Ericsson launches smart grid testbed for global utilities

Communications technology provider Ericsson is opening a Global Utilities Innovation Centre to engage with its partners to help solve real-world connectivity challenges.

Located in Plano, Texas, the purpose-built operating lab will be equipped with a physical representation of a utility smart grid, enabling real-world demonstrations of end-to-end private network operations across the power grid from generation and transmission to distribution to end users.

Mission-critical networks

The Global Utilities Innovation Centre is integrated with Ericsson’s device testing lab a short distance from the Plano site, where utilities and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners can test interoperability of their field and IoT devices over mission-critical networks in a safe and secure environment.

“Private cellular networks are principal catalysts for utilities in their digital transformation journey to address multiple use cases, and utilities can now leverage our Global Utilities Innovation Centre to experiment with different 4G and 5G use cases and co-create with our ecosystem partners,” said Koustuv Ghoshal, vice president and head of utilities, energy and industrials at Ericsson North America.

“At each point, you can see the benefits of the latest generations of cellular wireless networks in enhancing security, resilience, and efficiency of the power infrastructure”

“We look forward to partnering with utilities around the world on their grid modernisation journey.”

The environment will allow for co-creation with Ericsson partners while utilities replicate their end-to-end use cases. The Global Utilities Innovation Centre includes the Ericsson Experience Centre in Plano, Texas, and Ericsson Labs in Richardson, Texas.