Know Your Options: Selecting the Right Remote Site Wireless Communications Technology for Collection & Reuse Distribution Systems

Wireless technology changes constantly. For utilities, it begs the question: What do I need to know for my SCADA system to communicate wirelessly with my remote sites? For reuse collection and distribution systems, there are many issues and options to consider.Collier County Public Utilities' South County Water Reclamation Facilities (Collier County) uses Ethernet radios as an alternative to trenching hardwire IO to a nearby PLC to monitor conditions, automate operations, and communicate with in-plant lift stations. The goal: to prolong the life of existing equipment and operate pumps more efficiently. Located in a hurricane susceptible region, backup power and local data storage in case of power/communications loss was also important as well as timely notification of equipment failures/alarms.Referencing Collier County's story, this paper will help utilities better understand their remote site wireless communication needs, equipping them with knowledge to ask the right questions prior to selecting technology.