What do you do when fiber just isn’t an option? In the mountains and cities of Oman, over 150 substations trust M!DGE routers to keep the lights on!
https//www.racom.eu/eng/case/future-ready-scada-in-oman
Challenge: Reliable Communications Across a Growing Power Distribution Network
Muscat Electricity Distribution Company (MEDC), now operating under the Nama Electricity Distribution Company following the national electricity sector restructuring in 2021–22, is responsible for the distribution of electricity across the Muscat Governorate—an area covering over 3,900 square kilometers of mountainous and urban terrain.
As part of its Distribution SCADA System, the company needed to ensure reliable, secure, and scalable communication between its primary 33/11 kV substations and the Distribution Control Centre (DCC). In areas where fiber-optic connectivity was unavailable or at risk of disruption, a high-availability wireless backup was essential.
Solution: M!DGE Routers—From 3G to Future-Proof 4/5G
In 2014, RACOM supplied 160+ M!DGE 3G cellular routers to serve as a backup to fiber and ensure continuous data exchange using the IEC 60870-5-104 protocol. Each router connected to a Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) at the substations, maintaining secure, end-to-end IP communication—even in Oman’s harsh climate and rugged terrain.
The M!DGE routers performed with such consistency and reliability that when it came time to upgrade the system in 2023, Nama Electricity Distribution Company issued a new tender—this time for next-generation 4/5G routers.
RACOM’s M!DGE3 router won the tender over several well-known competitors, including the Advantech SR303 and Teltonika RUT955, proving once again its technical superiority, long-term stability, and value in mission-critical environments.
M!DGE3 brought major enhancements to the system, including:
- Multiple Ethernet ports, digital I/Os, and multiple SIM slots
- Support for VPN, IPsec tunneling, and firewall features for enhanced network security
- Carrier flexibility and future-proofing with full 4G and 5G compatibility
Results: Long-Term Reliability, Seamless Transition, and Continued Trust
Today, over 150 substations across the Muscat region rely on M!DGE routers—first with 3G and now upgraded to 4/5G—for resilient SCADA communications. The transition from M!DGE to M!DGE3 was executed smoothly, maintaining continuity and minimizing operational disruption.
RACOM’s long-standing relationship with MEDC, now Nama Electricity Distribution Company, is a testament to product quality, technical support, and ongoing innovation. The success of this project further solidifies M!DGE’s reputation as a go-to solution for secure and stable utility communications in complex geographies.
