A proven & optimised approach to Network transformation of legacy networks to next generation technologies

& data communication mainly driven by the application requirements; there is strong push for adoption of new technologies in Carrier market. This in turn is resulting in waning (decline in) demand for legacy technologies by Carrier market which are mostly deployed in Operational

Telecommunications network of Power utilities, transporting mission critical applications. This is further compounded by end of sale of chipsets used in legacy technology products as well as end of life of legacy products installed in the power utilities network.

Additionally, there is significant push towards either merging the OT network with IT network or optimising these networks to bridge the gap without compromising the performance requirements of applications utilising the respective networks.

In light of these developments, power utilities' networks, including those of both Transmission

System Operators (TSOs) and Distribution System Operators (DSOs), must focus on transforming their OT networks to Next-generation technologies. Given the critical performance requirements of latency and asymmetry for mission-critical applications such as

Teleprotection (Current Differential), Synchrophasors/Phasor Measurement Units, etc., a methodical approach is necessary. This approach involves assessing, testing, and proving the next-generation technologies before they are widely accepted and deployed, ensuring a robust migration plan with minimal or near-zero service disruptions.

The purpose of this paper is to present the methodical approach adopted by some TSOs

(AusNet, TransGrid, Power & Water, etc.) and DSOs (AusNet, Jemena, Essential Energy) in

Australia and TSO (Scottish Power) in UK. The stepwise approach includes requirement gathering, information analysis, technical study, review, verification, validation, and final acceptance and conclusion. The paper will cover real-life examples of TSO and DSO network migrations to nextgeneration technologies such as Packet Transport Technologies (e.g., IP/MPLS, MPLS-TP) and next-generation integrated Packet and TDM products with a Packet-centric approach.

In summary, the paper proves that with methodical stepwise approach all aforementioned TSOs and DSOs most have successfully migrated from legacy to Next-generation technologies, others have made significant progress, while bridging the gap between IT and OT networks.