Fingrid, which is carrying out a major investment programme, and Dedicated Network Partners have signed a four-year framework agreement covering system deliveries for telecom networks.
Fingrid has selected Dedicated Network Partners (DNWP) via competitive tender as its primary partner for continued SDH system deliveries and for enabling MPLS-TP solutions across its communications network.
“This procurement is not about refreshing the hardware. It’s lifecycle management,” says Jari Martikainen, Unit Manager at Fingrid.
“We have a functioning base of SDH equipment that we don’t want to abandon. DNWP’s solutions enable the introduction of a packet-based MPLS-TP network in such a way that our existing investments are preserved and interoperability is assured.”
The agreement term is four years with an option for an additional two years.
“DNWP stood out in the tender with a competitive price, technical compatibility with our existing installed base, and strong domestic support,” Martikainen notes.
Cost-effective renewal
Fingrid uses multiple communications technologies in parallel. DNWP’s MPLS-TP solutions will provide a deterministic, predictable transmission path for the needs of power grid control and protection, while routed IP/MPLS networks, delivered through other suppliers, will serve broader IP-based traffic and services.
“Our goal is to optimize the network according to the use case, without compromising security or reliability and with respect to the lifecycle,” Martikainen says.
An MPLS-TP-based solution preserves the deterministic operating model of the traditional SDH network while leveraging the benefits of a packet-based architecture.
This enables reliable, predictable, and durable data transmission that meets the grid’s critical requirements also in the future.
“We build solutions that scale with demand. Capacity and functionalities can be added without large one-off investments, keeping costs predictable,” says Janne Laitala, DNWP’s Sales Director.
National resilience
When the solution partner and support services are located in Finland, it is possible to ensure that network operations and support remain under control in all situations, bolstering national resilience.
DNWP and Fingrid have collaborated for many years on development projects related to data transmission and management for the power grid.
Fingrid is currently running a major investment programme in which lifecycle management of communications solutions is an essential part of developing critical infrastructure.
The newly signed framework agreement takes Fingrid’s communications network to the next technological level on the basis of long-term cooperation.
“It is an honour for us to participate in building Finland’s critical infrastructure,” Laitala says.
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