Utility Week

UTILITY WEEK | 21ST - 27TH FEBRUARY 2020 | 29 5G and smart grids and infrastructure, such as the electricity grid. However, this has been complicated by the need to accommodate the diff erent latency, capacity requirements and mas- sive range of variables, which has meant that several purpose-built networks have been needed. ese often use proprietary technologies and are complex and expensive. As demand for smart grid applications grows, building and maintaining these kinds of multiple purpose-built networks won't be sustainable. It will not be able to meet the growing cyber-security concerns. 5G can help with these challenges by accommodat- ing the connectivity requirements of the multiple end- points, which each have a key role in the smart grid. ese can deliver the ultra-low latency and fl exibility needed and do so at low cost. It can also strengthen security and control over the network by creating "slices" within a public network to provide a "private network" for specifi c smart grid use cases, which demand high reliability and security. In addition, by providing standardised security measures across users' devices and the network as a whole, 5G can give the utility sector the confi dence it needs to deploy smart grid developments on a large scale. ese benefi ts are not just around cyber-security, the 5G network can be used to manage drones, high defi nition video analytics, and mission-critical com- munication, which can enhance physical security. Another advantage of 5G is the way it supports the co-existence and full compatibility between 5G and existing 4G networks. is reduces the need to change applications and devices and enables a smooth transi- tion to the new technology. In particular, it can support IoT deployments that are optimised for low power and low data rates, meaning there is no need to replace an asset before its end-of-life. Where are we in terms of 5G rollout? 5G is well on the way. All four of the UK's mobile network operators have launched consumer services, with coverage focused in city centres where there are capacity pressures and operators are working together to extend 4G coverage to 95 per cent of the UK by 2025 with 5G to follow. 2020 will also see the release of new spectrum that is earmarked for 5G, enabling further network rollout. However, there are still challenges to overcome. e fi nalisation of standards has not been completed and some enhancements will take years to test and deploy, and some are dependent on the availability of spectrum. With potential deployment of masses of IoT devices, security remains a major concern in the utility sector as key advantages of the 5G network could be used by cyber attackers for more complex attacks. A proper end-to-end security strategy is needed to eff ectively protect devices, communication network and cloud applications against cyber threats. 5G will provide cost benefi t, but the clarity of total cost of ownership is needed Another advantage of 5G is the economies of scale it can bring through a shared infrastructure that serves multiple clients, saving the cost of building and oper- ating numerous purpose-built solutions, which often use dedicated networks with multiple connectivity technologies. Utility companies can also leverage the value of a 5G ecosystem of networks, equipment, and applications built around global standards, taking advantage of a market structure that encourages com- petition and stimulates innovation by collaborating with multiple 5G service providers. Clearly, the investment will be needed to move from private networks built on proprietary standards to wider networks. But this cost should be outweighed by the benefi ts of using a platform that off ers universal connectivity. ere's still a couple of years before 5G will be deployed on a large scale, but the utility sector needs to understand now how 5G fi ts into its technology plans. It means identifying the right technical solution, but also the right business and deployment model; this will require a thorough analysis of the technology, the sector's evolving requirements, business drivers, and regulatory pressures. at will ensure they are ready to take advantage of the real benefi ts it will bring. May Li, 5G smart solutions expert, PA Consulting, the global innovation and transformation consultancy For more information, visit http://www.paconsulting. com/industries/energy-and-utilities

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