Networking & Comms Options

One of the most common installation questions we hear from new customers, “Do we need to use fiber with your system?”.

“Fiber”, referring to fiber optics, can be a very unwelcome cost for EPCs due to the relatively high cost associated with the fiber optic cable (in comparison to ethernet cable) and the unwanted hassle of hiring a dedicated fiber installation company for terminations and testing. It’s simply one more expense and vendor to coordinate in a build schedule.

The short answer is, “No, our system does not require fiber.”, but that doesn’t mean you may not need it.

There are really five main factors to consider when choosing what type of network medium is required:

• Communication Distance

• Electrical Interference

• Surge Protection

• Network Speed

• Customer Requirements

Installers have at least four mainstream technology choices for communications on site:

• Serial (e.g. RS485)

• Ethernet (e.g. TCP, Cat 5 or Cat 6)

• Wireless (e.g. Point-to-point or Mesh)

• Fiber Optic (Multimode or Singlemode)

As. long as the ultimate client does not have a strong preference, the following chart is a great sheet we use internally to help identify the best choice for a given application.

As a general rule, we only use serial connections where they are absolutely necessary. Supportability is one of the largest concerns. For reliable serial connections, technicians need special troubleshooting tools, special low resistance and shielded cable, and installation knowledge that is not common.

Serial connections are also a hinderance on remote support and troubleshooting. Serial connections do not support many of the modern networking tools that enables modern IT to support users and networks worldwide from remote locations. We encourage our clients to adopt modern networked devices whenever possible to reduce installation costs, simpler commissioning, and more long term operational opportunities for equipment troubleshooting, support, and compatibility.

For C&I projects we typically start with simple ethernet runs, applying fiber or wireless when required.

Wireless technology has developed into a highly reliable, affordable, and flexible option to communicate between buildings, across plots of land separated by utility/railroad right-of-ways, and to reduce the number of cellular modems and dat plans for smaller sites that are spread out.

While wireless is not the correct application for everyone, since 2015 we have experimented with wireless solutions in control applications that require high speed closed-loop control with great success. We regularly deploy wireless on monitoring-only projects where distance would normally call for fiber as well.

Fiber has become a choice that we only use when a client specifies it, or when the control application is mission critical on larger utility-owned facilities.

Still not sure which technology is best for your application? Contact us. We’ll be happy to help you weigh your options and acheive the proper functionality at the right price.