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Bridges Hardware Guide

Bridges Hardware Guide Silver Spring Networks 2

Bridges Hardware Guide

Document Number BRIDGESv2.0UG_Rev1

Confidential Information of Silver Spring Networks®, Inc., provided to licensed customer under NDA.

The Silver Spring Networks logo, UtilityIQ®, and UtilOS® are registered trademarks of Silver Spring Networks, Inc.

Smart Energy Networks™, Success.Guaranteed™, Metro Gateway™, Metro Relay™, Gas Interface Management

Unit™, and Water Interface Management Unit™ are trademarks of Silver Spring Networks, Inc.

All other company and product names are used for identification purposes only and may be registered trademarks,

trademarks, or service marks of their respective owners.

Please consider the environment before printing this document.

Revision

number Date Revision

1 June 16, 2010 Add FCC 15.247 information to Appendix, and incorporate updates to specify

max gain for sBridge and eBridge.

Bridges Hardware Guide Silver Spring Networks 3

Contents

1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

The eBridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

The sBridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Audience. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Silver Spring Networks Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Customer Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2. Deploying Silver Spring Networks Bridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Installing Bridges in the Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Types of Bridge Deployments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Deployment Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Supported Network Topologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Master/Remote Topology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Centralized and Decentralized Master/Remote Deployments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Teaming Topology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Supported Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Serial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Deployment Mode Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Mixed IPv4 Sample Deployment (Master eBridge only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Serial Master/Serial Remote IPv6 Sample Deployment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

IPv6 Addressing in the RF Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Ethernet Teaming Sample Deployment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

A. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

eBridge and sBridge Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Silver Spring Networks eBridge Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Silver Spring Networks sBridge Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Regulatory Compliance - Module Certifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

FCC Certification (Radiated/Conducted Emissions Compliance FCC Part 15.247) . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Industry Canada Certification (Radiated/Conducted Emissions Compliance RSS-210) . . . . . . . . . 24

C-Tick Level 3 (Radiated/Conducted Emissions Compliance AS/NZS4268, AS/NZS4778) . . . . . . 25

Silver Spring Networks NIC, FCC IDs:

OWS-NIC515 IC: 5975A-NIC515 (sBridge)

OWS-NIC506, IC:5875A-NIC506 (eBridge) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Bridges Hardware Guide Silver Spring Networks 4

1 Introduction

1Introduction

Silver Spring Networks’ Distribution Automation (DA) network is designed to help electrical

utilities manage field devices such as reclosers, capacitor banks, voltage regulators, and

transformers, through more efficient two-way communication. The utilities’ primary tools for

monitoring power distribution systems are called Remote Terminal Units (RTUs).

Utilities use Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) centers to remotely control

substation and distribution equipment through these RTUs. Unfortunately, many RTUs don’t

communicate effectively to SCADA management systems, making fault detection and field

response difficult. The DA network is designed to address this problem, by building a

comprehensive fault-tolerant wireless IP network for two-way communications with distribution

RTUs.

The devices used to improve communications between the utility’s SCADA central office and its

RTUs are the Silver Spring Networks eBridge® and the Silver Spring Networks sBridge®. Each

are separate bridge types that differ based on their provided types of port connectors.

Note: In this document, whenever applicable, the eBridge and sBridge will be referred to generically

as “bridges.”

Silver Spring Networks bridges are devices that provide a network for reliable and secure IP-

based two-way communications between RTUs and the SCADA system. Faster communication

with RTUs helps create a smarter, more reliable electrical grid.

The eBridge

The eBridge provides the following interfaces:

•One (1) 100Base-T RJ-45 Ethernet interface.

•One (1) DB-9 nine-pin serial interface.

•One (1) 900 MHz RF wireless interface.

The Ethernet port on the eBridge often connects to the network leading to the back office or the

electrical substation SCADA system. A remote eBridge can use its Ethernet port to connect to one

Bridges Hardware Guide Silver Spring Networks 5

1 Introduction

or more RTUs. The RF interface connects all bridges together in a routable RF wireless network

for DA communications. A serial port can also be used for RTU connections.

The sBridge

Note: sBridges can be used for meter connectivity and for DA RTU connectivity.The application

described in this guide is for DA connectivity. sBridges are not designed for use as a master bridge.

The Silver Spring Networks sBridge provides similar functionality to the eBridge, with the

primary difference being support for two serial interfaces as shown in Figure 2. Serial port 1 is

designated as a remote communication port, passing raw serial traffic, for central offices to

diagnose, monitor and remotely configure the device. Serial port 2 connects to an RTU and

passes DNP3/IP traffic. Either port can be set to function in either mode. As with the eBridge, an

RF interface connects the sBridges to the RF network.

Figure 1. Front and back view of the eBridge

Figure 2. Front and rear view of the sBridge

Serial port USB Ethernet Power

SMA female RF conn.

GPIO

Front Back

Serial Port 1

Serial Port 2

Power

SMA female RF

connector

Bridges Hardware Guide Silver Spring Networks 6

1 Introduction

Figure 3 shows an example of an RTU, which provides an Ethernet port, two serial ports and

terminals for the electrical equipment to which it connects.

Note: For more information about network deployments of the eBridge and sBridge, refer to Chapter 2,

Deploying Silver Spring Networks Bridges on page 8. For instructions on how to configure eBridges and

sBridges, refer to the Bridge Configurator 2.0 User’s Guide.

Audience

This guide is intended for networking and IT professionals and system administrators who

perform one or more of the following tasks:

•Management of distribution electrical equipment

•Network Management

•Support information technology

•Install, monitor and troubleshoot devices

Silver Spring Networks Documentation

Silver Spring Networks provides the following documents:

•Bridges Hardware Guide (this document)

•Bridge Configurator 2.0 User’s Guide (software for configuring bridges)

•DA NEM 1.0 User’s Guide

Other documents may be available from the Silver Spring Networks web site:

www.silverspringnet.com

Figure 3. An RTU

Bridges Hardware Guide Silver Spring Networks 7

1 Introduction

Customer Support

Silver Spring Networks offers expert technical support and guaranteed response times.

Table 1. Support Information

Country Email Telephone Hours

Australia aus-support@silverspringnet.com +03 9607 8521 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Canada support@silverspringnet.com Toll free:

1-888-SSN-9876

(1-888-776-9876)

6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

US Pacific TimeUnited States

Worldwide +1-650-298-4298

Bridges Hardware Guide Silver Spring Networks 8

2 Deploying Silver Spring Networks Bridges

2Deploying Silver Spring Networks

Bridges

Essential to the complete creation of a DA network are the Silver Spring primary devices: the

eBridge and the sBridge. The DA network is designed to help utilities effectively communicate

with field-installed remote terminal units (RTUs) and power system device controllers in the

electrical distribution network.

This chapter introduces the use of Silver Spring Networks eBridges and sBridges to create and

support the Distribution Automation (DA) network, in the following topics:

•Installing Bridges in the Network on page 8

•Deployment Considerations on page 10

•Deployment Mode Examples on page 14

Note: For complete information on configuring and deploying bridges, please see the Bridge

Configurator 2.0 User’s Guide.

Installing Bridges in the Network

Four basic steps are required to install eBridges and sBridges for supporting Distribution

devices:

1. Physical Installation: bridges are not weather-hardened. They must be installed indoors

or inside a weather-hardened enclosure, normally in the same enclosure as the RTU or device

controller. Four mounting holes are located on the bottom edges of the bridge chassis.

2. Bridge Powerup: preferably, along with a battery backup.

3. RF Antenna Attachment: bridges may be connected with different antennas depending on

the application. All antennas connect to the SMA female RF connector on the back of all

bridges. Keep the following considerations in mind when attaching the proper antenna for

the current device:

CAUTION: With the sBridge, using an antenna with greater than 3dBi gain is not

allowed. Up to 6dBi is allowable with the eBridge.

a. The recommended antennas for use in outdoor environments are listed in Table 2, below.

b. An N-Female to SMA-male adapter is required for antenna cable connection to the SMA

connector on the back of the bridge.

c. Because the SMA connector is so small, physical stress may result when connecting a

heavy coaxial transmission cable to the back of the eBridge or sBridge during installation.

Use a pigtail on the SMA connector to support the weight of a heavy transmission line to

the bridge.

Bridges Hardware Guide Silver Spring Networks 9

2 Deploying Silver Spring Networks Bridges

4. Interface Connections: Connect the required interface cables between the bridge and the

RTU.

Bridges can also connect to voltage, capacitor, tap changer and VAR management controllers,

which usually provide their own serial and Ethernet ports. The eBridge or sBridge must be

installed in the same enclosure as the controller.

Types of Bridge Deployments

RTUs are key components of the electrical system that act as collection points for sensor data and

issue simple commands to control relays, regulators and other electrical system distribution

devices. After installation, the bridges bring the RTUs into a new Distribution Automation (DA)

network. Figure 4 shows a highly simplified example.

Table 2. Available antennas for Silver Spring Network bridges

SSN Antenna Part # Description

315-00012 Rev. 5 JPole antenna

315-000002 Rev. A sBridge: Rubber Duck, 3dBI maximum gain, SMA Female, Antenna

eBridge: Rubber Duck, 6dBI maximum gain, SMA Female, Antenna

Figure 4. Example of a Master/Remote bridge deployment

Bridges Hardware Guide Silver Spring Networks 10

2 Deploying Silver Spring Networks Bridges

Deployment Considerations

Before deploying bridges, allow for the following deployment considerations:

•Network topology

•Interfaces and protocols

•Deployment modes

Table 3 summarizes bridge deployment choices in the network.

Note: The sBridge operates only as a Remote or in teaming mode. sBridges do not operate as a

Master.

Table 3. Bridge Deployment Topologies and Modes

Deployment

Considerations Description

Network topology Bridges can be deployed in the following network topologies:

•Master/Remote (with a centralized Master or decentralized Masters)

•Teaming

•Combination of Master/Remote and Teaming

For more information about DA network topology, refer to Supported Network

Topologies on page 11.

Interfaces and

protocols

The eBridge supports the following interfaces and protocols:

•Ethernet using IPv4

•Serial using IPv4 or IPv6

For more information on this topic, refer to Supported Interfaces on page 13.

The sBridge supports the following interfaces:

•Serial using IPv4 or IPv6

All bridges operate RF interfaces in a wireless network, running IPv6 by default.

Deployment modes The eBridge supports the following deployment modes:

•Mixed IPv4 (Ethernet Master/Serial Remote)

•Mixed IPv6 (Ethernet Master/Serial Remote)

•Ethernet Master/Ethernet Remote

•Ethernet Master/Serial and Ethernet Remotes

•Serial Master/Serial Remote

•Ethernet Teaming and Serial Teaming

The sBridge supports the following deployments:

•Serial Remote

•Serial Teaming

Bridges Hardware Guide Silver Spring Networks 11

2 Deploying Silver Spring Networks Bridges

Supported Network Topologies

To accommodate placements of existing RTUs in the field, bridge units can be deployed in the

following network topologies:

•Master/Remote Topology

•Teaming Topology on page 13

•A combination of Master/Remote and Teaming Topology

In the Master/Remote topology, a master bridge connects to the SCADA (Supervisory Control

And Data Acquisition) master. The master bridge communicates over RF to remote bridges that

connect in turn to RTUs.

Master/Remote Topology

In the Master/Remote topology, an eBridge master residing at the substation communicates with

a larger set of remote bridges in the field.

Note: Master and Remote bridges are configured as Masters and Remotes at the manufacturing

facility. The first device to be deployed in the DA network is the master device, which can act as the

takeout point for DA management traffic bound for the CO. The master bridge may also connect to an

Access Point, that itself acts as the takeout point for the DA network. In our examples for this chapter,

an Access Point is not shown.

To deploy bridges in a Master/Remote topology:

•At a substation, connect the master bridge to the local SCADA master.

•In the field, connect an eBridge or sBridge Remote to the RTU.

When the SCADA master sends a message to the RTU, it passes through the master bridge,

which sends it on to the remote bridge in the field, wirelessly via RF. The remote, in turn,

passes the message to the RTU. In an extremely simplified manner, this system represents

Bridges Hardware Guide Silver Spring Networks 12

2 Deploying Silver Spring Networks Bridges

the DA (Distribution Automation) network, as indicated in Figure 5. Here, the pre-existing

electrical distribution grid is overlaid with the bridge-based DA network deployment.

Relays are used to extend the RF signal to greater distances and to extend the signal around

obstacles in the field.

Centralized and Decentralized Master/Remote Deployments

A Master/Remote deployment can be centralized or decentralized. In a centralized Master/

Remote deployment, the SCADA system resides at the back office and all data is drawn back to

the central location. This resembles the classic “star” network.

Figure 5. Master/Remote Example

Figure 6. Example of a Centralized Master/Remote Deployment

Bridges Hardware Guide Silver Spring Networks 13

2 Deploying Silver Spring Networks Bridges

In a decentralized Master/Remote deployment, multiple SCADA systems exist (for example,

substations in different locations) and data is drawn back to multiple points. Larger DA networks

will roughly follow this model.

Teaming Topology

In the Teaming topology, a small set of bridges send each other messages to accomplish specific

tasks. There can be up to ten members in a team and an unlimited number of teams. In Teaming,

bridges communicate with each other, maintaining all routes to all members of the team.

Teaming is useful when dealing with devices such as reclosers that need to communicate with

each other to accomplish group switching and fault isolation. These devices require a Teaming

topology because it supports routing tables to all possible combinations of paths.

Refer to Figure 10 for an illustration of a Teaming topology.

Supported Interfaces

Connect bridges to a SCADA network and/or RTUs through either of the following interfaces:

•Ethernet

•Serial

Ethernet

eBridge only: In Ethernet mode, the eBridge connects to an RTU through an Ethernet

interface. Because all communication between bridges over the Silver Spring Networks RF

network always uses IP, the end point of the network is the RTU. When an eBridge uses Ethernet

to communicate with an RTU, it operates like a router and does not require DNP information.

When a packet comes across the RF network, the bridge makes a routing decision to send the

packet to the destination IP address (an RTU).

On master bridges, Ethernet is used to communicate with the SCADA network.

Figure 7. Example of a Decentralized Master/Remote Deployment

Bridges Hardware Guide Silver Spring Networks 14

2 Deploying Silver Spring Networks Bridges

Serial

In serial mode, the remote or teaming bridge connects to an RTU through a serial interface.

Because serial RTUs have DNP addresses, the end point of the IP network is the bridge device.

Note: The Silver Spring Networks sBridge provides two DB-9 serial interfaces. (The eBridge provides

a single DB-9 serial port.) On the sBridge, one port is dedicated to DNP3 traffic for the RTU (Serial Port

2) and the second serial port (Serial Port 1) passes raw serial traffic regardless of protocol, operating

as a terminal communication port for remote troubleshooting and control. Either port can function with

either setting; use the Bridge Configurator software to configure the ports.

When the remote or teaming bridge receives a packet, it removes the IP header and forwards the

DNP3 payload serially to the RTU device.

During network configuration, a DNP3-to-IP mapping table is created by the Bridge Configurator

software; this mapping table is stored on the master bridge. When the master bridge receives a

DNP3 packet from the SCADA system, it uses that table to look up the destination IP address,

encapsulates the DNP3 packet into an IP header and sends it to the destination bridge, where it is

de-encapsulated back into DNP3 and forwarded over the serial port to the destination RTU.

The RTUs communicate with the master bridge using the master bridge’s IP address. The

eBridge and sBridge support both IPv4 and IPv6 in serial mode.

Deployment Mode Examples

This section provides the following deployment mode examples:

•Mixed IPv4 Sample Deployment (Master eBridge only) below

•Serial Master/Serial Remote IPv6 Sample Deployment on page 15

•Ethernet Teaming Sample Deployment on page 16

Mixed IPv4 Sample Deployment (Master eBridge only)

In Mixed deployments, the master bridge connects to the SCADA master through its Ethernet

interface, while its associated remote bridges connect to RTUs, in this case voltage regulators

shown in Figure 8, through serial ports. The master bridge acts as a router, routing packets

between its Ethernet and RF interfaces, and does not perform DNP encapsulation. The remotes

encapsulate DNP messages coming from the voltage regulators into IP messages, and pass them

on to the master bridge. The remote bridges also de-encapsulate incoming IP messages from the

Bridges Hardware Guide Silver Spring Networks 15

2 Deploying Silver Spring Networks Bridges

master bridge into DNP messages, and pass them on to the RTU. The remote bridges require the

DNP address of the RTU to which they are serially connected.

Serial Master/Serial Remote IPv6 Sample Deployment

In Serial Master/Serial Remote deployments, no Ethernet/IP network appears at the master

bridge location. The master connects to the SCADA network using DNP3 over serial. In this case,

the master requires the DNP address from both the SCADA system and from the voltage

regulators. The master bridge performs DNP encapsulation and de-encapsulation from its serial

interface to IP over the RF network. The master requires the DNP3 address of the voltage

regulators because it routes to the remote bridges using IPv6 addresses across the RF network.

Figure 8. Example of a Mixed IPv4 Deployment

Figure 9. Example of a Serial Master/Serial Remote IPv6 Deployment Mode

Bridges Hardware Guide Silver Spring Networks 16

2 Deploying Silver Spring Networks Bridges

The Bridge Configurator program provides the settings to associate the DNP3-based RTU

address with each Remote bridge.

IPv6 Addressing in the RF Network

When a device registers with a subnet, the master bridge assigns it an IPv6 prefix, which the

device appends to its MAC address to create a globally unique IPv6 unicast address, formatted

according to the IEEE EUI-64 standard.

All Silver Spring IPv6 network addresses contain the prefix 2001:1868:209::/48 (defined at

the manufacturing facility, this value cannot be changed) with a 16-bit reserved subnet value

(0xfffd) and the MAC address of the device.

For example:

2001:1868:209:fffd::/64+MAC Address

When the master sends a message to one of the RTUs, it contains the IPv6 prefix plus the MAC

address of the eBridge master.

For example, given an original Ethernet MAC address for an eBridge master:

00-0C-F1-56-98-AD

Each Silver Spring Networks bridge provides a sticker on the rear of the case showing the 64-bit

MAC address of the device. This value is the EUI-64 value, containing the inserted 0xfffd value

to extend the original 48-bit MAC to a 64-bit MAC address.

00:0C:F1:

:56:98:AD

When operating in the RF network in IPv6, the bridge recalculates the MAC to the bridge’s IPv6

unicast address by complementing the high-order byte of the EUI-64 MAC address and

appending it to the prefix.

2001:1868:209:fffd:

0C:F1FF:FE56:98AD

When the remote bridge sends a message back to the master eBridge, the message must contain

that same prefix and IPv6 unicast address in its packet header. This value also appears in

diagnostics and logs, in the Bridge Configurator software, as a true IPv6 unicast address.

Note: Each sBridge and eBridge provides the device’s unique IEEE EUI-64 MAC address in a sticker

on the back of the bridge chassis. In this case, the high-order byte is not complemented, remaining as

0x00, as it is the 64-bit MAC hardware address of the device.

Ethernet Teaming Sample Deployment

In Ethernet teaming, a group of bridges send each other messages to accomplish specific tasks

with reclosers. In a traditional DA communications network, all devices communicate with one

or more SCADA masters. Individual DA devices, such as capacitor banks or reclosers, do not

communicate with each other.

However, new types of reclosers can communicate with their neighbor reclosers to effect a

coordinated switching action in the event of an electrical fault. This helps rapidly isolate the

electrical fault and reduce the duration of the electrical outage. For reclosers to communicate

with each other, Teaming mode is required. Teaming mode forces each member of a team to

Bridges Hardware Guide Silver Spring Networks 17

2 Deploying Silver Spring Networks Bridges

determine the routing paths to all other members of the team. Figure 10 shows the path of

various messages between the teaming members.

All team members exist on the same subnet. An eBridge or Access Point acts as the master for the

teaming network.

Note: For more information on configurations and bridge deployment modes, see the Bridge

Configurator 2.0 User’s Guide.

Figure 10. Example of an Ethernet Teaming Deployment Mode

1. The recloser IPx2 sends an

“Open” message to the

192.168.0.4

Ethernet Ethernet

Ethernet

192.168.0.5 192.168.0.6

192.168.0.7

192.168.0.8 192.168.0.9

3. This bridge receives the

“Open” message from IPx1

and sends it, through Ethernet,

2. Bridge IPx1 sends

the packet to

eBridge IPy1 over RF.

Substation

recloser at IPy2 through

the predetermined path. to the recloser at IPy2.

Bridges Hardware Guide Silver Spring Networks 18

A Specifications

ASpecifications

Specifications are provided in the following topics:

•Overview

•eBridge and sBridge Features

•Silver Spring Networks eBridge Specifications on page 19

•Silver Spring Networks sBridge Specifications on page 22

•Regulatory Compliance - Module Certifications on page 24

Overview

The eBridge and sBridge are Commercial and Industrial SCADA products that are attached to the

Silver Spring Networks Smart Energy Networks. Their primary function is remote control of local

devices such as capacitor banks, instrument transformers and reclosers to utilize the Smart Grid

network. The eBridge can also be used as a network bridge into the Smart Grid network. The

Silver Spring Networks’ RF network uses multi-protocol, multi-priority mesh routing for the

smart grid distinguished by the following features:

•Low-latency, high-priority, DA/SCADA applications supported at 10-15 hop/second

•High-capacity, normal-priority AMR applications transport 5-15 packets per second at the

eBridge or sBridge

eBridge and sBridge Features

•Built on a scalable platform that is easily integrated it into the existing network

•Supports industry standard protocols; DNP3.0 and TCP/IP

•Integrates with capacitor bank controllers, circuit reclosers, and other devices through built-

in serial and Ethernet interfaces, supporting IPv6 and 256-bit encryption

•Integrates with all Silver Spring Networks solutions and products

•Small size and easy replacement

•Two-way frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) communications

•One-watt transmitter

•Dynamic IP-based network routing

•Time synchronization and management

•Continuous self-healing neighbor monitoring and route calculation

Bridges Hardware Guide Silver Spring Networks 19

A Specifications

Silver Spring Networks eBridge Specifications

This section contains the following tables to provide eBridge specifications:

•eBridge Communications Specifications •eBridge Approvals

•eBridge Environmental Specifications •eBridge Protocols/Security

•eBridge Interfaces •eBridge DB-9 Interface Definition

•eBridge Isolated Input/Output •eBridge RJ-45 Hub Interface Definition

•eBridge Power Consumption

Table 4. eBridge Communications Specifications

Data Rate 100 kbps

Frequency1

1.Frequency range adjusted to meet country-specific requirements.

902-928 MHz

Spread Spectrum Technology FHSS (Frequency Hopping)

Transmitter Output 30 dBm

Channels2

2.Channels are adjusted to meet country-specific requirements. Australia limited to 43 channels

on frequency range 915-928 MHz.

Output Impedance 50 ohms

Receiver Sensitivity -102 dBm for 10-3 PER

Modulation Binary FSK

UtilOS 1.6 or later

Antenna Connector SMA, Female

Antenna See Table 2 on page 9:

sBridge max 3dBi gain, eBridge max 6dBi gain

Serial RS-232, DB9, Female

Serial Data Rates 2400 bps to 115K bps

USB Mini-USB v2.0 Client

Ethernet RJ45

LED Network (Transmit, Idle, Receive, Error)

Table 5. eBridge Environmental Specifications

Operating Temperature -40°C to +85°C (-40°F to +158°F)

Humidity 0% to 95%, non-condensing

Size 15 cm (6") L x 14 cm (5.5") W x 4.2 cm (1.75") H"

Weight 425 g (15 oz.)

Enclosure IP50, blue, aluminum

Power DC 10-60 120 to 277 VAC. 50 to 60 Hz

POE 802.3af (class 2)

Bridges Hardware Guide Silver Spring Networks 20

A Specifications

Table 6. eBridge Interfaces

RS-232 DB-9 Serial, DCE device, RS-232 levels

Ethernet RJ-45, 10-100BaseT Hub, 36-57 VDC PoE input

Mini-USB USB Serial device

DC Voltage Input 10-30VDC DC Input

Table 7. eBridge Isolated Input/Output

Pin# Signal Direction Description Current

1 Input Input Isolated Output 1 mA (min) 2 mA (max)

2 Output Output Isolated Input 1 mA (min) 2.3 mA (max)

3 GND –Signal Ground (Common) –

An isolated input and an isolated output are located at P2.

Table 8. eBridge Power Consumption

Nominal - Idle 0.88 W

Nominal - TX 5 W

Max 7 W

Table 9. eBridge Approvals

FCC Part 15.247

Industry Canada RSS-210

Table 10. eBridge Protocols/Security

Addressing Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6)

Security Secure Hash Algorithm 256 bit (SHA-256)

RSA-1024 and / or ECC-256

Encryption 256 bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES-256)

Serial Encapsulation over IPv6 (tunneling) for asynchronous

serial (DNP3)

Bridges Hardware Guide Silver Spring Networks 21

A Specifications

All RS-232 receptacles are standard DB-9 receptacle DCE pinout.

Table 11. eBridge DB-9 Interface Definition

Pin# Signal Direction Description

1 DCD Output Data Carrier Detect

2 TXD Output Transmit Data

3 RXD Input Receive Data

4 DTR Input Data Terminal Ready

5 GND -- Signal Ground

6 DSR Output Data Set Ready

7 RTS Input Request To Send

8 CTS Output Clear To Send

9 RI Output Ring Indicator

Table 12. eBridge RJ-45 Hub Interface Definition

Pin # Signal Direction Description

1 RX+ (+V1) Input Receive Data + (+ Voltage Supply type 1)

2 RX- (+V1) Input Receive Data - (+ Voltage Supply type 1)

3 TX+ (-V1) Output Transmit Data + (- Voltage Supply type 1)

4 No Connect (+V2) –(+ Voltage Supply type 2)

5 No Connect (+V2) –(+ Voltage Supply type 2)

6 TX- (-V1) Output Transmit Data - (- Voltage Supply type 1)

7 No Connect (-V2) –(+ Voltage Supply type 2)

8 No Connect (-V2) –(+ Voltage Supply type 2)

Bridges Hardware Guide Silver Spring Networks 22

A Specifications

Silver Spring Networks sBridge Specifications

This section contains the following tables to provide sBridge specifications:

•sBridge NAN Transceiver •sBridge Environmental

•sBridge NAN Network •sBridge DB-9 Interface Definition

•sBridge Processing •sBridge DC Power Input

•sBridge Physical •sBridge Physical

•sBridge Interfaces

Table 13. sBridge NAN Transceiver

Frequency1

1.Frequency range adjusted to meet country-specific requirements.

902-928 MHz

Spread Spectrum Technology FHSS (Frequency Hopping)

Transmitter Output 30 dBm

Channels2

2.Channels are adjusted to meet country-specific requirements. Australia limited to 43 channels

on frequency range 915-928 MHz.

Receiver Sensitivity -98 dBm for 10-3 PER

Power, transmit 5.2 W nominal

Table 14. sBridge NAN Network

Addressing 8 byte MAC Address

Protocol UDP/IPv6

Image Security Secure bootloader

Payload Confidentiality AES-256 Encryption

Authentication ECDH and RSA Signatures

Table 15. sBridge Processing

Processor ARM7

Clock Speed 19.2 MHz

RAM 4 MB

Flash 4 MB/8 MB

Table 16. sBridge Physical

Size 4.50” (w) x 2.48” (l) x 0.7’ (d)

Weight

Power, idle 0.88 W nominal

Power, Max 7.0 W max

Bridges Hardware Guide Silver Spring Networks 23

A Specifications

All RS-232 receptacles are standard DB-9 receptacle DCE pinout.

Table 17. sBridge Interfaces

RS-232 DB-9 Serial, DCE device, RS-232 levels

DC Voltage Input 10-30VDC DC Input

Table 18. sBridge Environmental

Temperature, operating -40°C to +85°

Humidity 95%, non-condensing

Table 19. sBridge DB-9 Interface Definition

Pin# Signal Direction Description

1 DCD Output Data Carrier Detect

2 TXD Output Transmit Data

3 RXD Input Receive Data

4 DTR Input Data Terminal Ready

5 GND -- Signal Ground

6 DSR Output Data Set Ready

7 RTS Input Request To Send

8 CTS Output Clear To Send

9 RI Output Ring Indicator

Table 20. sBridge DC Power Input

Pin # Signal Direction Input definition

1 GND -- Signal Ground

2 +Voltage Input Voltage supply

Bridges Hardware Guide Silver Spring Networks 24

A Specifications

Regulatory Compliance - Module Certifications

This section contains the following regulatory compliance information:

•FCC Certification (Radiated/Conducted Emissions Compliance FCC Part 15.247)

•Industry Canada Certification (Radiated/Conducted Emissions Compliance RSS-210)

•C-Tick Level 3 (Radiated/Conducted Emissions Compliance AS/NZS4268, AS/NZS4778)

•Silver Spring Networks NIC, FCC IDs: OWS-NIC515 IC: 5975A-NIC515 (sBridge) OWS-

NIC506, IC:5875A-NIC506 (eBridge)

FCC Certification (Radiated/Conducted Emissions Compliance FCC Part

15.247)

The sBridge is compliant to FCC regulations for radiated and conducted emissions. The sBridge

uses a 1W, 900 MHz, FHSS radio.

15.247(a)(1)

The system shall hop to channel frequencies that are selected at the system hopping rate from a

pseudo randomly ordered list of hopping frequencies. Each frequency must be used equally on

the average by each transmitter. The system receivers shall have input bandwidths that match the

hopping channel bandwidths of their corresponding transmitters and shall shift frequencies in

synchronization with the transmitted signals.

15.247(g)

Frequency hopping spread spectrum systems are not required to employ all available hopping

channels during each transmission. However, the system, consisting of both the transmitter and

the receiver, must be designed to comply with all of the regulations in this section should the

transmitter be presented with a continuous data (or information) stream. In addition, a system

employing short transmission bursts must comply with the definition of a frequency hopping

system and must distribute its transmissions over the minimum number of hopping channels

specified in this section.

15.247(h)

The incorporation of intelligence within a frequency hopping spread spectrum system that

permits the system to recognize other users within the spectrum band so that it individually and

independently chooses and adapts its hopsets to avoid hopping on occupied channels is

permitted. The coordination of frequency hopping systems in any other manner for the express

purpose of avoiding the simultaneous occupancy of individual hopping frequencies by multiple

transmitters is not permitted.

Industry Canada Certification (Radiated/Conducted Emissions

Compliance RSS-210)

The sBridge is compliant to ICC regulations for radiated and conducted emissions. The sBridge

uses a 1W, 900 MHz, FHSS radio.

Bridges Hardware Guide Silver Spring Networks 25

A Specifications

This device has been designed to operate with the antennas listed below, and having a maximum

gain of 3 dBi (sBridge) and 6 dBi (eBridge). Antennas not included in this list or having a gain

greater than 3 dBi (sBridge) or 6 dB (eBridge), are strictly prohibited for use with this device. The

required antenna impedance is 50 ohms.

C-Tick Level 3 (Radiated/Conducted Emissions Compliance AS/NZS4268,

AS/NZS4778)

The NIC is compliant to C-tick testing for radiated and conducted emissions in compliance with

Australian Communications Authority (ACA) adopted standards from CISPR, CENELC, and IEC.

The sBridge uses a 1W EIRP, 900 MHz, FHSS radio.

The C-Tick EIRP mark is filed under number N1571 for Silver Spring Networks.

Silver Spring Networks NIC, FCC IDs:

OWS-NIC515 IC: 5975A-NIC515 (sBridge)

OWS-NIC506, IC:5875A-NIC506 (eBridge)

The NIC515 must be professionally installed by a properly trained technician. Improper

installation could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

The device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two

conditions:

1. The device may not cause harmful interference.

2. The device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause

undesired operation.

Antenna

The antenna of this transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any

other antenna or transmitter.

The device should be installed so that people will not come within 20 cm (8 in.) of the antenna.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. This

equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used

in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this

equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be

determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the

interference by one or more of the following measures:

Table 21. Available antennas for Silver Spring Network bridges

SSN Antenna Part # Description

315-00012 Rev. 5 JPole antenna

315-000002 Rev. A sBridge: Rubber Duck, 3dBI maximum gain, SMA Female, Antenna

eBridge: Rubber Duck, 6dBI maximum gain, SMA Female, Antenna

Bridges Hardware Guide Silver Spring Networks 26

A Specifications

•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver

disconnected.

•Consult the dealer or an experienced Radio/TV technician for help.

CAUTION: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Silver Spring Networks

could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Bridges Hardware Guide Silver Spring Networks 27

Glossary

Access Point (AP) An Access Point is a router that

performs the function of communicating over both a

Wide Area Network (WAN) and the Neighborhood

Area Network (NAN). See also primary Access

Point.

alternate Access Point See secondary Access

Point.

AMR (Automated Meter Reading) A form of ad-

vanced metering that uses communications devic-

es to send data from the meter to the utility. This

includes simple energy consumption data to outage

detection and over-the-air meter programming.

ANSI American National Standards Institute. A stan-

dards organization that administers the standard-

ization and conformity assessment system used in

the U.S. and around the world. When ANSI adopts

a standard, it disseminates a code to identify the

standard. For example, ANSI Standard C12.19.

asynchronous In networking communications, an

asynchronous signal occurs without a correspond-

ing request for that signal. A last gasp from a meter

is an example of an asynchronous signal.

attenuation The decrease in amplitude of a signal

during its transmission from one point to another.

backbone device Normally a poletop device such as

an Access Point or a Relay. In some cases, a meter

that acts as a relay can be designated as a back-

bone device. In some cases, a Relay may not be a

backbone device. All backbone devices are includ-

ed in the backbone ping schedule.

backhaul To transmit data to a point from which it can

be sent over a network (hauled back) to the data

center.

bandwidth The amount of data transmitted in a given

amount of time, usually measured in bits per sec-

ond, kilobits per second, or megabits per second.

C&I (Commercial & Industrial) The reference to

commercial and industrial energy and water cus-

tomers.

capacitor bank Used to improve electric power sys-

tem efficiency and to aid in transmission voltage

stability during disturbances.Two varieties exist:

distribution capacitor banks and substation capaci-

tor banks. An example of an RTU device.

CDMA Code-Division Multiple Access. A digital wire-

less technology that uses spread spectrum technol-

ogy to send its signals over a wider bandwidth than

the original signal.

child A meter that is associated with a Relay is a child

of that Relay. Similarly, a Relay is a child of the Ac-

cess Point to which it is associated. A meter can

also be a child of another meter. In this case, the

parent meter is acting as a Relay.

churn Refers to endpoint devices recalculating the

egress route to their preferred Access Point on a

frequent basis. This is a sign of network instability

because an endpoint’s IP address may become

stale, resulting in missed reads.

crumb A single node in a series of hops comprising a

source-routed path. As a source-routed path is de-

fined by the Master bridge or an Access Point, each

hop in the dedicated downstream path is termed a

‘crumb’ as in a trail of ‘bread crumbs.’

Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) Customer

Premise Equipment is all telecommunications ter-

minal equipment located on the customer premis-

es, such as a cable modem, router, or access point.

DA-NEM Distribution Automation-Network Element

Manager. A software application that allows users

to manage the devices comprising a DA network.

See also energy and time of use.

device Access Point, Relay, or meter. Meters can be

electric, gas, or water. See also IMU.

dissimilar neighbor A neighbor device that, be-

cause of its dissimilarity, maximizes the odds of re-

ceiving a last gasp from another device.

distance vector One of the two major classes of

routing protocols, distance vector routing requires

that a router periodically inform its immediate neigh-

bors of any changes in its topology. A distance vec-

tor means that routes are advertised as a vector

comprising several characteristics, including next

hop address, egress interface, and metrics such as

hop count. routers using such a protocol do not

have knowledge of the entire path to a destination

unless that destination is directly connected to

them. Routing in the Silver Spring system uses a

distance vector protocol on Layer 2.

distributed generation A distributed generation sys-

tem involves small amounts of generation or pieces

of generation equipment applied to a utility’s distri-

bution system for the purpose of meeting local peak

loads and/or displacing the need to build additional

infrastructure. Distributed generation may be in the

form of gas or propane generators, fuel cells, or so-

lar.

distribution automation (DA) The computerized or

intelligent control of the electrical power grid down

to the distribution level. In recent years, DA has be-

come nearly synonymous with SCADA.

distribution power A packaged power unit located

at the point of demand. While the technology is still

evolving, examples include fuel cells and photovol-

taic cells.

DNS Domain Name System. An Internet service that

translates alphanumeric domain names into numer-

ic IP addresses. For example, the alphanumeric do-

main www.silverspringnet.com translated

to its IP address through DNS is 64.207.187.4.

downstream / upstream Refers to the relationship

between devices along the route. Downstream re-

fers to moving toward a meter. Upstream means

moving toward an Access Point. See also child and

parent.

eBridge A Silver Spring device that routes between

an RF interface, an ethernet port and a serial port.

Bridges Hardware Guide Silver Spring Networks 29

Glossary

endpoint Meters, distribution controls, cap bank

switches, and other specialized network devices.

Many endpoints are assigned to nodes. See also

node.

energized See set.

energy \The use of power over time, expressed in

kilowatt-hours (kWh). See also demand and time of

use.

ESN Electronic Serial Number. A unique identifier

embedded on every cellular phone device by the

manufacturer. The ESN is transmitted with each cell

phone call and is used to authenticate the phone

with the cellular service the phone is attempting to

use.

exception polling A proactive outage detection tech-

nique where pings are sent to devices to see if they

are still alive. Devices that do not respond may sig-

nify an outage.

export Meter read data, for a specific date and time,

contained in a XML and HHF (Hand Held Format)

files for integration with business systems.

FCI Faulted Circuit Indicator. A device that, if tripped,

indicates a failed utility condition such as a power

failure.

FHSS Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum. Origi-

nally developed during the Second World War to

avoid jamming, FHSS is a method of sending radio

signals over several frequency channels. Unlike

DSSS, FHSS switches between channels in a pat-

tern known to both sender and receiver, thereby

avoiding interference in any one channel.

filter Band-pass filter, used to minimize out-of-band

interference issues.

firmware A computer program embedded in a hard-

ware device. See also image.

fresnel zone Refers to the elliptically shaped area

formed by RF waves between a transmitter and a

receiver.

FSU Field Service Unit. A portable NIC from Silver

Spring used to install, test, and send commands to

other SSN devices, including eBridges and sBridg-

es.

ftp File Transfer Protocol. A protocol for transferring

files over any network that supports TCP/IP.

gap Refers to a gap in the usage data collected from

a meter. AMM automatically detects and fills such

gaps. See also end gap and unfillable gap.

gas day A specific time of day when a gas meter be-

gins its 24-hour day. For many utilities, the gas day

is 9:00 AM, but this is not always the case.

generation capacity The maximum output (MW)

that generating equipment can supply to system

load.

grid operator The entity that oversees the delivery

of electricity over the grid to the customer, while as-

suring consistently high levels of reliability, and pub-

lic and worker safety. The grid operator potentially

could be independent of the utilities and suppliers.

GWh Gigawatt-hours One billion watt-hours.

hash value A block of data represented as a string of

bits. See also program seal.

Hata model A path loss estimation model based on

empirical research of various mophologies such as

Urban Core, Dense Urban, and Suburban.

HHF Files Hand Held Format file. Contains meter in-

terval read data. See also export.

Home Area Network (HAN) A data communications

system contained within the home.

hop When data is transmitted across a network, the

packet hops from device to device. A hop is a point

along a network route between the Access Point

and the meter. Though technically not a device, a

hop is always associated with a device, usually a

Relay or meter acting a a Relay. See also link and

route.

hosting location The physical location of an Access

Point or Relay.

IDR Interval Data Recorder. A solid-state electronic

device that measures consumption among high-us-

Bridges Hardware Guide Silver Spring Networks 30

Glossary

age commercial and industrial accounts. The data

collected is used by a utility to determine peak de-

mand times and adjust its distribution system ac-

cordingly.

IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers,

a prominent standards body for the electrical, tele-

communications, aerospace, and engineering in-

dustries.

IETF Internet Engineering Task Force, a prominent

standards body for the development and evolution

of the Internet networking architecture and the sta-

ble operation of the Internet.

image Firmware or software programming code that

can be copied to multiple programmable chips in

one or more devices, such as NICs or electricity

meters. See also firmware and code float.

IMU Interface Management Unit. A two-way radio in-

tegrated with gas and water meters that provides

consumption reads and can be remotely config-

ured.

in-band interferers Transmitters in the same ISM

band that are not part of Silver Spring’ transmitters.

info success rate The percentage of data packets

that succeed when a process sends a poll to a spe-

cific node and receives an acknowledgement. Cal-

culated by:

(successes / (successes +

failures)) * 100

instrument transformer A step-down transformer

for scaling down actual power system quantities for

metering, protective relaying and system monitor-

ing equipment. An example of an RTU device.

interferers See in-band interferers and out-of-band

interferers.

IPv6 Internet Protocol Version 6. A network layer

standard enables devices to communicate over a

packet-switched network.

ISM band Industrial, Scientific, and Medical band.

The 902-928 MHz band, an unlicensed frequency

band governed by FCC, Part 15.

job In AMM, a job is a running or scheduled process,

including but not limited to metering schedules, im-

ports, exports, and reports. In common usage, the

term schedule is reserved for jobs that read meters

over the network.

jobs interface The web services API used to run and

manage jobs.

joined A NIC and its meter are said to be joined when

they have been assembled, configured, tested, and

communicating together as designed. See also un-

joined.

kVA Kilo Volt Ampere.

kVAh Kilo Volt Ampere Hours.

kVAR Kilo Volt Ampere Reactive. A measure of reac-

tive energy usage. See also V, and Vrms.

kVAR lag The inductive reactance, or how much the

voltage lags the current, of the circuit.

kVAR lead The capacitive reactance, or how much

the voltage leads the current, of the circuit.

kVARh Kilo Volt Ampere Reactive Hours. A unit of en-

ergy equivalent to one kVAR of power expended for

one hour. See also V.

kW Kilowatt. A unit of power equal to 1000 watts.

kWh Kilowatt-hour. A unit of energy equivalent to one

kilowatt (1 kW) of power expended for one hour.

lag See kVAR lag.

LAN Local Area Network. Computers and other de-

vices that share a common wireless link within a

geographic area. See also NAN (Neighborhood

Area Network) and Wide Area Network.

last gasp An asynchronous message from an elec-

tricity meter that indicates the meter has lost power.

Also known as a power out message. Last gasps

can result when the loss-of-power pin becomes ac-

tive, when a number of zero crossing events are

missed, or when a transition from utility power to

battery power occurs. There is no guarantee that a

last gasp will be received by any other device in the

network. See also Verified Single No Current.

link A connection between devices in a network. See

also hop and route.

Bridges Hardware Guide Silver Spring Networks 31

Glossary

link quality The overall RF quality of a link between

a transmitter and receiver. Often expressed in terms

of message success rate and signal strength. See

MSR and RSSI.

link budget The total amount of RF power available

to establish a link between the transmitter and re-

ceiver, expressed mathematically:

PLinkBudget = PTx - PTxLoss +

PTxAntenna + PRxAntenna -PRxLoss -

PRxSensitivity

LOS Line of Sight. A direct path, free of clutter, be-

tween a transmitter and a receiver.

MAC Media Access Controller. A unique hardware

identifier for network equipment.

MLME Media access control (MAC) Sublayer Man-

agement Entity. An internal process handler for es-

tablishing L2 network adjacencies and routing in the

Silver Spring RF wireless mesh network.

MSR Message Success Rate. The percentage of

packets that are transmitted (by the Access Point)

and also acknowledged (by the meter). The MSR is

derived from successful packet transmission during

scheduled reads, On Demand reads, and segment

retries. MSR is a metric for packet transmission and

how well the Access Point can communicate with a

meter. See also BSR and RSR.

neighbor table A memory structure within each NIC

to store data about its neighboring NIC-enabled de-

vices.

net metering Net metering applies to energy custom-

ers, such as commercial and industrial users, who

both generate and purchase power. Utilities need to

meter the power generated by customers to deter-

mine the credit the customer should receive. A net

ing power received from the customer from the

power delivered to the customer.

network discovery When a new meter is first in-

stalled, it broadcasts a discovery message. The dis-

covery message is received by all NIC-enabled

devices in range, which in turn, forward the mes-

sage upstream through an Access Point to AMM.

node A network device. Examples include electricity

meters, Relays, and IMUs.

NIC Network Interface Card. Attached to electricity

meters and integrated with Water and Gas IMUs,

the NIC card provides two way radio communica-

tions across the network.

ODS Outage Detection System. An application from

Silver Spring that manages outage-related messag-

es from electricity meters, including last gasp and

power restore messages. Unlike an OMS, and ODS

does not include a work order management system.

OMS (OM) Outage Management System. A central-

ized system that manages the identification of all

outage events and the restoration of service in a

utility grid. An OMS system usually is tightly inte-

grated with a work order management system.

one-time schedule A schedule with a frequency of

one-time. See also schedule.

OSI Open Systems Interconnection. A standard refer-

ence model for how messages are transferred be-

tween any two points in a network. The OSI

reference model defines seven layers of function

that take place at each end of a communication. It

serves as a standard by which diverse applications

can communicate with one another.

over-the-air Wireless communications between de-

vices. Sometimes used to refer to the programming

of devices through wireless communications.

packets Packets consist of a header, which contains

data such as destination address, and a payload,

which contains application data such as interval

read results. See payload and ping.

packets in flight The number of simultaneous pack-

ets being transferred between a sender and a re-

ceiver. A packet in flight is one that the sender has

sent but the receiver has not yet acknowledged as

received.

parent A network device to which other devices are

registered.

Bridges Hardware Guide Silver Spring Networks 32

Glossary

path Refers to how cells, nodes, and endpoints are

connected together. For example, the path from cell

A to endpoint Z runs through node B. See also

route.

path loss Total amount of power lost in the propaga-

tion of the RF signal from the transmitter to the re-

ceiver.

payload The payload is that part of a packet that is

not the header. Payloads consist of application data

such as interval read results. In the case of an On

Demand ping, the user can set the payload size to

increase or decrease the size of the packet. In RF

networks, small packets can traverse the network

more successfully than larger packets. When per-

forming an On Demand ping, you can configure the

payload up to 255 bytes. See also packet and ping.

peak demand The maximum level of use by custom-

ers of a system during a specified period.

peaking capacity Capacity of generating equipment

normally reserved for operation during the hours of

highest daily, weekly, or seasonal loads.

peaking plant A power plant that normally operates

only during peak load periods.

percentile Similar to the meaning of median, the per-

centile is a value within a range of values at which

the percentage of the values lie at or below the ex-

pressed percentile. For example, 25% of the values

lie at or below the 25th percentile, which implies that

75% of the values lie at or above the 25th percen-

tile. Similarly, 75% of the values lie at or below the

75th percentile. The median can also be expressed

as the 50th percentile.

ping Packet InterNet Groper or Packet InterNet Go-

pher. A program to test the reachability of devices

on a network. The ping program sends a packet to

the named device and returns data indicating how

long, in milliseconds, the packet took to reach the

device and return (also known as round trip time).

See also On Demand, packet, reachable, and trac-

eroute.

port In networking, a port is used in conjunction with

a computer address and specifies a process run-

ning on the destination computer.

potential transformer A step-down transformer

used to scale down very high voltages to levels that

are safer for instrument operation. For example,

600:1 scale factors are not uncommon with poten-

tial transformers. A common device in substations.

power out message See last gasp.

preferred Access Point See primary Access Point.

primary Access Point The best performing, most re-

liable Access Point as determined by the endpoint

device. See also secondary Access Point.

protocol An agreed upon format for transmitting data

between two devices. Protocols have rules that

govern the syntax, semantics, and synchronization

of communication. Protocols may be implemented

by hardware, software, or a combination of both.

queue A list. In AMM, a list of meters associated with

a schedule is referred to as a queue. In general

computing, a queue can be a list of commands to

execute one by one. See also requeue.

rate structure The various rates charged by a utility

for its services.

RDBMS Relational Database Management System,

such as Oracle.

reactor High-voltage inductors used as a shunt to

regulate transmission voltage and to reduce fault

current in transmission lines. An example of an RTU

device.

read (meter read) The collection of usage data from

a meter. Collections of meter reads are referred to

as read data.

reachable The ability to send and receive data to and

from a meter. A reachable meter is usually read-

able. However, a meter may be reachable with

small packet sizes, but may not be readable with

the larger packet sizes necessary for a successful

read.

recloser Similar to a circuit breaker, a recloser is

equipped with a mechanism to automatically close

the breaker after it has opened due to a temporary

electrical fault. An example of an RTU device.

relay A device on a network used to extend the reach

of a network. Relays are typically placed high for

Bridges Hardware Guide Silver Spring Networks 33

Glossary

best line-of-sight to meters. Normally, several me-

ters are associated with each Relay and several

Relays are associated with an Access Point. Meters

can also act as a Relay. See also reachability.

remote CHAP password See CHAP.

remote provisioning See remote service manage-

ment.

remote telemetry units (RTUs) A broad category of

electrical distribution devices including different

types of transformers, capacitor banks, reclosers/

circuit breakers, and many other device types.

route The route from an Access Point to a Relay or a

bridge, or to one or more meters. Routes can be

network discovered, static, or temporary. In the con-

text of DA, a network discovered route is deter-

mined automatically by the takeout point (an

eBridge or Access Point) when a new remote bridge

is set and it broadcasts a discovery message

across the network. A static route is a user-defined

route saved and used for all subsequent communi-

cations. A user-defined static route overrides all

network discovered routes. When performing an On

Demand ping, a user can specify a one-time route

to a destination that is not saved or re-used.

RF Radio Frequency.

RSSI Received Signal Strength Indicator. A way to

measure the strength of a received radio signal.

run A schedule run consists of the initial attempt and

all retries of all meters associated with the sched-

ule, plus the initial attempt and all retries of re-

queued meters.

sBridge A Silver Spring device that routes between

an RF interface, and two serial ports.

SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data

Acquisition) A computer system that super-

vises and controls the electric utility distribution and

transmission system. In recent years, SCADA has

become nearly synonymous with distribution auto-

mation.

secondary Access Point The next best performing,

most reliable Access Point as determined by the

endpoint device. See also primary Access Point.

set A device is set once it is physically installed and

connected to electricity. Sometimes, this is referred

to as energized.

Smart Grid Refers to technologies that enable a

highly communicative, predictive, and self-healing

utility grid.

SOAP Simple Object Access Protocol. A protocol for

exchanging XML-based messages over a computer

network. SOAP provides a basic messaging frame-

work for web services.

source select Corresponds to a measurement chan-

nel configured on an electricity meter. Each channel

measures a particular source, such as energy deliv-

ered in dWh.

source route A TCP routing construct, normally

termed a ‘Loose Source route,’ in which a distant

node establishes the best possible path, hop by

hop, through a complex network to its destination..

sparse deployment A range-limited deployment

where relatively few endpoints operate at minimum

signal strength. See also dense deployment and

spot deployment.

spot deployment Deployments to read a small num-

ber of relatively contained endpoints, such as in an

office park. See also dense deployment and sparse

deployment.

spectral inspection A spectrum analyzer can be

used to determine potential sources for out-of-band

interference.

standard tables Tables in electricity meters that con-

form to ANSI Standard C12.19.

standby facility A facility that supports a utility sys-

tem and is generally running under no-load. It is

available to replace or supplement a facility normal-

ly in service.

standby service Support service that is available as

needed to supplement a consumer, a utility system,

or to another utility if a schedule or an agreement

authorizes the transaction. The service is not regu-

larly used.

states The states that apply to devices in a Silver

Spring Network are of three types: CIS device

states, network states, and operational states.

Bridges Hardware Guide Silver Spring Networks 34

Glossary

static route A user-defined route between Access

Points, Relays, and meters. When you define a stat-

ic route, it overrides all network discovered routes.

Itron NIC515 Radio Module User Manual

Silver Spring Networks Radio Module

User manual

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