Nokia and Tata Power Delhi Distribution (TATA Power-DDL) have joined forces for the implementation of Internet Protocol/Multiprotocol Label Switching (IP/MPLS) network to support the management of its electrical grid in its area of operation in North and North-west Delhi.

This deployment has enabled TATA Power-DDL to support both mission-critical operational services as well as traditional business and IT services all on a single communications network.

TATA Power-DDL is the first power utility in India to successfully implement teleprotection service using Line-Differential Relay (LDR) over an IP/MPLS network.

This is an essential requirement for operating and maintaining a reliable, robust and safe electric grid. Teleprotection makes it possible to detect the presence of faults and trip breakers to isolate a certain section of the grid, containing the impact of the fault to a localized region.

Other Mission-critical operational services supported by this network include supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), Integrated Surveillance System, Distribution Management System, Distribution Automation and much more.

The network is also enabling TATA Power-DDL to support emerging smart grid applications such as distributed energy resources, mobile workforce management systems and automated demand response.

The network also delivers traditional business applications, including customer relationship management (CRM), enterprise resource planning (ERP) and video surveillance systems.

Key Facts:

Through the new IP/MPLS network, TATA Power-DDL is able to support virtually all of its operational and business services on a single network, providing enormous efficiencies.

The IP/MPLS network features Nokia's 7210 Service Access Switch and 7705 Service Aggregation Router portfolios and is tailored to support critical applications required by utilities such as Asymmetric Delay Control, a feature invented by Nokia to help ensure the network stability for mission-critical teleprotection services. The network is managed by Nokia's 5620 Service Aware Manager.

On top of its IP/MPLS network equipment, Nokia has provided professional services including network design, installation, commissioning and integration. Nokia will also provide maintenance services and support.

Tata Power-DDL CEO and managing director Praveer Sinha said: "We are happy to join hands with Nokia for modernizing electrical grids with advanced communication networks.

"The IP/MPLS network provided by Nokia will not only aid in speedier smart grid implementation but will also help in improving the reliability, scalability, security and efficiency of the power network through real time monitoring which will benefit our customers."

Nokia India Market head Sanjay Malik said: "Our leadership in the development of utility-specific features for IP/MPLS networks has enabled us to deliver a resilient, secure and highly efficient network for TATA Power-DDL that will serve as an ideal foundation for smart grid applications in the future."