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CASE STUDY:

Y O U R N E T W O R K . O U R C O N N E C T I O N .

Networking Solution for Solar Plants WorldwideinAccess, Worldwide

SISTM101x-1xx-LRT

Transition Networks’ Industrial Ethernet Switches Provide Accurate and Robust Networking Solution for Solar Plants Worldwide InAccess is a leader in providing turnkey solutions for remote site management in the enterprise sector with special applications for renewable energy plants and telecom operators. In response to the growth and unique requirements of photovoltaic (PV) power stations and solar parks around the world, the company developed the inSolar photovoltaic (PV) plant management solution. The inSolar monitoring solution provides centralized management for multiple geographically distributed solar plants and, since 2008 has been deployed and is in operation in solar plants with a combined capacity of several hundred megawatts (MWp) throughout Europe, Asia and the United States.

The inSolar SolutionInSolar is an integrated, vendor-independent solution for managing multiple medium to large scale PV parks. The inSolar solution allows for real-time management of geographically distributed solar parks through a common control center and internet portal in accordance with the IEC61724 standard. Features include production monitoring to minimize downtime and maximize performance and profit, grid interconnection to identify output power quality characteristics, physical security and safety detection of the solar park and shelters, and operational failure diagnosis and instant notification.

The feature-rich inSolar monitoring system relies on an accurate and robust local networking solution to interconnect the control center with peripheral substation monitoring equipment in the field. To ensure durability and precision, InAccess selected the SISTM101x-1xx-LRT industrial Ethernet

While ring redundancy and SNMP management features positioned the SISTM101x-1xx-LRT in front of alternatives, reliability was our main concern and contributing factor leading to the selection of Transition Networks for the inSolar solution. ”

“

Vassilis Nellas - inAccess’ Director of Product Management

PoE/PoE+ to Cameras/WiFi

PV plant

Surveillance cameras

Router

Surveillance cameras

Transition Networks Switch Transition Networks Switch

Fiber RingInverters, String monitors

Metering & Protection devices inAccess datalogger

Inverters, String monitors

Metering & Protection devices

Sensors Irradiance, Wind, Temperature

inAccess datalogger

Sensors Irradiance, Wind, TemperatureSubstation 1 Substation 2

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CASE STUDY:

Y O U R N E T W O R K . O U R C O N N E C T I O N .

Networking Solution for Solar Plants WorldwideinAccess, Worldwide

PAGE 2

SISTM101x-1xx-LRT

Benefits• IEEE 802.1p, 4-level priority queuing• Auto-Negotiation (802.3u): Allows devices to

perform automatic configuration to achieve the best possible mode of operation over a link.

• IEEE 802.1Q VLAN capability• Redundant Ring Switching Technology

(recovery time <300ms)• SNMP trap and SMTP email trap support• SNTP Clock Synchronization• Bandwidth Allocation• Ingress Packet Filtering• DHCP Client Support• Spanning Tree/Rapid Spanning Tree• TFTP Firmware Update• Dual Homing Application Support• Auto-Sensing Redundant DC Power Inputs• System Configuration Restore/Backup• Standard (0°C to 60°C) or extended (-40°C to

75°C) operating temperature

switches from Transition Networks. The more than 350 utility scale solar plants currently utilizing the inSolar solution have been built and operate on fiber-optic networks and industrial Ethernet switches from Transition Networks.Transition Networks’ SISTM101x-1xx-LRT 8-port managed industrial Ethernet switch protects the critical communication needs of the PV plant management system by incorporating redundant copper or fiber links with switching recovery times of less than 300ms for increased reliability and system uptime. The SISTM101x-1xx-LRT can also be SNMP managed via a web browser to configure all of the latest advanced industrial networking capabilities required to support the inSolar monitoring solution.

Additionally, Transition Networks’ industrial switches are hardened devices designed to reliably operate in harsh environments and are suitable for use in extreme temperatures like those faced in outdoor equipment cabinets. Backed by an unsurpassed Lifetime Warranty, Transition Networks industrial switches provide assurance that safe and reliable operation of your industrial network lasts as long as your plant.

About inAccessEstablished in 2000, inAccess specializes in the design, development and supply of monitoring and control solutions for the telecommunications and renewable energy markets. inAccess’ solutions range from specialized controllers to software platforms designed with high availability standards, optimized for the operation of multiple connected systems. Customers and partners of inAccess include telecom operators, power producers and integrated solution providers.

inAccess has European offices in London, UK and Athens, Greece, in addition to a San Jose, CA office located in the United States. For more information, visit www.inaccess.com

About Transition Networks Inc. Transition Networks Inc. offers networking connectivity solutions that make networks perform better, faster and more reliably while helping companies leverage their existing networking infrastructure. With over 25 years of growth and expertise in hardware manufacturing, Transition Networks offers the ability to affordably integrate the benefits of fiber optics into any data network – in any application – in any environment. Offering support for multiple protocols, any interface, and a multitude of hardware platforms, Transition’s portfolio gives the power to deliver and manage network traffic reliably over fiber.

Transition Networks is unique among its peers in offering distribution partners and customers access to Ethernet access devices for both office and hardened environments. Transition Networks’ industrial media converters and switches are designed with multiple port configurations, redundant DC power inputs, Redundant Fiber Ring Technology, extended operating temps (-40°C to +75°C) and required industrial certifications. These devices are built to withstand the harshest environments and protected by the industry’s only hassle-free, lifetime warranty.

Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, Transition Networks distributes hardware-based connectivity solutions exclusively through a network of resellers in over 50 countries. Transition Networks is a wholly owned subsidiary of Communications Systems, Inc., a publicly traded company (NASDAQ-GM: JCS). For more information visit www.transition.com

inAccessCorporate HQ:88 Wood Street, 10th Floor,London, EC2V 7RS, UK

Tel: +44 20351 90998Email: info@inaccess.comhttp://www.inaccess.com

Transition Networks, Inc. Worldwide Headquarters:10900 Red Circle DriveMinnetonka, MN 55343 USA

tel: +1 952.941.7600 / 800.526.9267fax: +1 952.941.2322info@transition.comhttp://www.transition.com