Cisco Connected Grid for 1000 Series WiMax Module Data Sheet

The Cisco^® Connected Grid Modules for CGR 1000 Series - WiMAX (WiMAX Modules) provide IEEE 802.16e-compliant WiMAX wireless WAN connectivity for the Cisco 1000 Series Connected Grid Routers (CGR 1000 Series). The WiMAX Modules can enable a standards-based private network solution with high-speed and low-latency WiMAX connectivity to your field infrastructure for multiple applications. Examples include Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), Distribution Automation (DA), Integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DER), and Remote Workforce Automation. The ruggedized WiMAX modules and the CGR 1000 Series provide a versatile communications platform for diverse sets of field area network (FAN) and Internet of Things (IoT) deployments.

Product Overview

The Cisco IEEE 802.16e-compliant WiMAX Connected Grid Module for the CGR 1000 Series provides utilities a high-bandwidth, reliable, self-managed, and highly secure connectivity solution. It has been deployed by utilities worldwide as a standards-based alternative to using a service provider-based public cellular network for mission-critical applications. Figure 1 displays the Cisco Connected Grid WiMAX modules.

There are four SKUs in the WiMAX Module Family, providing utilities with a choice of flexible spectrum offerings in the licensed, lightly licensed, and unlicensed frequencies, as defined in Table 1 below.

Table 1.       Cisco Connected Grid WIMAX Modules for CGR 1000 Series

High Capacity with Low Latency

Utilities are looking for ways to deploy high-performance applications, like video monitoring and GOOSE messaging support for distribution protection, in their distribution networks. A WiMAX-based solution provides utility network managers with a high-bandwidth network, with maximum throughput up to 10 Mbps. In addition, the CGR 1000 WiMAX Modules offer low latency - down to 20 ms - and support for five classes of WiMAX QoS. Finally, the CGR 1000 provides support for Uplink Centric Frame splits and Uplink Multiple-In-Multiple-Out (MIMO), hence providing two to three times uplink capacity, compared to off-the-shelf service provider WiMAX products.

Secure Your Mission-Critical Traffic with Low Latency

The Connected Grid WiMAX Modules are tightly integrated with the network services provided on the CGR 1000 Series. The CGR 1000 provides a Layer 2 Tunnelling Protocol version 3 (L2TPv3)-based solution for highly secure and encrypted transport of GOOSE traffic over the utility’s WiMAX-based network. This solution provides the latency benefits of using a Layer 2 protocol like GOOSE, coupled with the benefit of end-to-end encryption using standards-based IPSec and FlexVPN architectures. In addition, the CGR provides standards-based mechanisms for highly secure and automated certificate management and integration with a utility’s Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).

Ease of Use and Reduced Operating Expense (OpEx)

Since WiMAX is a private network, it eliminates the monthly service provider per-connection costs. These modules provide embedded intelligence (like intelligent WAN sensing and modem reset), allowing for automated link restoration without the need for a truck roll. In addition, the Connected Grid WiMAX Modules provide detailed diagnostic information about the WiMAX WAN link, helping to enable network operators to troubleshoot any connectivity issues, as well as provide detailed performance logs to their service providers.

Refer to the software specifications in Table 3 for more details.

Flexibility for a Broad Range of Environments

The Connected Grid WiMAX Modules and CGR 1000 routers can be deployed in many environments found in the worldwide energy infrastructure. Therefore, the product comes with a multitude of antenna and cabling options to allow for deployments in multiple environments. Refer to the antenna specifications in Table 4, cable specifications in Table 5, and accessories specifications in Table 6 for more details.

Product Specifications

Table 2 shows the hardware specifications for the Cisco Connected Grid WIMAX modules and a partial listing of regulatory compliance and safety data¹

Table 2.       Hardware Specifications for the Cisco Connected Grid WIMAX Modules

Table 3 shows the software specifications for the Cisco Connected Grid WIMAX Modules.

Table 3.       Software Specifications for the Cisco Connected Grid WIMAX Modules

Table 4 lists the Antenna options for the Connected Grid WIMAX Modules.

Table 4.       Antenna Options for Connected Grid WIMAX Modules

Note:    For an extensive description of antenna options and the potential deployment scenarios, please see the following Deployment Guide: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/routers/connectedgrid/antennas/installing/cg_antenna_install_guide.html.

Table 5 lists the RF cable options for the Connected Grid WIMAX modules.

Table 5.       RF Cable Options for Connected Grid WIMAX modules

Table 6 lists additional accessories available for Connected Grid WIMAX modules.

Table 6.       Additional accessories for Connected Grid WIMAX modules

Note:    For an extensive description of antenna and cable options and the potential deployment scenarios, please see the following Deployment Guide: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/routers/connectedgrid/antennas/installing/cg_antenna_install_guide.html.

Ordering Information

These products are available to any Cisco authorized partner. For more information, contact your Cisco representative.

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For More Information

For more information on the Cisco Connected Grid WiMAX Modules for the Cisco CRG 1000 Series, visit: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps12279/index.html.

For more information on the Cisco CGR 1000 Series, visit: http://www.cisco.com/go/cgr1000.

For more information on the Cisco Field Area Network (FAN) solution visit: http://www.cisco.com/go/fan.