Packet-Switched Networking Solution for Teleprotection with Hybrid+ Transport Capabilities

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GE's Lentronics™ JunglePAX is a purpose-built communications solution specifically designed for utility operations, providing the required security and dependability through layers of redundancy. The platform is based on MPLS-TP (Multi-protocol Label Switching with Transport Profile) technology that maintains deterministic performance through packet based communications providing utilities with increased efficiency and ease of integration.

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The JunglePAX platform employs an optimized version of MPLS-TP coupled with a SONET/SDH-transport layer to produce a converged communications platform to reliably transport 64 kbps, T1/E1 TDM and Ethernet services across an optical Wide-Area Network (WAN). With a flexible mix of WAN connectivity, access options, and with hardware redundancy on critical modules and control functions, the JunglePAX provide utilities a cost effective, single streamlined solution to better protect energy assets and improve system reliability.

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Key Benefits

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• Improve service quality with a secure and dependable platform that provides reliable communications for utility applications within harsh industrial environments.

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• Maximize service uptime using specially designed hardware to ensure utility-grade performance through layers of redundancy. Address emerging applications by implementing a flexible and scalable solution to assist with network convergence where traffic and application mix change.

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• Improve system-wide manageability with integrated and application-driven software that simplifies network management. Increase control and promote information assurance with an advanced cybersecurity platform that employs defense-in-depth strategies.

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Native TDM and TDM over Packet: xTDM offers the best of both worlds

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Introducing the xTDM Access Card for the JunglePAX Hybrid Packet & TDM platform that offers the best of both worlds. This add-on unit offers the flexibility to support both native TDM over Hybrid WAN ports as well as emulated T1/E1 signals over MPLS, making it extremely flexible for all customer applications.

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The xTDM Access Card key features :

• Up to 8 x bulk T1E1 services or up to 4 x CBUS ports (via future 90308-02 card)

• Two ports per each RJ-45 connector, requiring the use of splitter cables to gain access to the even numbered ports

• Supports transport of Nx64kbps and bulk T1/E1 services over MPLS or SONET/SDH*

• Future supports for 1+1 redundant hardware configuration if two cards are installed in adjacent slots

• Services can be established to existing T1E1-4A units

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Evolution Module - Optically connecting JMUX and JPAX for simplified interoperability

GE’s new Evolution Module (B86900-01) enables migration to MPLS ring-by-ring or node-by-node AND offering an upgrade opportunity to modernize hardware while preserving highly dependable SONET/SDH delay performance for critical services through deployment of JunglePAX Hybrid Mode. Evolution and Hybrid work together to ensure ongoing security and dependability across both SONET/SDH and MPLS planes.

 

4-port G.703 iDS0 unit

A new G.703 Access Card (90366-01) for JunglePAX is the latest iDS0 (internal DS0) card that joins 7 other access modules already available for this platform. In contrast to GE’s Direct Relay (DR) module (90350-01) offering a single RS-232 / G.703 (64kb/s) data port, this new iDS0 level module is equipped with four G.703 64kbps data ports thus providing efficiency and a lower per-port cost than its DR equivalent.

 

2-port Direct Transfer Trip iDS0 unit

This third-generation Direct Transfer Trip module provides two full-duplex channels, keyed at 48VDC, 130VDC or 250VDC (p/n 90441-01, -03, -05). Each channel can be routed over either SONET/SDH or MPLS transport layers. Compatible with GE’s DTT Test Panel and interoperable with DTT cards installed in Lentronics Multiplexers (JMUX/TN1U/TN1Ue and T1MX/E1MX/E1MXe/TTMX) products.

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Advanced Network Management System for JPAX and JMUX NMS

GE’s Advanced Network Management System software enables service building over JunglePAX MPLS and SONET-layers. Due to the expanded set of service options now supported within JPAX firmware 1.18, a hierarchical list has been implemented within the NMS traffic manager to significantly simplify user interactions. Building a protected or unprotected service from one network edge to the other is supported over Hybrid WAN ports with version 8.3.

 

WAN Encryption for improved confidentiality

Encryption of all MPLS traffic carried over the WAN is now supported. This is a licensed feature, allowing users to encrypt individual fiber optic segments on any of the 12 WAN JunglePAX ports. After enabling Encryption on both sides of a WAN link, public/private keys will automatically roll based on the administrator’s configuration (30 min to 200 hrs), or keys can be manually renewed on each segment via the Web User Interface.

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Proof of Concept Testing JMUX to JPAX - Test our migration strategy in your lab!

JungleMUX/TN1U Multiplexer users looking to migrate from towards a Packet Switched solution can now leverage GE’s expertise to participate in a loan-to-own program comprised of new JunglePAX MPLS-TP nodes used for Proof-of-Concept in lab or field-deployment.

 

Proof-of-Concept testing comprises of all the essential hardware, software and technical expertise to thoroughly test the JunglePAX platform in the following scenarios

• High speed protection switching within 3ms

• Low end-to-end service latency within <1ms over SONET/SDH transport layers

• Designed with layers of redundancy for improved security and dependability

• ‘AAA’ secured and Encryption for improved reliability

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Purpose-Built for Teleprotection and Superior Performance

• High speed protection switching within 3ms

• Low end-to-end service latency within <1ms over SONET/SDH transport layers

• Designed with layers of redundancy for improved security and dependability

• ‘AAA’ secured and encryption for improved reliability

 

Single Solution Converging and Simplifying Operations

• Flexible design for deployment across backhaul, aggregation and access networks

• One box solution for mission critical OT and IT, capable of connecting multiple and diverse applications

• Integrated and application-driven software simplifies network management

• Network-wide Summary and Status Information dashboard for simplified health and integrity validation

 

Ruggedized with modular design lowering total cost of ownership

• Industrially hardened with no cooling fans for longer life in harsh environments

• Offers integrated application-specific access modules designed for critical production relaying applications

• Certified to IEEE 1613 and IEC 61850-3 substation hardening requirements

• Processes 24 Gb/s of traffic across the extended -20°C to + 60°C operating temperature

• Flexible redistribution of service ports

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JunglePAX Overview

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The JunglePAX platform is designed for utilities with critical utility communications in mind. GE’s JPAX offers a truly converged solution with security and dependability for all applications whether they are critical Teleprotection circuits or for less time-sensitive business IT needs. Security and Dependability ensure data will be delivered and received on time when an actual data packet is sent, and data will not be falsely received when no data was sent. Both are key performance requirements to ensure utility communications reliably operate at all times. JunglePAX equipment is

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• Purpose built for teleprotection and superior performance

• Single solution converging and simplifying operations

• Ruggedized and Modular Design Lowering Total Cost of Ownership

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Hybrid+ Mode, for critical teleprotection where 1ms latency is too slow

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JunglePAX Hybrid+ technology offers the best of both worlds by preserving SONET/SDH performance in a packet-switched network. This is achieved by adding an independent SONET/SDH layer alongside the MPLS-TP layer (without impacting its capacity) over the same optical WAN link. Use of this layer is optional and is intended for TDM-based relaying applications (C37.94, RS-232 Mirrored Bit, G.703 64k etc.) that are extremely delay sensitive.

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Hybrid+ Technology found only in JunglePAX permits migration from SONET/SDH to Packet-transport technologies without compromising application performance, equipment reliability and network-wide availability.

 

Modernizing optical communications infrastructure without performance impact

Hybrid+ Technology found only in JunglePAX permits migration from SONET/SDH to Packet-transport technologies without compromising application performance, equipment reliability and network-wide availability.

 

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Teleprotection Application

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Utilities are concerned about the impact on critical infrastructure and damage or injury associated with a fault condition on the transmission network. Teleprotection is a critical utility application that enables protection devices to communicate in a coordinated, reliable and expeditious way. Distance or directional comparison relays that send tripping signals require deterministic communications with low propagation delay edge (substation) to edge (substation), often as low as within 8ms. The faster the tripping signal can be transmitted across network, the quicker the dangerous energized state can be removed. Due to their importance, tripping signals cannot tolerate network disturbances affecting availability, capacity, physical communication failures, maintenance related outages or security vulnerabilities.

 

JunglePAX Solution for Teleprotection

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The JunglePAX platform has been designed for teleprotection applications with layers of redundancy to ensure there is no single point of weakness, industry leading protection switching within 3ms, and low end-to-end service latency within 1ms excluding propagation delay.

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Below is a teleprotection application example, which walks through the sequence of events that the JunglePAX platform would perform to ensure that critical teleprotection circuits are delivered securely and dependably across the network.

 

Application Defined Networking

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The Lentronics JunglePAX is ideal for power utility operations and IT applications, supporting the following typical applications:

 

Critical Operational Traffic (OT)

• Teleprotection

 

Essential Operational Traffic (EOT)

• SCADA

• Maintenance & Emergency Voice

• Asset health and status

 

Critical Information Traffic (CIT)

• Surveillance & Intrusion detection

• Metering

 

Essential Information Traffic (EIT)

• Business service backhaul

• Connecting field offices and mobile users with operational data

 

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Application Example: Transmission Cable Fault

 

1. Transmission cable fault There is a transmission cable fault affecting the primary communication path

2. Fault detected Fault is detected by the protection relay

3. Tripping signal A tripping signal is sent to the JunglePAX platform

4. Fault detected and transmitted The JunglePAX in Substation 1 detects the primary transmission path fault

5. Teleprotection signal received The JunglePAX in Substation 2 detects the loss of the primary communications path and switches to the protected communications path within 3ms

6. Protection action Protection relay initiates the action to clear the fault.

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JunglePAX Components

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The JunglePAX comprises of replaceable and hot swappable interface cards which ensure that the platform is easy to maintain. The flexible mix of client service cards provides utilities with a solution that addresses changing communications requirements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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IT and OT applications have traditionally operated independently over disparate networks, each serving the utility networking groups differently. IT and OT-centric applications can remain separated (i.e., metering from protection) although converged application can share the same space, generating opportunities for utilities to improve OPEX and CAPEX through elimination of redundancy and simplification initiatives.

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More components within utility systems are becoming intelligent and requiring new communication connections and functions, generating demand for:

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• Real time control in energy delivery support for heterogeneous networks and integration of previously segmented and disparate networks

• Lower utility operational costs through economy of scale, and convergence of operation and information technologies

• A converged network is required, with:

  • Increased system capabilities,

  • Ability to ensure the performance of critical and time-sensitive applications,

  • Simplified and secure technology

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GE and Ribbon Communications have partnered producing an optimized proposition for utilities requiring more from their network. This solution will protect people and critical assets, scaling across the entire communications landscape with information assurance as traffic flows securely across

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