Many power companies are adopting smart grid technologies, which integrate IoT and IIoT devices to enhance the monitoring and control of electricity distribution. For example, energy companies adopting smart grid technology have implemented advanced metering infrastructure and distribution automation systems that rely on cloud services and 5G networks to ensure real-time data analysis, improved grid reliability, and remote operation capabilities.

Renewable energy resources are often located in remote or extreme conditions. High-yielding wind and solar locations can be hot, cold, dusty, mountainous, or dry. Because of the portability of solar panels and wind turbines, solar and wind sites may be buildable but don’t necessarily have network connectivity. A site may be unconnected, or the connection may be unreliable. However, continuous operational data and controls are necessary to optimize energy production. The build-out of 5G cellular wireless technology, with its extended range and bandwidth, makes connections to remote sites a reality. With embedded 5G cellular wireless modems in a dual SIM or dual modem setup, the FortiGate Rugged appliances ensure failover and high availability capabilities to operational sites to optimize production.