How a next-generation switch can redefine substation network design

Substations have come a long way in the last decade. Once serving as straightforward voltage transformation and switching points, they have evolved into sophisticated, data-driven hubs that enable a modern smart grid.

Today’s digital substations are defined by their ability to monitor equipment in real-time, predict maintenance needs and quickly detect faults. Without their intelligence and resilient backbone network, grid reliability and efficiency would be at risk.

As substations evolve to handle more data, more devices and higher demand, their design, deployment and operation have become far more complex and challenging. And this new level of sophistication calls for innovative approaches to connectivity, automation and network resilience—not continued dependence on legacy architectures of the past.

Rethinking network design for digital substations

To ensure continuous operation, today’s substations demand network redundancy and reliability for growing data loads and critical real-time communication. But they need to achieve this in dense environments, where space and power are often constrained.

These limitations make it difficult to apply traditional networking concepts and still expect optimal performance. In light of what’s required for modern grid operations, today’s digital substations call for:

• Higher port density (especially fiber) to connect more devices
• Compact hardware that doesn’t require lots of space
• Solutions that make power use more accessible and efficient
• Simplified infrastructure that reduces the need to integrate and maintain multiple devices

In other words, traditional thinking when it comes to substation network design will no longer cut it. It’s time to challenge outdated assumptions and find ways to accomplish more with less to reduce complexity and streamline operations. Here are some examples.

Shift from counting switches to counting ports

In a digital substation, the switch acts as the central hub for communication between protection relays, controllers, sensors and other devices—all the way to the control system. Its job is to ensure reliable, high-speed, secure data exchange across substation networks for real-time monitoring, automation and control.

But the days of specifying by switch count are fading. If they don’t want to be limited to certain substation network designs or topologies, operations teams need to specify requirements by port count instead. For example, traditional IT switches have 24 ports. If a substation needs to connect 48 devices, then two switches are always needed … right? Not always.

While most switches top out at 24 or 28 fiber ports, new options like the Hirschmann GREYHOUND 2000 from Belden offer up to 34 all-fiber ports. When fewer switches are required, you save on rack space, consume less power and reduce complexity with fewer possible points of failure to manage.

With an increase in port density, you can rethink how you design and procure substation network infrastructure.

Shift from front-facing port layouts to flexible configurations

Most typical wire-mounted switches in industrial substations have front-facing ports. In this configuration, network cables connect on the same side as the status lights and controls so they’re easy to access when needed.

In some environments, however, rear-facing ports are preferred to save space, reduce clutter, improve wire management and keep front-panel controls clear. This is especially important for substations as they become densely packed and more difficult to access and maintain.

When you have both options to consider, you can select the configuration that best aligns with your substation network design and layout, practices and maintenance preferences.

Shift from hardware-dependent redundancy to software-driven resilience

Most switches require dedicated hardware to support PRP and HSR redundancy protocols. That means you usually have to purchase and install extra devices, called “red boxes” or “redundancy boxes,” to connect traditional network segments to PRP or HSR networks. Each red box typically supports one instance of PRP or HSR.

But the GREYHOUND 2000 switch enables PRP and HSR support through software, not hardware. These advanced redundancy features are available right out of the box. A factory-assembled, modular design means less time is spent on racking, stacking and wiring.

Because the switch allows multiple PRP and HSR instances within a single switch, more flexible and resilient network topologies are possible, letting you connect and segment different parts of your network with one device.

A smarter switch for smarter substation network design

The Hirschmann GREYHOUND 2000 switch is more than a standard switch. It acts as the quarterback for your digital substations, orchestrating seamless, secure and reliable data flow between critical devices. Its capabilities unlock what’s possible in substation network design—and in many other types of industrial environments, too.

Instead of struggling with hardware limitations, operations teams can focus on automation and reliability, knowing that the GREYHOUND 2000 is:

• Ruggedized with IEC 61850-3 and IEEE 1613 certifications
• Designed for fanless operation, offering less maintenance and higher reliability in harsh environments
• Ready to deploy out of the box instead of a kit of parts that must be assembled
• Powered by PTP, which enables extremely precise time synchronization across all network-connected devices to ensure reliable real-time automation, fault detection and event recording
• A way to futureproof your investment since it carries more ports with flexibility on SFP choices and offers a five-year warranty/guarantee
• An intelligent device where the GRP provides a processing engine onboard to load apps and VMs, providing intelligence at the edge

Learn more about the GREYHOUND 2000.

Related links:

• Harnessing IEC 61850: Efficient, Robust Substation Control
• Explore the 5 Main Advantages of Digital Substations
• Substation Automation Systems