Silver Spring Networks has introduced Gen4, a new fourth-generation networking technology that is the latest advancement in smart grid networking, bringing greater flexibility and choice to utilities. Gen4 technology provides an integrated cellular option that delivers the industry’s first Micromesh technology, which give utilities more options to support multiple smart grid applications on an integrated, centrally managed IP network.
Silver Spring Chief Executive Officer Scott Lang calls Gen4 “an exciting development for the industry that was made possible by working with the most respected companies in energy and technology, with the objective to create more value and an unprecedented business case for our clients. Our new Gen4 technology further builds on our knowledge and industry leadership of successfully connecting more than 10 million homes and businesses on a field tested, proven and secure IPv6 network that is delivering reliably every day.”
Al Torres, PG&E vice president of Customer Operations notes, “As we have upgraded nearly nine million meters and connected millions of customers to the network, we’ve already seen tremendous innovation from Silver Spring in enabling connectivity across our service territory. We are excited about Silver Spring’s efforts to add transport flexibility and deliver faster performance to simplify our coverage efforts and enable next-gen applications.”
Bill Whitehead, director of business development at ABB, observes, “Given all the ways in which our joint customers are implementing distribution automation, the increased bandwidth and flexibility of the Silver Spring solution is well suited to their needs. The ability to choose from a variety of transport types will be very valuable as utilities grapple with changing regulatory environments and operating priorities.”