Overview
The convergence of radio, wireless and IP communications is fundamentally changing the way that utilities, mining and oil companies operate today. These industries rely on these telecommunications systems to comply with multi-technology communications requirements.
Power Utilities use power Line Carrier technology in order to implement commands (teleprotection) and signals (voice and data) over high-voltage power lines. Power Line Carrier services offered to electrical companies over the years have been of great importance, and after decades of implementation, Power Line Carrier continues to be the most reliable technology in the field. Power Utilities networks are converging, using a mix of IP and TDM services, and they are looking for ways to implement the Smart Grid concept. This concept defines the operating philosophy and common interface between the new generation of digital teleprotection systems and traditional systems of fiber optic communication and existing radio communication networks established on electrical transmission systems. For more than 30 years, REDCOM Laboratories Inc. has been developing and manufacturing the world’s most reliable digital and IP-enabled telecommunications systems for the power and transportation utilities worldwide.
How REDCOM products address these needs
REDCOM addresses the needs of the power utility industry with an integrated, drop-in Voice over IP (VoIP) communications solution. At the heart of REDCOM’s multi-technology solutions is the innovative TRANSip® technology suite, based on the industry-standard Session Initiation Protocol (SIP).
REDCOM provides:
- Advanced hybrid (IP & TDM) PABX systems with unique Power Utility Features & Interfaces
- REDCOM systems are scalable and can be custom configured for
- SIP Based VoIP applications
- Analog, Digital & SIP Trunks
- E&M Trunks to interface with traditional PLC systems
- Alternate voice routing
The Host Control Interface feature:
- Interfaces to subscriber equipment and the switch network
- Connects to an external host computer running application software
- Gathers data and asserts commands
- Carries commands and responses between the host computer and the REDCOM system
Flexible Interoperability
REDCOM’s TRANSip technology suite empowers utilities and oil companies to interoperate with IP and TDM networks, as well as radios and wireless communications, enabling a seamless, incremental transition to VoIP networks.
REDCOM’s SLICE 2100 and HDX softswitches allow utilities and oil companies to future-proof their networks to interoperate today and tomorrow with a wide range of protocols and interfaces, positioning them for long-term evolution. With REDCOM solutions, power utility companies may continue to utilize their existing legacy networks while leveraging next-generation VoIP applications. This functionality provides REDCOM’s customers with the flexibility to smoothly and incrementally migrate to IP in a cost-effective manner when it makes sense for their business, while still being able to deploy advanced communications technologies without compromising service quality and reliability.
Conferencing
REDCOM’s multi-technology solutions offer conferencing capabilities that allow network operators to set up conferencing with multiple participants simultaneously. Conferencing provides a powerful tool for communication, collaboration, and training. Several conferencing styles are available, including “progressive” (participants added one at a time), “meet-me” (participants meet at a valid number at a specified time), and “preset” (conference controller initiates the event, adding participants as they answer). Some or all of these elements can be combined into a single conference.
Trunking
The extensive SIP trunking capabilities of REDCOM’s TRANSip technology suite allow companies to scale their telecom system faster and more cost-effectively than with traditional phone lines. SIP trunks are used to connect two switches together via a local area network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN) such as the Internet. With proper network assessment planning and implementation, SIP trunks can deliver high quality and reliable service with substantial cost savings that directly impact the bottom line of utilities.
Radio interface
REDCOM’s Radio Interface, available on the SLICE, SLICE 2100 and HDX platforms, provides a simple and reliable connection between REDCOM’s switching systems and two-way radio systems. Radio users gain all the same benefits of a REDCOM system normally available to station users. This interface allows any phone in the REDCOM system to dial out to a remote radio, or allows a radio to dial directly into the system and ring a phone, make an outside call, or call another remote radio system. The REDCOM Radio Interface contains two circuits and supports full two-way calling with Push to Talk (PTT), Voice Operated Transmission (VOX) or Carrier Operated Relay (COR). Each circuit can interface with virtually any two-way radio system for simplex or duplex operation. The Radio Interface allows direct, back-to-back radio patches with both VOX and COR.
Dispatch operator platform application
REDCOM’s Link Command System (LCS) is a GUI software package that provides complete call control, conferencing and dispatch services for power utilities. The REDCOM LCS runs on a standard PC and features a customizable, easy-to-use interface. The LCS acts as a powerful dispatch console that allows operators to place, accept, and intercept calls. Operators can also control held calls, active conferences, directory assistance requests, and call queue management. The optional softphone functionality delivers the flexibility to work as an additional station to perform some of the attendant console features and supports outgoing and incoming call handling. The softphone is compatible with any microphone and speakers on a PC, including headsets.
Reliability
Reliable communications is critical to the day-to-day operations of oil companies and mining operations. REDCOM systems are designed to withstand extreme operating conditions. Whether you select the HDX or SLICE 2100, REDCOM delivers Reality-Based switching through highly reliable technology (99.999% reliability), providing innovative solutions based on your business needs. We provide complete, integrated solutions that yield high returns on investment, while safeguarding your critical communications for the enterprise.
REDCOM employs a patented distributed architecture which is highly reliable. REDCOM systems distribute resources (trunks, subscribers, etc.) and therefore are less prone to catastrophic failure. In a true Next Generation Network, important resources are distributed throughout the network and are available to ensure service continuity.
Conferencing
As adoption of next-generation technologies like VoIP have increased over the past several years, the security needs of enterprises have become paramount for many industries . REDCOM's switching solutions address the security requirements for enterprise customers in vertical markets such as banking and retail, with high-value features including secure conferencing.
In the same way that organizations protect their corporate computing networks with firewalls, with a REDCOM system equipped with an SWT-R Interface Board, companies can protect voice communications with SWT-R equipped sites as well. This allows organizations to discuss their operations with complete confidence that they are not being overheard. And, with the REDCOM TRANSip technology suite, VoIP communications can be secured as well.
The voice streams for SWT-compatible ports are encrypted and cannot use standard conference circuits. By switching them to a REDCOM system equipped with SWT-Rs, the remote SWT compatible terminals can use REDCOM's Extreme Conferencing capabilities, which provide unmatched size, flexibility, management and control with the ability to connect to secure environments. As a result, the voice path from the REDCOM system to the external SWT compatible terminal is completely secure.
Multi-Site Hybrid Communications Platform
