Introduction
Like many utilities, Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC) has traditionally utilized time-division multiplexing (TDM) technology for their mission-critical operational applications. With the pressing need to digitalize their operations and support a growing number of bandwidthintensive services, utilities are now looking to migrate their communication networks to packet-switched technology. However, preserving the operational continuity of vital services that demand guaranteed network performance, like control and protection systems, is paramount.
For OETC, a secure and modern communication network is not just an essential requirement to provide the entire country with dependable and uninterrupted power supply. It represents the key enabler for the expansion of its operations and the enhancement of its network to enable advanced applications and services for greater efficiency and visibility into a highly connected grid; a smart one.
Project goals
- Support the expansion of the electric grid and respective communication network
- Prepare the infrastructure for advanced digital power utility applications
- Modernise OT network with state-of-the-art packet technology designed for mission-critical services
- Enable a truly multi-service communication infrastructure for high-bandwidth capacity
- Ensure a risk-free and smooth migration from legacy to advanced packet-switched technology
- Simplify management of legacy & packet networks
Technology solution
- FOX615 Hybrid Multiservice platform for concurrent operation of TDM and packet-switched network − Transport: 10GbE MPLS-TP-capable
- Quantum-safe encryption for superior network security
- FOXMAN-UN: a centralized, end-to-end management solution for large OT network
Benefits
- Provided operational continuity of vital services during migration
- Running multiple applications on a single packet-switched OT network
- Mission-critical services hosted with guaranteed performance
- Simplified network operation with a unified network management solution
- Increased security
About OETC
Formed in 2005, OETC plays a vital role in the Oman electricity sector, as it owns and operates the main power network that transmits electricity from the generating stations to the distribution load centers across all the governorates of the Sultanate. The main electricity transmission network operates at 132kV, 220kV and 400kV voltage levels. It is monitored and controlled through a load dispatch center (LDC) in Muscat, the capital of Oman. OETC also has the responsibility of balancing generation and demand at all times of the day as part of its responsibilities for the economic dispatch of power across the Sultanate.
“With a vision to expand our infrastructure to provide the connectivity and meet the growing demand for power in the country, OETC wanted to ensure that its infrastructure could support the anticipated demand growth.”