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A Burns and McDonnell test report has confirmed that SEL ICON virtual SONET network (VSN) technology delivers strong network performance. The test results show that with this technology, network operators can now migrate to a converged information technology (IT)/operational technology (OT) network without sacrificing the performance and reliability of their critical protection circuits.

With the advent of high-bandwidth packet-based technologies, such as Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) and Carrier Ethernet, there is a push toward a converged network model to increase the efficiency of assets and operations. However, there is a significant challenge maintaining the performance of critical OT circuits in this new model.

The SEL ICON VSN Interoperability Test Report includes the application test results for two SEL ICONs connected to an SEL-411L Advanced Line Differential Protection, Automation, and Control System. The ICONs communicate through an 87L communications channel over Nokia, Ciena and Cisco core networks.

Baseline tests were performed over all three core networks, and additional failover and congestion tests and priority tests were completed for the Nokia and Ciena networks. The tests confirm that the ICON VSN technology delivers latency, asymmetry and failover times (over MPLS and Carrier Ethernet packet-based core networks) with performance comparable to a segregated OT SONET network.

For information on effective ways to maintain the reliability and performance of critical OT circuits, check out SEL’s Effective Migration to Converged IT/OT Networks  webinar.