Cisco, Itron partner for smart grid IP-based meter reading

SEPTEMBER 2, 2010 -- Itron Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI) and Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) have announced a strategic alliance to provide a Internet Protocol (IP)-based communications platform to the smart grid market. The two companies say they will collaborate to help transition smart metering technology into an open and interoperable, enterprise-class network for utilities.

Specifically, the two companies will aim to develop a standards-based, highly secure technology for full IPv6 implementation of field area communications to support smart metering, intelligent distribution automation, and interfaces to the customer premises. Such an approach will help ensure consistent and interoperable wired and wireless communications among the various components of the smart grid and enable utilities to scale to meet the demands of customers and highly distributed generation portfolios, the two companies assert.

Itron and Cisco will jointly develop a reference design that defines a standard for smart grid field area and smart metering network communications, using IPv6. Itron will license and embed Cisco IP technology within its OpenWay meters, as well as distribute Cisco networking equipment and software as part of its smart meter deployments. Itron will continue to provide the complete offering and maintain its customer relationships.

For a look at the role fiber optics might play in smart grids, see "Fiber and the smart grid."

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