Global Market for Ethernet Equipment in Substation Automation for Smart Grid 2009 -2013

A Smart Grid uses a two way digital control technology to increase its net metering system efficiency. It collects information from consumers, and helps in reducing costs and increase reliability and transparency. Ethernet is a Local Area Network (LAN) technology that connects computers and other computing devices placed in close proximity. Ethernet equipment comprise repeaters, hubs, bridges, switches, etc. These equipment are used in substations to increase interoperability between the Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) present in Substations.

Smart Grids are fully automated grids with communication capabilities that enable complete visibility of how electricity is being used by the end-user in real-time. It can provide foresight about when and where an outage is likely to take place; thus, increasing its reliability. Further, it enables the seamless addition of renewable sources of power like solar and wind.

All Substation Automation devices present in a Smart Grid need to have Ethernet connectivity. These devices should have compatible application layers which allows Ethernet to connect the devices together for effective communication. Ethernet is easy to instal, cheap, and readily available making it an universal networking system interface. Devices connected through Ethernet communicate through a protocol known as Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD).

This report by TechNavio Insights highlights scope of the Global Ethernet Equipment in Substation Automation for Smart Grid market over the period 2009-2013. Further, it discusses key market trends, drivers, growth inhibitors and a few major vendors in the market.