distribution network level, special security-related challenges are faced for
communication technology. Frequently, photovoltaic systems or combined heat and power
plants are used in residential households; here, system-relevant communication interfaces
are almost freely accessible.
To ensure interference-free network operation, the SEnCom project is analysing and testing
automatic defence against unauthorised intrusions.
In focus: Security at the distribution network level
As part of various model experiments, system-relevant repercussions due to attacks on the
distribution network are to be examined and concrete solutions are to be developed for
maximum system stability. The first step of the two-year project is the "analysis of possible
attack scenarios on the communication structure". The second step is to design and build a
demonstrator. Here, as part of an electric distribution network established by the 'Testing
Centre Electric Mobility' at RWTH Aachen University, the unauthorised access attempts
determined in the first step are tested on the mains supply. The third step focuses on
analysing the effects of ICT threat scenarios on the distribution network level.
"devolo has gathered an enormous amount of expertise in secure data communication in
the smart grid," says Heiko Harbers, CEO of devolo AG. "As part of the SEnCom project,
we are going a step further and, along with reputable partners, examining possible attacks
on this technology and the effects on network operation. Our mission with our products is to
provide a secure and cutting-edge solution."
Strong partners for maximum protection
P3 energy & storage GmbH takes over project coordination. Project partners include P3
communications GmbH, the Institute for High Voltage Technology at RWTH Aachen
University and the Universities of Applied Sciences in RheinMain and Bremen. PSI AG is
participating as an associated project partner.
As a manufacturer of Powerline communication solutions, system security is the first priority
for devolo, particularly with respect to new product developments. This is because the need
for higher data security goes hand in hand with higher data rates. Thus, devolo is taking on
a central role in the project.
Win/win strategy for project partners
SEnCom pursues the goal of a comprehensive analysis of potential dangers in intelligent
networks of the future, integrating disciplines of power engineering and information and
communication technologies. This procedure is to be used to develop technically and
economically useful recommended actions, taking into account the requirements for network
operation. "From the SEnCom project, we expect numerous interesting results that will
directly impact the development of new products at devolo AG. It is a real win/win strategy
for all project partners," explains Dr. Michael Koch, head of the Smart Grid business area at
devolo. "In particular, our G3-PLC 500k modem will benefit from the insights on
cryptography algorithms, routing algorithms and on reliable and real-time capable data
transmission at the distribution network level." The G3-PLC 500k modem ensures efficient
Access Powerline connection and uses the transmission bandwidth between 150 kHz and
500 kHz. Here, the Powerline benefits of long range and ideal transfer rate is combined with
sufficient capacity reserves for future applications.
This text and recent product images can be found at www.devolo.de in the media section of
the devolo website.
PR contact
rtfm | public relations
devolo AG
devolo AG
Frank Mischkowski
Christoph Rösseler
Marcel Schüll
Flößaustr. 90
Charlottenburger Allee 60
Charlottenburger Allee 60
90763 Fuerth, Germany
52068 Aachen, Germany
52068 Aachen, Germany
Phone: +49 911 97922-065 Phone: +49 241 18279-500 Phone: +49 241 18279-514
Fax: +49 911 97922-090
Fax: +49 241 18279-999
Fax: +49 241 18279-999
E-mail: devolo@rtfm-pr.de
E-mail: presse@devolo.de
E-mail: presse@devolo.de
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.
dLAN Powerline, the simple home network over a home's electrical wiring
The power outlet revolution: dLAN Powerline by devolo uses household electrical wiring as
a long network cable. Every power outlet is turned into a network access point with the help
of a dLAN adapter. Computers, consumer electronics and smart home technologies can be
connected to each other and to the Internet with the utmost ease. High transmission rates,
secure encryption, and easy installation for everyone make dLAN Powerline the best home
network available.