The energy transition and the increasing decentralization of energy production present new challenges for utility providers. Stable and secure communication is essential to ensure grid stability and meet growing demands. 4G 450 offers a future-proof solution.
What is LTE 450?
LTE 450 refers to a dedicated radio network in the 450 MHz frequency band, specifically designed for critical infrastructure, particularly in the energy and water sectors. It stands out for its high availability, extensive range, and excellent building penetration, making it ideal for connecting local substations, switchgear, and other critical components. In Germany, this network is operated by 450connect GmbH, while in Austria, ArgoNET provides the service.
Benefits of LTE 450 for the Energy Sector
- High availability and reliability: The independent network ensures communication even during public mobile network outages (up to 72 hours of blackout resilience).
- Extensive range and superior building penetration: The low frequency enables wide-area coverage, including hard-to-reach areas and indoor environments.
- Traffic prioritization: Critical data and control commands can be prioritized to ensure rapid response in emergency situations.
- Enhanced security: The dedicated network and state-of-the-art security standards protect against unauthorized access.
- Cost efficiency: Fewer transmission stations are required for wide-area coverage, reducing the costs of network setup and operation.
Use Cases in the Energy Sector
- Digital local substations: Real-time monitoring and control, remote data collection for fault localization, and service restoration.
- Switchgear: Secure remote control of switches and other components.
- Smart metering: Reliable communication with smart meters.
- Remote control technology: Connection of systems for remote monitoring and control.
450 MHz from 450connect vs. standard LTE from public providers
| Feature | 4G/LTE 450 (450connect) | Standard LTE (public providers) |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency range | 450 MHz (band 72) | Different bands (e.g. 800 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2600 MHz) |
| Target group | Critical infrastructures (energy, water) | Broad public |
| Availability / Resilience | High (blackout resistance up to 72 hours) | Dependent on the public grid |
| Range / Building penetration | Very high | Lower |
| Security | Very high (dedicated network) | Depending on the provider |
| Prioritization | Yes | Usually not |
Source: https://argonet.at/das-argonet/vorteile-argonet/
LTE 450 MHz Cat M1 vs. Cat. 1 vs. Cat 4
| Feature | LTE Cat M1 (CE Mode A) | LTE Cat. 1 | LTE Cat. 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth | Low (375 kbps DL/UL) | Medium (10 Mbps DL/5 Mbps UL) | High (150 Mbps DL/50 Mbps UL) |
| Energy Efficiency | Very high (optimized for battery-powered devices) | Medium | Low |
| Use Cases | IoT applications with low data volume (e.g., smart metering) | Applications with medium data volume (e.g., basic remote control systems) | Applications with high data volume (e.g., video surveillance, advanced remote control systems) |
LTE 450 MHz Bänder
| Band | Frequency Range (MHz) | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 31 | 452.5 - 462.5 | Used for LTE 450 in some countries. Not part of the 450connect network in Germany. |
| 72 | 451 - 456 / 461 - 466 | Used by 450connect in Germany. |
| 73 | 450 - 455 / 460 - 465 | Used for LTE 450 in some countries. Not part of the 450connect network in Germany. |
References:
- https://www.450connect.de/branchenloesungen/energiewirtschaft
- https://www.eon.com/de/ueber-uns/presse/pressemitteilungen/2022/eon-setzt-auf-das-sichere-funknetz-der-energiewende.html
- https://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/DE/Fachthemen/Telekommunikation/Frequenzen/OeffentlicheNetze/450MHz/450MHz-node.html
- https://450alliance.org/
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https://argonet.at/kunden-und-partner/energieversorger/
