2nd November, 2015 European Utility Week Vienna: Full PRIME v1.4 Certification expected Q1 2016, Security Update and new Security Video Module released.
Version 1.4 Certification
Version 1.4 product development work by the PRIME Alliance member vendor community continues, utilising the existing set of test cases for certification and compliance testing for both Service and Base Nodes. Managed by the PRIME Technical Working Group, development of an automated certification tool is in progress for laboratories (DNV GL, ITE and TECNALIA among them) to perform v1.4 certification and is expected to be finished in Q1 2016. At this point, it will be possible to carry out the unique in its field, PRIME Certification process.
Security
Security has become one of the critical elements for utilities since the digitalization of the distribution networks. PRIME v1.4 specifications include state-of-the-art cryptographic protection mechanisms at MAC Layer, enabling deployment of a PLC network that is secure Two distinct security profiles allow users to optimize security and performance in their networks. Both profiles utilize 128-bit AES-CCM authenticated encryption; and recognized standards for key management, distribution and generation.
PRIME v1.4 provides additional cybersecurity mechanisms so that utilities deploying PRIME telecommunication subnetworks can rely on a secure infrastructure that prevents intrusion, avoids data manipulation/tampering and guarantees data authentication and confidentiality. It supports three security profiles, all of which facilitate mechanisms for Service Node authentication.
In conclusion, PRIME v1.4 MAC layer security has been flexibly designed so that utilities, as telecommunication infrastructure owners, can choose among different options to deploy a secure architecture for their PRIME sub-networks.
For more information watch the PRIME Security Video.
See PRIME Alliance at European Utility Week, 3 – 5th November booth A.f40
2nd PRIME Alliance Utility User group hosted by EDP, 20 and 22 January 2016 Lisbon – utilities can register by emailing u2u@prime-alliance.org or visiting our website www.prime-alliance.org/usergroup
About PRIME Alliance
PRIME (PoweRline Intelligent Metering Evolution) Alliance AISBL was created in 2009 to define an open and future-proofed communications PLC-based infrastructure to support large scale smart metering and other smart grid deployments. The PRIME Alliance has attracted key industry players, including Sponsoring Members ZIV Distribution Automation Systems, Ormazabal and Sagemcom. The goal of the Alliance is to provide a framework in which the smart metering and smart grid industry have access to open detailed technical specifications in order to develop fully interoperable solutions, allowing multiple vendors to be operational within the same distribution network in one common system architecture. Detailed technical specs include Physical PHY layer and Medium Access Control MAC layer specifications.
The PRIME Alliance provides a forum for the definition, maintenance and support of an open and comprehensive standard for narrowband power line for Smart Grid products and services. The mission of the Alliance is to accelerate the demand for products and services based on this worldwide standard and promote the broad adoption and use of the specification while certifying multi-vendor interoperability and compatibility with the global standard. The Alliance is open to all potential partners who agree to actively support and promote an open and public specification for the benefit of the end-user and all industry stakeholders. Visit www.prime-alliance.org for more information or to join the Alliance.
Media Contact
Sue Dawes
PRIME Alliance AISBL
T: +44 (0) 1923 286401
M: +44 (0) 7786 391243