TIA TR-51 Publishes Revisions to TIA-4957 Standards for Smart Utility Networks

Standards News

TIA TR-51 Publishes Revisions to TIA-4957 Standards for Smart Utility Networks

                                                       

Arlington, VA – November 16, 2017: The Telecommunications Industry Association, the leading association representing the manufacturers and suppliers of high-tech communications networks, announced that its TR-51, Smart Utility Networks, committee published the first revision to the TIA-4957 series of standards and began work on a second revision. With the goal of improving the connectivity of smart utility networks, the updated standard includes several key changes from the previous version.  

The revised version of the TIA-4957 standard is available here. The revision is focused specifically on Field Area Network (FAN) Applications. TIA ANSI/TIA PN-4957.000-A defines the Physical Data Link, Network and Transport communications protocol layers required to support a range of Smart Utility Network (SUN) applications from small Home Area Network (HAN) deployments through to large scale Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Networks and Distribution Automation (DA) Networks. Flexibility is provided to enable systems to be optimized for particular applications and regulatory domains.  

“The applicability of this standard has matured over time in parallel with the ongoing development of the Internet of Things (IoT) and fits well with the IoT concept,” stated Michael J. Lynch, chairman of the TR-51 Committee. “Originally, it was thought that this standard would connect with an existing telecommunications network, but now it supports both that option as well as IoT.”

The revisions to the standard were approved for publication during TIA’s July Committee meetings. TIA recognizes that advanced connectivity is essential for smart communities, and a key area in connected services is smart utility networks. Smart utility networks standards are intended to provide solutions for two-way data transmission between devices and back-office systems of the utility provider, with a focus on improving services. These revisions ensure that Smart Utility Networks are functioning to the best of their ability for the benefit of the nation’s smart cities.


The just-published TIA-4957.000-A standard includes the following:

  • Overview and Architecture for a Field Area Network
  • Layer 1 Standard Specification for the Smart Utility Network
  • Multi-Hop Delivery Specification of a Data Link Sub-Layer
  • Layer 3 Specification for the Field Area Network
  • Layer 4 Specification for the Field Area Network
  • Smart Utility Network-Security
  • Layer 2 Standard Specification for the Smart Utility Network

 

Looking forward, the TIA TR-51 Committee will make further revisions, including:

  • Architecture Overview - Extension on Field Area Networks (4957.000-A)
  • Physical Layer Specification - Extension on Field Area Networks (4957.100-B)
  • Data Link Layer Specification - Extension on Field Area Network (4957.200-A)
  • Multi-hop Sublayer Specification - Extension on Field Area Networks (4957.210-A)
  • Network Layer Specification - Extension on Field Area Networks (4957.300-A)
  • Transport Layer Specification - Extension on Field Area Networks (4957.400-A)
  • Security Specification - Extension on Field Area Networks (4957.500)

TIA actively seeks participation in these projects from the user and general interest communities. For more information about TR-51 and how to participate in standards development with TIA, contact: Marianna Kramarikova at standards@tiaonline.org.

TIA-4957 and all TIA standards may be purchased at http://global.ihs.com.

The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) represents manufacturers and suppliers of global communications networks through standards development, policy and advocacy, business opportunities, market intelligence, and events and networking. TIA enhances the business environment for broadband, mobile wireless, information technology, networks, cable, satellite and unified communications. Members' products and services empower communications in every industry and market, including healthcare, education, security, public safety, transportation, government, the military, the environment, and entertainment. Visit tiaonline.org for more details.

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